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=wKuaTX442UQ. In this video, "Peter" establishes a sound and thorough understanding of antenna design for any band and frequency.  Peter covers basic antenna theory, including formulas, construction practices, and materials considerations.  If you're looking for antenna ideas for your home shack, the ARRL Field Day, or for any portable operation, please check out this video.  Although the video is a bit long, it covers almost everything you need to know about antennas.  Place a copy of this video in your shack for further reference. 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:

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5FFX3movg. Operating an amateur radio station in a deed-restricted property governed by HOAs and CC&Rs presents a real challenge.  In this video from "remingtonh" we see how a simple monoband vertical antenna can gain multiband capability while remaining nearly invisible to nosey neighbors. The antenna is a modified MFJ-1979 1/4 wave 20 meter vertical coupled to a RadioWavz Patriot 80 adjustable loading coil, supported by a Hustler mast, and tuned in part by a MFJ-959 capacitive matcher.  Remingtonh has installed a good ground radial system to improve the efficiency and performance of the vertical. To make the antenna a bit more stealthy, I would recommend a coat of green or brown paint to help the vertical blend in with its surroundings.  A tilt over device could be used to lower the antenna when it's not being used.  A case of "o

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJpQBy34ubg. If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive, and effective HF antenna for your shack or for the upcoming ARRL Field Day, then this basic 40 meter ground-plane antenna from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) maybe your answer.  In fact, this was the first antenna I used when I became a novice ham radio operator back in 1977. In addition to the 40 meter band, I also was able to make contacts on the 15 meter band using the third fundamental of the 40 meter frequency. The antenna is simplicity itself.  In this antenna, the 40 meter element and each of its ground radial wires are 33 feet/10.06 meters long.  I used a telescoping fiberglass mast to support the vertical element and some left over "zip cord" for the ground radial system.  I fed the antenna with 50 feet/15.24 meters of RG-8 coaxial cable.  Like Stan's design, my SWR was approximatel

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTWyR7hyII. Here's another fascinating vertical antenna installation.  This time, KC9FFV shows us how he installed and tested his Zero-Five 43 foot/13.109 metre antenna on his property. An interesting note is his use of a chain link fence as part of his ground radial system.  I would have preferred a few more ground rods or some ground radial wires spreading out from the antenna base.  Apparently, KC9FFV gets good results from this installation, so the metal fence apparently helps to create a suitable ground or counterpoise system for this installation.  Other than this minor quibble, this installation is neat, well-planned, and effective. 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 Fr

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bOhB2My8qY. In this video, "David S" finishes his 3-part series on how to build the DX Engineering 43 Foot/13.109 Meter 160 to 10 Meter Vertical Antenna.  In this section, David finishes the extensive ground radial system which will boost the performance of the antenna and provide a low take-off angle for DX contacts. Tuning is accomplished by using the DX Engineering Multiband Vertical UNUN in combination with your in-shack wide range "tuner."  DX Engineering supplied the ground plate needed for the attachment of the ground radial system.  Although the radial system is laid on the ground, you may want to bury the radial wires a bit below the surface so that grass covers the radial field.  Once the grass grows a bit, you can trim the area with a lawn mower to keep the installation neat and clean.  You can make narrow slits for the radial