Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTsYRyEkCkQ Here's part two of Kevin Loughin's (KB9RLW) mini magnetic loop antenna.  In part one, we did some preliminary design work and began basic construction.  In part 2, Kevin finalizes his design and begins on-air testing.  Does this small loop antenna really work?  Here's Kevin's answer: "After much experimentation I'm finally done with the mini magnetic loop. Built from scrounged junk in my basement, it works surprisingly well. I've made many contacts on it, and using WSPR, it's covered the US with half a watt. Video of the original build here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KSD... Video of the custom HV trimmer cap I made for this loop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZt7V... And finally, a video of my build of a simple field strength meter I use while testing the loop: https://www.youtube.com/

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KSDvjycyw What once looked like a "boring evening" for Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) turned out to be most productive in terms of building a new experimental HF magnetic loop antenna.  Kevin wondered if a very small (1-foot/0.3048 meter) magnetic loop could deliver enough performance to qualify as a useful antenna.  Although Kevin admits that the loop wasn't very efficient, it did work and served as a model for a much improved loop antenna later on. Kevin featured that antenna in this youtube video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtsYRyEkCkQ.  The message from this little project is clear:  don't be afraid to experiment with your antennas.  You may succeed beyond expectations.  Besides, antennas are fun to build, especially when you spend very little money to make them.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit the

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

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

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