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=HHBm5wPJBcU. In this video, Eric (KG4YZI) takes step-by-step from the unpacking of the Hy-Gain AV 680 9 band HF vertical through the construction, testing, and use of this popular vertical antenna.  Eric says the antenna can run the legal power limit for all amateur/ham radio bands from 80 through 6 meters.  The antenna comes with a preassembled counterpoise system, "so you don't have to install hundreds of feet of measured wire in the ground."  Eric adds that the antenna performs well and would be the antenna of choice for those with limited space.  Just make sure the counterpoise system is well marked so people and animals don't trip over the wires. 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 wh

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRTo01Qttbc&vl=en. This video from Dave Casler (KE0OG) is part of a continuing series of programs on Amateur/Ham Radio practices and operations.  In this video, Dave tackles the controversial question of what makes a better antenna:  Verticals or Dipoles. Dave discusses both types of antennas, using antenna modeling software (EZNEC+) to answer some fundamental questions. Armed with this information, you can better plan your next antenna based on the environmental and legal parameters of your property.  The size of your lot, the existence of deed-restrictions (HOAs/CC&Rs), and your budget will determine how best to use the data shown by Dave. The important thing is to get on the air. A compromised antenna is better than no antenna at all. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.inf

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXqSY5JKQzs. Now that HF propagation is favoring the 160/80/40 meter amateur radio bands, you may want to consider a multiband antenna covering these bands.  K7PP wanted to cover 160/80/40 meters with a single feed line without using an antenna "tuner", and still be effective, inexpensive, and relatively easy to build.  In this video, K7PP takes us from start to finish with the "classic" Fan Dipole Antenna.  The antenna has withstood several years of bad weather and continues to provide reliable 3-band coverage.  K7PP says the only weak spot in his antenna design is the bamboo spreaders which have taken quite a beating from winter snow and ice. You can also configure this antenna as an inverted Vee, thus simplifying the construction process and eliminating several support masts.  The fan dipole is a reliable, simple, and effective HF an

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0-jBKGNTs. It's not too early to think about your ARRL Field Day antenna.  Why not try something new, such as this helium balloon supported 40 meter vertical antenna? "HamRadioConcepts" shows how a group of radio amateurs built an HF long wire balloon antenna for the 2016 ARRL Field Day near Vero Beach, Florida. Using only 25 watts into a MFJ-993B antenna "tuner", this group made a lot of interesting contacts.  Al long as you have helium, a sturdy weather balloon, a good tuner, and a suitable counterpoise or ground radial system, you should do very well.  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://h

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-DPVuyU8Pg. Another excellent and easy-to-understand video tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave shows us a simple step-by-step procedure to make a dual-band 2 meter and 70 centimeter ground plane antenna.  This antenna will let you connect with both 2 meter and 70 cm repeaters in your area.  The antenna is fairly easy to make with locally available materials.  This homebrew dual-band antenna is suitable for both home and portable use.  Dave's video would make an excellent club presentation. 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:/

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQfj9879K_c. Nicely done video tutorial by Bob Plank (KK4DV) on how to design, build, and use a multi-band dipole antenna.  Bob's dipole covers the 40, 20, 17, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  According to Bob, this antenna is "an easy project done in 1 day."  He used the customary formula for half wavelength dipoles and a simple antenna program called N2IMP from hamuniverse.com. Although I have no issues with the antenna design or its construction, a far simpler way to get multi-band HF performance would be to use a 40 meter dipole antenna fed by open line wire such as 300 ohm television twin lead or 450 ohm ladder line coupled to a 1:1 or 4:1 balun and run into an antenna "tuner" with a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable (RG-8,RG-8X, or even RG-58). Either way, you'll have an antenna that will perform on several amateur ra

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cUNs274rU. If you need a strong, sturdy, and weatherproof center connector for your home or portable dipole antenna, then this video from Ed (W4EDF) is what you need. Ed does a surplurative job of taking us through the design and construction of this center connector, using commonly available parts from the nearest home improvement or hardware store.  This dipole antenna center connector is perfect for the portable antenna described in the video (credit to KF7ETX). 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. Tha