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=ViodMxV77eM. There are many ways to improve the performance of your VHF/UHF HT.  One of the most effective ways to boost HT performance is to improve the antenna system used with the transceiver.  Most stock "rubber duck" antennas supplied with HTs leave a lot to be desired. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see how a simple ground plane antenna can significantly improve the range and performance of your HT. Although there are other methods to improve HT performance (including the addition of a "rat tail" wire to the antenna input), Kevin believes a well-designed quarter wave ground plane to be "the best performing addition you could put on your HT...not that convenient, but it could have its uses."  Use Kevin's design and see if the performance of your HT improves. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and in

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWuYgRyWlmE A random wire antenna can perform reasonably well if you take a few precautions.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) outlines some important things to consider when you design, install, and use end-fed random wire antennas.  A good, general introduction to random wire antennas for the HF Amateur/Ham Radio bands. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEidACZ1Ebc Are you prepared for emergency communications?  Or do you have a portable radio/antenna system you can use for portable use?  If you don't have such a system, you may want to consider the field-capable radio/antenna project used by John Jacobs (NY2MC).  His "CommsToGo Radio And Backpack Antenna" seems ideally suited for portable or emergency use.  In this video, John demonstrates the components of his system, including how to launch the antenna into nearby trees.  This system would make a reliable and simple "Go-Kit" for local emergencies, Field Days, or for just casual operating at the nearest public park. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Frida

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bS1QBH8VwQ. A homebrew yagi is a simple, inexpensive way to build a gain antenna for the upper HF Amateur/Ham Radio bands. In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a simple 2 element wire yagi antenna for the 10 meter band (28 MHz).   Peter's antenna is based on an original design from VE7CA, who published his findings in the November 2001 edition of "QST."  You can scale this antenna for any HF band, depending on the space and resources available.  This would make an excellent club project for the next ARRL Field Day or for any portable operation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). htt

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMjmccZ8VLg. An exceptionally well-produced video from Serhat Sertakan (TA1O).  Even though the video is presented in Turkish, you don't have to know the language to figure out how to build this HF antenna covering the 14-18-21-28 MHz Amateur/Ham Radio bands.  The antenna appears sturdy, portable, and easy to erect and take down. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).