Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLhNUmolKKY. Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) does an excellent job of taking us through the theory, design, construction, and use of a multiband V dipole antenna covering the 40, 80, and 160 meter amateur radio bands.  Like the previous post by Peter Parker (VK3YE), Dave takes a 40 meter dipole or inverted V and adds more bands by means of loading coils, carefully chosen element lengths, and optimal height to give us multiband capabilities without the use of an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"). While there is some loss of efficiency and bandwidth, this antenna brings you the opportunity of operating on lower HF bands with just one antenna structure.  Dave adds that this antenna can fit in most urban lots with a little pre-planning.  A good, overall HF antenna for this age of marginal propagation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, ple

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-4kRz6fPFKY. Here's an easy, inexpensive way to add the 80 meter amateur radio band to your existing 40 meter dipole antenna.  With the solar cycle heading towards the bottom, lower HF frequencies, such as 80 and 160 meters, become dependable, viable bands for radio amateurs. In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) uses end loading coils to make a 7 MHz dipole operate on 3.5 MHz.  If you're willing to sacrifice some efficiency and bandwidth, this antenna modification will get you on the air quickly from your home QTH. Here are some observations from Peter regarding overall design and construction suggestions for this antenna transformation: "A 7 MHz dipole made to operate on 3.5 MHz by adding end loading coils. It won't be as efficient as a full sized 80m dipole and the bandwidth will be narrow. However it will get you on the air from a s

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLq3nBQppqg. If you want a good general coverage HF antenna that exhibits low noise, please consider the horizontal loop. In this video, Rob Wagner (VK3BVW) describes the large horizontal loop used at his QTH.  He compares the design, installation, and noise reduction capabilities of this antenna with several of his dipole antennas. Rob's horizontal loop is large (43 meters/141.04 feet for each of its four sides--a total of 172 meters/564.16 feet for the complete antenna), making this antenna suitable for several amateur radio bands from 160 to 10 meters.  Depending on the type of feed line used, you can either design the loop for single band or multiband purposes.  An antenna transmatch or "tuner" is needed for the antenna to reach its most efficient operation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=_3qS6QYQWjQ. Every radio amateur operator should have a "go box" or "go kit" ready for emergency, portable, or disaster response. In this video, "BluegrassMedia" show us how he assembled his go box from material found in his neighborhood.  The only criticism I have about this otherwise excellent tutorial is the failure of the maker to wear eye and body protection during the painting process. This go box is sturdy, light weight, and totally portable--a good candidate for the upcoming ARRL Field Day in June. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateu

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Batw43uoQ9I. Here's an antenna you don't see very often--The T2FD (Tilted Terminated Folded Dipole).  This antenna is well-suited for small urban lots and can be used as a horizontal dipole, a sloper,or even as an inverted vee dipole antenna. In this short video, "SpectreOZ" shows his T2FD from design to installation, featuring a 10 watt terminating resistor made from 4, 5 watt 390 ohm resistors in a series parallel circuit.  The circuit is joined to a 4:1 balun, which is encased in pvc pipe for stability and weather resistance. If you feel in an experimental mood, why not try this classic HF antenna in your backyard? For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradio

An Indoor Delta Loop. Post #1486. http://www.k2zs.com/indoor-vhf-antennas/vhf-delta-loop Author: Scott (K2ZS). Accessed on 09 May 2018, 0225 UTC, Post #1486. Don't let restrictive housing covenants (HOAs/CC&Rs) stop you from enjoying VHF/UHF activities in your area.  If you follow the suggestions from Scott (K2ZS), you'll have an efficient, effective VHF/UHF antenna that can operate indoors out of the earshot of noisy neighbors. Scott's VHF Delta Loop is easy to build and can be for both home and field use. Scott's article discusses the following topics: General design characteristics of the VHF Delta Loop. Construction procedures. Feed point connectivity Polarization. Weak signal use. I've built a few of these delta loop antennas for 2 meters and they work very well. According to Scott, you can't beat the price and convenience of this homemade antenna: There is no need to spend money for some special antenna that claims to be the be

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmW1Oisao-I. A wonderfully done video on one of the true "monster" antennas of all time.  During the 1930s and 1940s, powerful HF shortwave stations, including the ARRL HQ station (W1AW) used this high gain antenna to reach distant points of the globe.  Nowadays, the rhombic is becoming a historical curiosity in favor of modern sterba arrays which can be a bit more efficient and switchable to various HF bands. In this video, David Casler (KE0OG) delves into the theory, construction, and use of this once popular antenna, citing its "phenominal directivity and extraordinary low elevation angle" as a definite plus for point-to-point HF service. If you have the space, build one of these classic antennas--you won't be disappointed. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.o