Posts

Ham Radio Off-Grid | Winter Field Day

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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=gShv32f85Zc This is post 2524 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. For an interesting Amateur Radio experience, why not try a "Winter Field Day?" This "Field Day" won't be like the more pleasant event held each summer.  You must prepare well to insure your survival. In this extraordinarily well-done video, Julian (OH8STN) shows us how to operate in the "field" with comfort and safety. Here are some of Julian's comments" Hello Operators Today we are discussing ham radio off grid for emergency communications, and changes to the station leading up to winter field day 2021. This year lots of time, research and testing has gone into building a low power station, adequate for winter field day at 65 North. In this video we discuss station strategy, station heating, operating QRP, portable power, an alternative to

Tape Measure Yagi Beam 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=BmHoQrDfw-0 This is post 2523 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Michael Martens (KB9VBR) for this outstanding tutorial on how to make a 3-element Yagi Beam Antenna out of commonly available materials. According to Michael, this PVC pipe and metal tape measure antenna can deliver up to 7.2 dB forward gain.  This antenna is suitable for both portable and home station use. Here are a few comments from Michael: The 2 Meter band tape measure beam antenna is a 3 element Yagi with about 7.2 db of forward gain. This lightweight antenna is perfect to use for fox hunts or as a portable directional antenna for public service events. Instructions: http://www.jpole-antenna.com/2017/02/... ​ Parts List 1 25 foot 1 inch wide steel tape measure 1 10 foot piece of 3/4 inch Schedule 40 PVC Tube 2 3/4 inch PVC Cross connectors 2 3/4 inch PVC T connect

DIY Multi-band Vertical 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=esjkwADkWB8 This is post 2522 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Juddie (WD8WV) for this practical, easily made multiband HF vertical antenna. The key to this antenna's success is a precisely wound coil. This antenna is perfect for portable or field operations.  Make one for emergency use at your home station. Here are some comment from Juddie: This video is a short demonstration of a homebrewed vertical antenna using a inductive coil that I made. It somewhat resembles a Wolf River Coil. I didn’t record video or pictures of me building it, wish I would have. DE WD8WV #amateurradio ​ #verticleantenna ​ #qrpantenna ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

2 el/2m Quad home made antenna for ham radio

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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=_qASJHfHwkM This is post 2521 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Don ("umajunkcollector") for this intriguing and inexpensive 2-element, 2 meter quad antenna. All you need are some PVC pipe pieces and a few lengths of 14 AWG wire to complete the project. This antenna is suitable for both field and home station use. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Ham Radio: Your First HF Antenna

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Do you remember your first HF antenna?  For me, that first "cloud warmer" was a simple inverted vee cut for the 40 meter Amateur Radio band. Since that time (43 years ago), I've moved on to several antenna designs, including beams, loops, and random wires. But I never forgot my humble inverted vee dipole. In this video from Tim (G5TM), we see how a basic dipole antenna can be used to launch your amateur radio "career" and further your antenna knowledge. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxiCMiEik6I This is post 2520 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Tim does an excellent job of explaining basic antenna theory and practice.  Why not build a new antenna today with the suggestions from this video? ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Long Wire Antenna Build

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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=RU0DhCkglfw Thanks to "Jez" for this basic introduction to "long wire" receiving antennas. You can find most of the antenna components in your "junk box" or at your neighborhood hardware store or building supply outlet. This antenna can also be modified for transmitting on the Amateur Radio HF bands.  But as a simple shortwave receiving antenna, this project will perform very well. The old Radio Shack DX-384 featured in the video is still a decent receiver for shortwave listening. Here are some comments from Jez: In this weeks video we build a simple long wire antenna. You might have the parts sitting there in your shack to build one yourself . This antenna is nice and simple to build so give it a try yourself #long ​ wire antenna #2j4ez ​ #antenna ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Build a 2M Yagi for Emergencies (and Fun!)

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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=_jlvtJqoC98 This is post 2518 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Matt Heere for this simple, basic 2 Meter (144 MHz) antenna made from readily available parts. Why not make one of these antennas for your next portable or field operation?  Keep one at your home station for emergencies. Here are some of Matt's comments: Challenged myself to build a usable Yagi style antenna for the 2 Meter (2M - 144MHz) amateur radio band. The challenge part is that I wanted to use stuff I had lying around, and I wanted to build it using the fewest possible tools. Definitely no electric powered tools, so that this could be replicated in an emergency, no-power situation. It's a PVC boom and uses standard 12GA electrical circuit wire for the elements. Everything is assembled using wire ties, and cut to length based on measurements - no antenna an