Posts

5 tips for Ham Radio Antenna Builders

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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=7cDB60r-rJw This is post 2581 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Building an antenna can be a mixed experience, especially if your new design doesn't work as expected. In this video from Hayden of the "Ham Radio DX" youtube channel, we explore some of the common antenna design mistakes that ruin our ability to contact fellow radio amateurs. If you use the five steps outlined in this video, your next antenna experiment will be a success and not a failure. Here are some comments from Hayden: Have you struggled with building quality ham radio antennas? High SWR? Problems with feedline? Well in this video I explore 5 common basic mistakes and tips for amateur radio antenna builders to help you get the most from your efforts. MFJ on: eBay: https://ebay.to/2W8S6tr ​ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HriQgv ​ #HamRadio ​ #MFJ ​ #Antenna ​

How to Make an Amateur Radio Stealth Wire Antenna Mast Support

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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=4KQEQJ5qeuw This is post 2579 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Whether you use a stealth antenna or have a non-restricted antenna site, the problem of antenna support is a constant issue that must be solved.   In this video from Callum McCormick (M0MCX), we discover several inexpensive and "stealthy" ways to support our HF wire antennas without drawing attention from our neighbors. Here are some comments from Callum: Great tip for getting stealthy height for your wire antennas. Particularly useful for folks who don't have trees strategically placed. Aluminium Scaffold Tubes slip inside Sail Board / Wind Surf Masts. Then you can paint to suit. Cheap, economical and structurally sound. Background: My name is Callum, callsign M0MCX. The whole DX Commander brand was a bit of an "accident" since I already have 2 day-jobs (I o

Alpha 6-160M HOA Buster Antenna

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C17xykeTOWs This is post 2579 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you live in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs), you may find this unusual antenna from "Alpha Antennas" useful in getting and staying on the air. You can find more information here: http://AlphaAntenna.com or at #alphaantenna. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

QRP/SOTA Ultimate 40-6m All Band Antenna from W1SFR.

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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=i-mj1Iyox9Y This is post 2578 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. If you're looking for a simply, lightweight, and effective antenna for QRP, SOTA, or general portable operations, then this HF end-fed antenna is for you. Steve Roberts (W1SFR) makes and distributes this compact antenna system.  In this video, Steve shows how to assemble, deploy, and test his end-fed design.  The antenna requires a 9:1 UnUn to maximize efficiency and performance. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Simple HF Mobile Antenna Installation

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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=pQ7rpf7MX2I This is post 2577 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to Peter of UK's Waters & Stanton for this excellent discussion on how to install simple HF mobile antennas. Peter reviews some of the problems and solutions encountered when radio amateurs take their stations "on the road." Peter makes an important point by reminding all mobile operators to keep your attention on driving and  parking your vehicle to operate. Here are some of Peter's comments: You need not spend a fortune on an HF mobile antenna. You may already have the basics from your VHF antenna installation. We discuss the potential problems and the economical methods of avoiding them. Check out this link. https://hamradiostore.co.uk/search/?q... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

How to install an end-fed HF 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=ocPxYkOTD24 This is post 2576 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Sometimes an antenna installation doesn't go as planned. In this nicely done video, Stu (VK5STU) offers a cautionary tale of what happens when an end-fed antenna installation doesn't meet expectations. Eventually, Stu overcame the obstacles and got his antenna working better than before. Here are some of his comments: Putting up an end fed antenna at home after removing it for some repair work. Things did not go quite according to plan. Antenna being put up is: https://www.hyendcompany.nl/antenna/m... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Rebuild MFJ 1622 Apartment 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=hSOt9KRooek This is post 2575 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks to the "North Caroline Prepper" for this excellent rebuilding project. As the author points out, the MFJ-1622 Apartment Antenna can be improved with a few basic changes.  The antenna covers 80 meters through 2 meters by varying the tap on the loading coil and by adding a few more radial wires. Here are some general comments about the rebuilding process: Rebuilding and repairing a Rebuild MFJ 1622 Apartment Antenna for Ham Radio that I had in storage for a while. The Coax is kind of cheep. A better quality coax would get better improvement. Also if you cut a counterpoise for each band instead of rolling and unrolling the one counterpoise It will hear better. In fact, if you cut a few counterpoises for say 40 meters it will really perform well. ----- Thanks for joinin