Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiBi9RbNBUY. This video from "0033mer" does an exceptionally good job of explaining basic antenna theory in terms anyone can understand.  The use of a bagel and a small "rubber duck" mobile antenna to illustrate radiation patterns is a stroke of genius. The video describes how antennas work and the properties of different configurations, including the common dipole and 1/4 wave monopole.  With this basic knowledge established, the video shows you how to build your own monopole antenna.  This video is a simple, accurate, and practical introduction to antennas.  The video would make a great presentation to an amateur/ham radio license class.  Place a copy of this well-done program in your ham radio reference library. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://w

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rujoKVOhK8. Radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs) face difficult choices when it comes to designing and building efficient antennas for their ham shacks. In this video, the "HamRadioConcepts" video channel shows us several simple, inexpensive, and effective stealth HF dipoles that can be used both at home stations and in the field.  These antennas are lightweight, highly portable, and "stealthy".  Why not make some of these antennas for your ham shack, your "go-kit", or for SOTA or IOTA operations.  If you choose light colored wire, the antennas will be nearly invisible to your neighbors. 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

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qddvFMgGKJo. End-fed antennas can be tricky to tune properly, especially if your ground radial or counterpoise system is not up to par.  Such is the case with the popular MFJ-1984MP End-Fed Multi-band Antenna, tested in this video from Dave Casler (KE0OG).  Dave goes through the installation process step-by-step to ensure that you have a good ground connection for this antenna.  Dave offers a few suggestions on how to install the balun so that SWR and other gremlins don't interfere with antenna performance.  Those commenting on Dave's website suggest raising the balun about 3-feet/0.914 meters above ground.  After some trial and error, Dave was able to adjust the antenna so it worked efficiently.  For a more in depth review of a similar end-fed half-wave antenna, please check out the March 2016 issue of "QST." For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTS2g-FZ72Q. Here's a clever way to convert a surplus Low Pass Filter into a useful 50 ohm dummy load.  According to D-lab Electronics, "Depending on the low pass cabinet and whatever resistors you have on hand, a powerful device can be constructed." Subscribers to this article say your initial cash outlay should be in the neighborhood of $15 to $20 US.  Compared to the prices now being charged for RF Dummy Loads, this homebrew project is quite a bargain.  An RF Dummy Load should be an integral part of your ham radio station. 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://bigi

If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8JrZxPkCLs. Here's another excellent idea for a multiband portable HF antenna.  Scott (KW4JM) does a superb job of creating this versatile antenna in an easy-to-understand process. His only caution relates to the coil.  Scott says "The coil wire must be secured on each end to keep it tightly wound...this can be done with a knot or a couple of holes in the PVC or both."  Nicely done video. 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).