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=ofmUK8o7Jxg .  This is post 2196 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "rcobo101" for this intriguing, simple, and inexpensive multiband vertical antenna.  Apart from the Yaesu-FT817, all parts for this portable HF antenna came from the operator's home. The basic parts for this antenna include a 20-ft/6.097-m fiberglass pole, 35-ft/10.67m of speaker wire, a portable power supply, a homemade cw key, and a camera tripod for mast support. At its simplest, the antenna is a vertical helix wrapped with 1/2 wavelength of wire for the chosen frequency.  The antenna works as a crude 1/4 vertical at the given frequency. You can add an antenna "tuner" to access bands above the design frequency.  Of course, a ground radial system will improve efficiency and will do a bit to keep your "tuner" and rig happy.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKQ1OwYOHoY .  This is post 2195 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to "HamRadioConcepts" for this excellent stealth antenna installation featuring the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 portable antenna.  The installation is simple, easy, and straight forward, affording good concealment for deed-restricted properties. Here's some general discussion of the antenna and how it allows "John" to enjoy Amateur/Ham Radio without pressure from his HOA: "John is super excited. He has been a ham for several years, living in an HOA and struggled to find an effective solution and stay excited about this hobby. Now, he's going to have no problem setting up and making contacts at home, and while portable as well. https://chameleonantenna.com/ https://www.gigaparts.com/chameleon-m... SUBSCRIBE!!" ----- For the latest

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your  browsers search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dZ4iTULlIs .  This is post 2194 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Bob (K6UDA) for this "tongue-in-cheek" look at  "Essential COVID-19 Preparations" for radio amateurs. Bob addresses six basic needs that must be met in any emergency, natural or man-made, including the coronavirus pandemic.  While Bob's tone is on the lighter side, the message is quite serious.  Here are some of Bob's observations: "A radio go kit is definitely a good thing and during this Covid-19 pandemic keeps you ahead of the comms curve. But what about food, water, protection and transportation? Here's six tips to help you prepare stay at home orders, marshal law, or whatever may happen in the future." ----- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://ww

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsgdcHeP6S0 .  This is post 2193 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to the crew at "TechMinds" for this incredibly simple, cheap, and effective multi-band HF antenna. The secret to this highly portable and easily made antenna is the homebrew or commercially made 49:1 balun which enables the antenna to cover several amateur/ham radio bands. This antenna is perfect for portable or emergency use. ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f-1576465810 (breaking Amateur/Ham Radio Ne

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6IRkG2q3vQ .  This is post 2192 in a continuing series of articles on simple ham radio antennas. This extraordinary video from Julian (OH8STN) explains what you must do for basic communications during times of emergency, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic which has affected approximately 198 countries worldwide.  Here are some of Julian's observations which may help you prepare for and survive these difficult times: Hello Operators. Todays topic Ham Radio & emergency communications for families, groups, small communities sheltering in place, bugging in, or planning their own ham radio disaster plan. It's my goal that after watching this video, you'll consider using ham radio communication for your own ham radio disaster preparedness We will go through my ham radio station, radios, tools for group comms, ham radio antenna tower, shack power, js8

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_makoOL-m8 .  This is post 2191 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some helpful ARRL Field Day Antenna suggestions from Rob ("SevenFortyOne").  Even if you're forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to operate by yourself, you'll find Rob's ideas useful and effective whether you stay at home or find an isolated spot in the "field." Here are some of Rob's comments: "This portable Ham Radio antenna is something I put together from spare materials I had lying around the house one afternoon. It's a 40 meter inverted V made from a cheap WalMart cutting board, some left over 14 gauge wire, a 12 foot telescoping painter's pole, some scrap PVC trim board, and a few scrap pieces of re-bar. I plan to make some changes as time permits. A link to the revised version: https://youtu.be/fg52EAX5Y5I

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkiht95YCP4 .  This is post 2190 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to M0JCQ for this outstanding introduction to SOTA (Summits On The Air) and other portable amateur/ham radio "field" operations. According to M0JCQ, "This video takes you through my standard kit for HF SOTA/Portable operations.  It outlines what I take and why.  You get to see the Elecraft KX3 in use towards the end." Even if you don't prefer SOTA or portable operations, why not make one of these antennas for emergency or home use?  Try one out during the ARRL Field Day event on 27-28 June 2020. ----- 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/ http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org.