Simple Ham Radio Antennas

The random length wire antenna is one of the most popular antennas available to radio amateurs.  Coupled with a 9:1 UnUn, a decent counterpoise system, and an "antenna tuner", you can work the world with a convenient length of wire. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGzBPtkxRg This is post 2790 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. In this video, Peter (G3OJV) from the Waters & Stanton Video Channel discusses the theory and practice of random length wire antennas--paying particular attention to the use of a 9:1 UnUn and a good counterpoise system. Here are few thoughts from Peter: The Random Wire Antenna is popular with Ham Radio operators around the world. But how does it work, and does it work! Peter g3ojv, takes a look at it and relates his experience. https://www.balundesigns.com/content/... https://hamradiostore.co.uk/ldg-ru-9-... ----- Thanks for joining us to

The ARRL has partnered with HF-Kits to offer a basic end fed antenna kit suitable for both home and portable use. The kit was designed to give radio amateurs a simple HF antenna for the annual ARRL Field Day Event held during the last full weekend of June. "The SmokinApe" takes us step-by-step through the theory and construction methods used for this antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into  your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuEAYkp-mlk This is post 2789 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Here's a nice, simple, and inexpensive way to make an emergency or portable 2 meter antenna. Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) takes us step-by-step in converting an old TV rabbit ears antenna into a working 2 meter antenna.  You may find most of the project materials in your own home or at the nearest neighborhood garage sale.   A little creativity and a few basic tools will give you a 2 meter antenna for practically no cost. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdZeY-KihH8 This is post 2788 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

If you want an excellent receiving antenna for 160/80 meters, you may find this article from Tom (W8JI) most intriguing. This antenna follows suggestions given by Harold Beverage (W2BML) back in the 1920s. Tom does an excellent job of describing the mechanical requirements for this long-length antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwEknkqBx3A This is post 2787 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Tom: This is a quick overview of my Beverage antenna mechanical installation techniques. I've been using Beverage antennas since around 1970 with my primary focus on 160 and 80 meters. Beverage antennas like to be close to the ground, but not too close to the ground. Like all antennas, height and length is a matter of wavelengths....not the absolute feet or meters. Optimal height for long Beverages (Length over1 wavelength) is at least .01 wavelengths

Thanks to N4LQ for this easy, inexpensive method of making balanced feedline and spreaders. Balanced feedline, combined with a suitable "tuner", can make your simple dipole into a multiband HF antenna. If you can see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzFKGB6qkXs This is post 2786 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from N4LQ: Here's how to build and install spreader insulators for ladder line. Choose your own spacing. Wire ties should be at least twice the length of the spacer. If UV damage is a concern, try spraying the assembly with krylon UV paint. http://www.krylon.com/products/uvresi... ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Callum McCormick (M0MCX) for this introduction to basic antenna theory and practice.  The program is part of a larger antenna discussion aired live over the internet on 17 October 2021. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVHn42nTpyw This is post 2785 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Callum: Streamed live on Oct 17, 2021 • Join us for the LIVE show - this broadcast AFTER the Premiere of my Obsession with Antennas video https://youtu.be/TFVVbpY953Y ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

If you need a simple, effective mast for your amateur radio station, then this project from Steve (AD4XT) may be for you. Steve shows us how to make a 30-foot/9.146-meter antenna mast from commonly available materials. If you can't see the video, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSbuHE6-TLE This is post 2784 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Steve: 30' Homemade antenna mast for ham radio. I did not want to wait 20 years for a tree to grow where I need one. No guy wires at the height that I am using. Enjoy, 73 I am good on qrz. Ad4xt ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).