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=HzWfeQVdtzY In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains some of the quirks found in two popular HF amateur/ham radio antennas--the coax fed dipole and the zepp. Although the title of this post is somewhat sarcastic, the basic theory, construction, and operation behind the common dipole and zepp antenna are sound and easily grasped.  Stan pays particular attention to how these antennas are fed and what to expect from voltage and current fed antennas.  These topics are important if you wish to reduce SWR and avoid problems associated with a mismatched antenna system. 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.w

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmWlOisao-I. Every once in a while I like to indulge myself with some of the "classic" antennas that advanced the art and science of radio communication.  One of my favorites of the 1930-1940 era is the Rhombic Antenna, which is still used by some shortwave broadcasters, the military, and even a few radio amateurs. In this video from Dave Casler (KE0OG), we get a good historical background and basic theory of this remarkably large antenna.  Although most of us don't have the real estate for such gargantuan antennas, it's fun to dream of putting one on the air.  The only time I used one of these antennas was on an ARRL Field Day many years ago, when my local club managed to secure temporary use of a large private property in the Puna District of Hawaii Island.  The antenna was most successful in snagging stations from the east coast of the U

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMeOMwf2DJU. Sometime in your amateur/ham radio "career" you'll run into baluns and their intricate relationship with antenna performance.  A balun is a device to convert a balanced transmission line to an unbalanced transmission line and vice-versa.  Baluns are vital in coaxial cable fed transmission lines, especially where long wire and off-center dipoles are concerned. In this video from David Casler (KE0OG), Dave answers questions about baluns, how there're made, the various ratios used (such as 1:1, 4:1, 9:1 and other values), and how baluns enhance antenna performance and ultimately protect your transceiver.  Dave's explanations are clear and easily understood.  This video would make an excellent presentation for a club meeting or an amateur radio licensing class. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please vi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftBthATNdcg. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the general theory behind "longwire antennas."  This video discusses basic antenna theory, construction tips, antenna patterns, ground radial/counterpoise systems, and limitations of long wire antennas.  A good, basic introduction to a versatile antenna which has been used since the beginning of the 20th century. 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, 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=8tONL3eQqnA. Despite the title, this exceptionally produced video from the Russian Federation (courtesy of RA9FTM) outlines what can be done with the proper site selection, equipment, and personnel.  The video takes you step-by-step through the installation of a sophisticated top band (160 Meters) antenna--a process that is far from simple.  What this video does so well is to outline what must be done to get maximum performance from amateur radio bands in the lower part of the HF radio spectrum.  The key to this antenna is a thoroughly planned process, incorporating the best equipment possible, a decent site for the antenna, and a well-trained crew familiar with tower design and safety.  This antenna could be managed by an amateur radio club, which would draw on the experience of its members.  If you want to install an antenna such as this, be sure to get prof

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za3xQs6wAR0. An often neglected part of a vertical HF antenna is the installation of a good ground radial or counterpoise system.  The ground screen supplies what is commonly called "the missing half" of a vertical antenna.  In this video we see how Dominic Smith installed a buried ground radial system for his Hustler 6-BTV vertical antenna.  Even though Dominic lives in a valley, the ground radial system allowed him to increase the efficiency of the Hustler antenna and grab some interesting DX contacts. Although the number of ground radial wires isn't firmly set in stone, it's probably a good idea to install as many radial wires as you can.  From my own experience on 40 meters, I've found a radial system consisting of 16 to 32 one-quarter wavelength wires seems to improve the performance of my homebrew 40 meter helix antenna.  Many c

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM6RGiFkdMM. It's not too early to think about your ARRL Field Day antenna.  A little planning now could result in better scores and more fun when the third weekend in June rolls around. Field Day Antennas should be simple, easily erected, and entirely portable. In this 2014 video from the Strasbourg, Virginia Field Day event, W4EDF demonstrates how to assemble and deploy a free standing painter pole with only one person doing the work.  W4EDF covers materials, wire, knots, poles. and guying techniques for windy conditions.  This video should give you some excellent ideas for your next Field Day antenna. 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://oahuarrlnew