Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5AHKAz3Zh4. While many of my fellow radio amateurs are content with the annual ARRL Field Day held on the last full weekend of June, there are those who challenge both their equipment and survival skills by setting up field stations in the dead of winter. Such is the case with Michael Martens (KB9VBR) and Joe Schoebel (KD9CJX), who put their new Chameleon Emcomm III Portable Antenna to the test this past January (2019). The video takes you from antenna launch through actual on-air reports in a cold midwestern field day operation.  According to Michael and Joe, the Chameleon Portable HF Antenna works very well and is "ideal for hiking, camping, and both for tent and recreational vehicle camping."  You may want to try one of these simple, easy-to-use antennas for this upcoming ARRL Field Day or for your next portable operation. For the latest Amateur/H

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNbPQfVLqtM. In this video, N7JFP takes us step-by-step through the design and construction process for a simple, inexpensive 6 meter portable dipole antenna suitable for both field and home use.  The antenna uses commonly available parts, including some PVC boxes/pipes, rubber grommets, adhesives, and 2 collapsible antennas measuring 51 to 52 inches (129.04 cm to 132.08 cm) fully extended.  You can see a full list of the materials at 13:08 in the video.  N7JFP used a MFJ-269 for SWR testing.  He was able to get a usable SWR over the entire 6 meter amateur radio band.  This would make an interesting weekend project which could be used in the annual ARRL Field Day emergency exercise (last full weekend of June). For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PbOfZYzCUE. One of my favorite "classic" hf antennas is the off-center-fed dipole known as the "Windom Antenna."  The original design was created by Loren Windom (W8GZ) in 1922.  This off-center multiband antenna was fed just by a single wire connected on 1/3 of the antenna's overall length.  The feed impedance was approximately 600 ohms.  Modern day descendants of Windom's original design use open-wire feeders to attain multiband hf capability, thus reducing some of the TVI and other interference issues commonly found in the single wire feed system. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the general theory behind the "Windom Antenna" and outlines some of general parameters and performance capabilities of this "classic" wire antenna.  Properly designed, this antenna gives multiband HF performance at mi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12p6Tq-sGYI Now that spring is turning into summer in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, many radio amateurs/hams are taking to the "field" for portable operations.  A few trips to a neighborhood park with your "go-kit" will provide plenty of on-air experience before you settle down for the annual ARRL Field Day during the last full weekend of June. In this video from "AnythingWithWheels", we see how to set up a portable field station using an Elecraft KX2 transceiver, a Packtenna, and an end fed random length wire antenna.  This video was taken at a public park in St. Charles, Missouri.  One of the good things about this location was the abundance of trees and open spaces.  With a little planning and your emergency "go-kit", you, too, will have some "Field Day" fun before the actual event. For the late

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3EA_bD8hME If you need a small, compact, multiband HF antenna for the ARRL Field Day or for any portable operation, you may find the N9SAB Ultralight 80-6 Meter QRP Off-Center Dipole a good choice. In this video from "Outdoors On The Air", we see this simple antenna deployed in a "Field Day" scenario and learn of its capabilities and limitations in a portable operation.  If you have sufficient space and a few tall trees, this antenna may be the ideal choice for your "Field Day" operation. 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. htt

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFB0ycu9SyE A nicely done video from Faith Hannah (AE4FH) as she and her two children build what AE4FH calls a "Dirgly Balun" (Dirty + Ugly) to use with a modified RadioWavz OCF Dipole.  What she and the children create is a "pseudo" multiband "Windom" antenna that fits into the family property and offers coverage over several amateur radio hf bands. 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).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGY1BU627Hs Welcome to the final segment (part 3) of building the multi-band vertical antenna from Callum McCormick (M0MCX).  In the first two parts, Callum takes us through the basic assembly process, from unpacking of the antenna kit to preparing the shock cord connectors and hose clamps. In part 3, Callum brings all of the separate steps together to form an efficient , multi-band HF vertical antenna suitable for both home and field use.  Callum takes us step-by-step through the antenna's final assembly, erecting, testing, and adjustments necessary to make this antenna a good DX performer.  Callum does an excellent job of blending antenna theory and practice as we slowly build this HF vertical antenna.  His explanations are clear, concise, and easy to follow. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://