Posts

HF Ham Radio Random Wire Portable Antenna Backyard. Post 1721.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U44aXzD2LB4 Here's a simple random length wire antenna that you can use at home, in the field, or for emergency operations.  Just follow the step-by-step procedure shown by Larry (WD0AKX), and you'll be on the air in a matter of minutes.  Larry's operation consists of a random length of wire, an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), a unun, and a basic counterpoise.  Larry's QRP rig is the excellent Elecraft KX3, which seems perfect for this informal antenna system.  Check this link for information on determining the best length for your random wire antenna:  http://udel.edu/~mm/ham/radioWire/. 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://oa

How To Install A NMO Ham Radio Mobile Antenna Mount. Post 1720.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gFNeW2Z1Xo I've always been a bit over cautious when I use VHF/UHF antennas on my Honda van.  I really don't want to drill holes in the roof and disturb any cables or computers that monitor the performance of my van.  So, I tend to use magnetic mount VHF/UHF antennas--not the best solution, since these antennas tend to scratch metal surfaces and ruin the vehicle paint.  Glass-mounted antennas also present certain problems, especially with windows embedded with antennas and other control circuitry. After I watched this video, I feel a bit more confident about installing a more secure and aesthetically pleasing mobile antenna.  Mel Wagner (WA5UTK) shows us how to install a NMO mobile mount on his 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck.  He takes his time and proceeds carefully through each step of the installation process.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio n

Ham Radio 40 meter homebrew ground mounted antenna. Post 1719.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qEQN_FV0Pk Here's an excellent example of a 40 meter vertical antenna that should get plenty of contacts, despite the propagation issues facing most radio amateurs.  K8YIO has done a commendable job of designing and building this simple antenna made from locally available materials. Please note the radial ground system which is necessary for maximum efficiency of a vertical antenna.  This antenna could also be used on the 15 meter band, as a third harmonic of 40 meters.  Multiband operation is possible by using balanced feedline into a suitable tuner. 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.co

DIY Ultralight UHF Antenna. Post 1718.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1bumy9XnKc In this video from "SurvivalComms", we learn how to make a simple, ultralight, inexpensive, and broadband UHF antenna.  According to "SurvivalComms", this homemade antenna covers 70 cm through GMRS frequencies.  This easy-to-build, lightweight, and durable UHF antenna would make a great addition to your amateur radio "go kit".  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. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

HF dipole/wire antenna supports. Post 1717.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5oFwpiYeE In this well-made video, "SurvivalComms" provides an overview of several wire HF antenna supports as well as a look at look at his own homebrewed antenna support system.  This video should give you some useful ideas for your next antenna deployment. 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).

160 Meter Antenna Tour. Post 1716.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqTC7gE4TPQ Here's an example of what can be done for 160 meter coverage if you have sufficient space, time, and resources to tap "The Gentlemen's Band."   N1BUG has done an excellent job of showing the full sweep of this ambitious antenna.  This antenna shows meticulous care in placement, construction, and maintenance. One can always dream.  Even if you can't duplicate N1BUG's antenna, you can find a variety of designs online that could fit into your small urban lot or housing situation. With propagation being what it is these days, you may want to discover what 160 meters can offer.  At the very least, 160 meters makes an excellent "rag chew" spot for local and regional contacts. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http

Attic mounted HF Magnetic Loop Antenna for HOA. Post 1715.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9th_JBfMIk Radio amateurs worldwide are facing more restrictions on their antenna building projects.  Whether it's deed-restricted (HOA/CC&R) properties or the lack of space for erecting full-sized HF antennas, hams are turning to a variety of experimental and unusual antenna systems to transmit their signals. In this video from Julian (OH8STN), we see how an attic-mounted magnetic loop solved a major antenna issue for Julian's friend and former colleague in Ukraine. The antenna installation consists of the popular Chameleon F-Loop with the RTRR rotator tuner--all remotely controlled from the ham shack.  Hopefully, this antenna will be the answer to some of your antenna problems. 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