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=bXp7uin7_7Y. Over the past few years, I've found an antenna analyzer a most valuable tool for designing, building, and using homebrew antennas.  Although my MFJ-259 is several seasons old, it does what it's supposed to do. In this well-made video from Ron Payne (WA6YOU), we get an excellent overview of what an antenna analyzer does and what are some of the shortcomings of the commercial products available. This presentation was given before members of the Vienna Wireless Society on 28 April 2017. Ron does a good job of explaining antenna analyzers in simple, easily understood terms.  As you may expect, there are several commercial versions of this useful tool available through the internet or from local Amateur Radio stores. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http:/

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhuRCV3ZxW4. Here's an interesting and fun VHF/UHF antenna for those experimentally-minded. Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) does an excellent job of explaining the theory, construction, and use of the Quagi Antenna--an antenna that combines the best features of the Yagi-Uda beam and the Cubical Quad Antenna. Build one of these fascinating antennas for your next mini-DXpedition or portable operation. If you want more information on the evolution of the Quagi Antenna, please go here:  http://n6nb.com/quagi.htm. 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.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.south

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuD2mBZKHOg. If you live on a small urban lot and want a fairly efficient multiband HF antenna covering 160 meters through 10 meters, then this video from N4LQ might be helpful. As originally designed, the inverted L measured 100-feet/30.48 meters and used a MFJ-998 antenna "tuner" to control the mismatch found on the antenna.  Later, N4LQ extended the antenna length to 200-feet/60.97 meters and got better results. The key to this antenna is to get as much vertical wire in the air as possible before adding the inverted L section at the top. Be sure to install a basic ground radial or counterpoise system to complete the project. 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:/

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rujoKVOhK8.  This is post 2052 in a continuing series about Amateur/Ham Radio Antennas. Operating your amateur/ham radio station in deed-restricted housing can present difficult challenges. Rather than surrender to restrictive rules and regulations, why not be creative and make antennas that are nearly invisible, while still delivering adequate performance? In this well-paced video from the "Ham Radio Concepts Amateur Radio Channel", we see some intriguing, inexpensive HF antennas that blend in with their surroundings and give decent performance. Many of the antennas described in this video come from designs created by N9SAD.  Most of his stealth antennas are ultra-light and can be used in a variety of operating environments. If you're living in a controlled housing area, this video can give you ways to get on the air without bothering you

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViodMxV77eM. If you're dissatisfied with the antenna on your HT, why not make an efficient, inexpensive replacement for that "rubber duck" that came with your HT? In our last post, we discussed how adding a "Tiger Tail" counterpoise wire could boost the performance of your HT. In this post from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW), we can get some real improvement in coverage by using a simple quarter wave ground plane antenna with our HT. Kevin does a good job of showing us how to make one of these easy, efficient antennas for the VHF/UHF amateur radio bands. You may be surprised just how well your HT performs once you attach a decent antenna. 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.word

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3R-b00pLbw. Thanks to "connly33" for this simple, inexpensive way to boost the range and performance of a VHF/UHF HT. The secret of  better performance is the use of a "Tiger Tail" or counterpoise wire attached to the base of the antenna input.  For the lower part of 2 meters, use a 20 inch/50.80 cm length of wire.  For the upper portion of 2 meters, use a 19 inch/48.26 cm piece of wire. You may be able to build a small counterpoise wire with the materials in your "junk box." 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.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.sou

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpdpkUEW39o. In this well-paced video, Steve Ellington (N4LQ) compares a variety of multiband HF antennas with the end-fed half wavelength antenna.  Steve does a good job of explaining the pros and cons of several popular antennas and explains why the end-fed half wavelength should be among your favorite antennas. Other than a few minor quibbles about the relationship between baluns and antenna currents, I found the presentation factual, interesting, and useful for both newly licensed radio amateurs and the "seasoned", experienced operator. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news, events, 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.ne