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=E5JIWahmhL8 This is part 2 of a 3 part series on how to assemble, erect, and use the "DX Commander" Vertical Antenna from Callum McCormick (M0MCX). In part 1, we unpacked the multiband vertical antenna, inventoried all parts, and began to assemble the basic antenna.  In part 2, Callum helps us prepare the "shock cord connectors" and hose clamps.  You will find this step involves some trial and error steps before these components are finished. Like the first video, Callum does an excellent job of taking us from the very beginning of this antenna project to its completion.  Part 3 will help us complete the multiband vertical antenna, which should prove to be an successful DX grabber.  Callum does a first class job in these videos--explanations are educational, occasionally entertaining, and thoroughly detailed. For the latest Amateur/Ha

If you can't see the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODkA9JG2UaA Callum McCormick (M0MCX) show us how to build his "DX Commander" multi-band HF vertical antenna from the very beginning to the final assembly. Callum "shows us every detail, every process used in the build, from assembly to final test and disassembly." An excellent video tutorial which should help you make an efficient DX antenna for both home and portable use.  Callum also gives us a guided tour of his antenna lab and ham shack.  Nicely, done! 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.o

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. Delta Loop Antennas are easy to make, fun to use, and offer a bit of gain over a dipole antenna.  In this video from Milton (M0ZMF), we get a thorough tutorial on how to design, build, adjust, and use a 6 meter delta loop antenna.  Martin provides a complete list of materials and takes us step-by-step from beginning to end. His instructions are clear and easily understood.  Make this antenna and join the fun on the "Magic Band." 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 from the ARRL). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Than

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx5F1jUFySM. Here's an interesting idea for those of us who need a quick and simple RF dummy load for testing our transceivers. According to "the250rider", materials for this easy project include (8) 100-ohm-1/2 watt-5% tolerance resistors in a series-parallel circuit immersed in a small jar with vegetable oil acting as a heat absorber.  This might suffice for QRP operations or for any other project needing only small amounts of power. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check 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. htttps://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham. net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joini

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAlPQbf0SV0. With the ARRL Field Day soon approaching (the last full weekend in June), it's time to make a simple, effective, inexpensive, and highly portable multiband HF antenna for that exciting outdoor operating event. In this video, Callum McCormick (M0MCX) show us how to design, make, erect, and use the "classic Fan Dipole Antenna."  As Callum explains, the antenna is quite simple--multiple mono band dipoles are attached to a common center connector which is connected to a single feed line.  Just trim the lowest frequency dipole antenna first and continue trimming for each band of use.  Be sure to leave some space between each dipole to make trimming and tuning easier.  Although an antenna "tuner" isn't necessary, keep one handy just in case SWR becomes a problem. After Field Day use, keep this antenna as a handy portable

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpl3TRXqaoM. Thanks to "North Caroline Prepper" for this video on how to protect your antennas from lightning strikes.  Now that spring is here and summer isn't far behind, now is the time to "harden" your equipment against lightning and other damaging electrical surges. This video gives you a good idea of the surge protectors and lightning arrestors needed to shield your equipment and other ham radio gear from summer storms. I use a similar system at my shack.  I also lower all of my verticals and inverted vees, unplug all equipment, and detach all feed lines when I'm done operating for the day.  I attach all antenna feed lines to an 8-ft/ 2.43 meter copper ground rod outside the shack. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. ht

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPPP3JWNJLY. If you need a simple, inexpensive, and easy to erect portable antenna for the 40 meter amateur radio band (7 MHz), then this idea from Peter Marks is worth considering.  The antenna resembles an inverted Vee and is supported by a 6 meter/19.68 feet "squid pole."  An aluminum ground stake anchors the antenna. The video also shows us Peter's compact "go-kit" featuring the popular KX3 transceiver from Elecraft. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these 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 toda