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=n5hKql_NGaQ This video from WizScience does an excellent job of explaining the theory, design, and operation of a counterpoise system for antennas.  If you have rocky or high resistance soil in your neighborhood, a counterpoise may be necessary to provide a proper ground for your station. According to the video a counterpoise is "a network of suspended wires or cables used as a substitute for an earth connection in a radio antenna system...it is used with a radio transmitter or receiver when a normal earth ground cannot be use because of high soil resistance or other reasons." Try an elevated counterpoise system for your HF antenna.  You may be surprised how much it improves the performance of your antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paoYN2auGEU An uncomplicated, straight forward explanation of RF Ground and Ground Planes from KB9VBR Antennas.  According to KB9VBR, "The purpose of the RF Ground is to act as a reflector.  It doesn't radiate RF energy, but instead interacts with the antenna radiating element by mirroring and reflecting that energy, creating a predictable RF radiation pattern..." A good, basic discussion that can be used at club meetings or for instructional purposes for those seeking an amateur radio license. 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 every Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://w

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtLEj1f773c J-Pole antennas for the 2m and 70 cm (VHF/UHF) Amateur Radio bands come in many sizes, ranging from commercial models based on public service  designs to homebrewed configurations using coaxial cable, 450 ohm ladder line, or even TV twin lead.  Supporting structures can be anything from PVC pipe to wood, including temporary lashups affixed to your home, shack, or garage. In this video, we see a near commercial grade J-Pole antenna based on a design from Silicon Valley engineer Ed Fong.  The fully-encased antenna is lightweight, portable, and adequate for most field and home operations. 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpre

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafy51yUzQo In this exceptionally clear and understandable video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLWQ) revives a classic antenna that can be made from locally available materials and used for a variety of purposes, ranging from casual portable operations to last-minute emergencies. This handy 2 meter antenna is easy to build from a piece of 50-ohm coaxial cable; requires only simple tools for construction; and serves as a great "throw-together" antenna for your "go-kit."  Make one of these simple antennas and store it in your vehicle for those unexpected emergencies. 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradio

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwBFPu7wSuE If you use certain types of Amateur/Ham Radio antennas, such as OCFs (off center fed dipoles) and "longwire" systems, a rugged 4:1 balun will make your antenna more efficient, reduce high SWR, and perhaps protect your rig from serious damage from commode mode currents riding down your coaxial feed line.  This video takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of this important antenna accessory. 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCKrrKwTfXg This excellent video from Jim Haslett shows you how to build a simple, effective, and inexpensive Air Choke or "Ugly Balun" for your HF antenna. The purpose of choke balun is to create a high-impedance to common mode currents that would flow on the outside of coaxial cable shielding.  The "ugly balun" will ensure a better radiation pattern for your HF antenna. Most of the materials for this project can be found at your neighborhood home improvement outlet or from an electrical contractor. 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJHQCUVyeU. Here's a great project for those interested in tapping into the often strange world of Very Low Frequencies (VLF).  G3XBM shows us his latest VLF "earth-mode receiving system" using a simple tuned loop, a single FET impedance converter, an external USB sound card, and an ASUS notebook running Spartan Software. If you have a few spare hours during the week, why not try this VLF antenna? The "radio basement" is a fun place to explore. 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Than