Posts

Ham Radio-Can an antenna work while laying on the ground?

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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=wBS-CNtY2Uk&ab_channel=KevinLoughin Can an antenna work laying on the ground?  The short answer is yes.  In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) discusses ground mounted antennas in a variety of scenarios--most of which deal with significant noise reduction of received signals. Many radio amateurs and short-wave enthusiasts (SWLs) erect "ground hugging" Beverage Antennas to boost received signals. Kevin does an excellent job of discussing the pros and cons of these close to ground antennas. If you're interested in ground supported antennas, check out articles by KK5JY and K3MT on the internet.  Mike Toia (K3MT) has designed an HF antenna called the "Grasswire" which performs well for its design constraints. Here are some general comments from Kevin: Over the years, I've occasionally heard mention of 'ground antennas'. I've

Live stream of first HF contacts

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/95P6Q4FKWbE   Who can forget their first time on the air?  Your first contact marks your introduction into the fascinating world of Amateur/Ham Radio. In this video, we see what happens when YL Emily McCormick (M6ELM) sends her first "CQ." According to Southgate Amateur Radio Club News (http://www.southgatearc.org), Emily got her amateur radio license about 10 years ago but had never operated. Assisted by Callum McCormick (M0MCX), Emily overcame a few uncertain moments and created a genuine pile-up during the following hour. This video shows her first HF effort which was streamed by Callum (M0MCX). I think Emily did an excellent job during her first ham radio adventure.  Congratulations to Emily and to all "first timers" on the air. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Best HOA friendly antenna, discrete and stealthy.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/Y473hOmif-E This is post 2363 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this video from "Ron C", we explore the potential of what  Ron C calls his "Broadband Butterfly Terminated Dipole Antenna."   The antenna fits snugly inside of Ron C's attic and gives good performance in a highly compromised antenna location.  You may want to try Ron C's idea if your current HOA/CC&R antenna is performing poorly. --- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://www.blubrry.com/arrlaudionews https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f-1576465810 (breaking Amateur/Ham Radio News). --- Thanks for

DIY folding VHF/UHF discone antenna

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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=snXHduQVe8Q&ab_channel=SurvivalComms Thanks to "SurvivalComms" for this fascinating VHF/UHF discone project.  The antenna is easily-made, exhibits broad band characteristics, and is suitable for both home and portable use. Here are some general comments from the author: A field deployable discone antenna that you can build yourself. Get the broad bandwidth the discone is known for in a simple, durable, inexpensive, and field deployable package that you can build. ---- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.hamradioupdate.com. http://www.southgatearc.org. https://blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/ https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.eham.net. https://paper.li/f=1576465810 (break

2 element wire yagi for 28 MHz

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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=8bS1QBH8VwQ&ab_channel=vk3ye This is post 2361 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Do you want to give your 10 meter signal a little boost and better directivity? Then, this 2 element wire yagi project from Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE) is your answer. The antenna is simple, uses locally available materials, and is cheap to build.  Here are some of Peter's comments: A wire yagi is the simplest and cheapest way to build a gain antenna for the higher HF bands. This video is a description of one for 28 MHz. VE7CA article 1: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Techno... VE7CA article 2: http://www.ve7ca.net/ANT/MYa/VE7CA%20... VE7CA website: http://www.ve7ca.net/index.php ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

MFJ-6120 Zepp and MFJ-6220 Collinear Review

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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=nyTn4_2xwTk&ab_channel=DavidCasler This is post 2360 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. An interesting, concise, and well-produced video from David Casler (KE0OG) about two popular MFJ HF Antennas:  The MGJ-6120 Zepp and the MFJ-6220 Collinear Antennas.  Both antennas require a bit of adjustment before maximum efficiency is attained. Both antennas also give a bit of gain (around 3 dBi). Here are some of Dave's observations about these antennass: These are both 20 meter single band wire antennas (also available for other bands). This video reviews the "how it works" followed by tests for each, and explains how I got the Zepp to work. I particularly like the collinear (and, yes, it's spelled with two L's), which performs significantly better than my station vertical. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (K

Beverage Antennas: Field Installation Techniques

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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=l91JL2ImEbk&ab_channel=ve6wz This is post 2359 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you have the space, a "classic" Beverage Antenna will boost your received signals at a modest price. In this well-paced video, Steve (VE6WZ) discusses the various field techniques used to design, build, and use beverage antennas. Here are some of Steve's comments: Various methods for construction and installation of a Beverage RX antenna in the field. Described are methods for wire layout, tree clearing, wire support and both feed-point and termination installation using tree supports. Also shown is how the relay boxes for multiple Beverages, and the broadside phasing boxes are deployed in the field. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).