Posts

Indoor Bent Vertical Dipole 10-20 Meters. Post 2017.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_AX0csSkVw. If you are forced to use indoor antennas because of deed restrictions (HOA/CC&Rs), you may find this indoor bent vertical from KL7JR interesting. Basically, the antenna is a vertical helix wrapped around some PVC pipe.  Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. t"tuner"), the antenna provides coverage between 10 and 20 meters.  A cheap, effective antenna for apartment dwellers. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Ham Radio - Get on 630 meters with a bucket variometer! Post 2016.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdoaT-nHkfc. One of the major challenges to using the 630 meter amateur radio band, is the shortage of commercially produced transmitters, receivers, antennas, and loading coils.  Although there are several companies that market these devices, it may be best to experiment with something you build yourself. In this video from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we see a fairly simple way to "homebrew" a "bucket variometer" that will get you on the 630 meter band. Kevin takes us step-by-step from theoretical design to finished product.  According to Kevin, the device works well and will give you many hours to explore one of our newer bands. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com.

The 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer, Part 2. Post 2015.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2x67h7-cwI. In this post, Gil ("Radio Prepper") finishes his 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer begun in our previous article (Post 2014, 07 October 2019). Now he field tests the device on a variety of amateur radio bands, including 6 meters and 30 meters.  The transformer performed well from 80 meters through 10 meters. Gil does an excellent job in combining theory and practice to produce a video that is clear, concise, and well-paced. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ 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).

The 49:1 Half-Wave End-Fed Antenna Transformer, Part 1. Post 2014.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgZap6xWZLs. One of the drawbacks to end-fed and random length wire HF antennas is the high mismatch between the antenna (often more than 2000 ohms impedance) and your HF transceiver (normally, around 50 ohms impedance).  The resulting SWR will be enough to harm your rig. One way to reduce SWR and RFI concerns with these antennas is to use a 49:1 antenna transformer.  In this video from the "Radio Prepper", we get an excellent introduction to the theory, construction, and use of the 49:1 balun.  According to the "Radio Prepper", this transformer works well with wire lengths of 134 feet/40.85 meters and 67 feet/20.42 meters. Make one of these 49:1 transformers for your emergency "go kit" or for the next ARRL Field Day.  A simple, easy solution for matching your HF rig to end-fed half wave or random wire antennas. For the lates

Random Wire antennas presentation. Post 2013.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUwBIG_8vTI . This expertly presented video tutorial on random wire antennas was made by Terry Snyder (WB3KBN) at the November 2018 meeting of the Harrisburg Amateur Radio Club.  Terry does an excellent job of explaining the theory and practice of using random length wire antennas, paying particular emphasis on the wire lengths "not to use."  This video would make an excellent program for your Amateur Radio Club or for an amateur radio license class. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. I've changed the URL for this website.  Although the old URL