Posts

Mating your coax to ladder line

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Like many radio amateurs (hams), I use 450 ohm ladder line to feed my HF antennas.  The only problem is connecting the balanced feedline to the 50 ohm input of my HF transceiver. While I use a 1:4 balun to transition from the 50 ohm output of my transceiver to the 450 ohm nominal impedance of the balanced line, there are other methods of achieving the rig-to-antenna union. In this video from AE4VJ, we see another way of accomplishing this goal at a minimum cost. While this method works, you may encounter a terrible impedance mismatch without using an antenna "tuner" (i.e. transmatch) to match rig to antenna. If you use the method outlined in this video, please use very low power to determine if a balanced tuner or balun is needed. Here are some comments from AE4VJ: In this episode, we go over how to transition from coax to ladder line. Its not that complicated really. Sometimes, all you need is someone to spark an idea and it becomes very clear. This is a very simple and c

I installed a VHF Antenna on my hydraulic mast.

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Here's another way to boost the height of your VHF/UHF Antenna system--use a hydraulic mast to gain some additional range for your 2m/70cm activities. Thanks to Callum (M0MCX) for showing us how to use this type of equipment to improve short-range antennas. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJEZUJCP3_s This is post 2369 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Callum: I put my VHF/UHF antenna on my hydraulic lighting rig and it's amazing. 0-30 feet in 1 minute. Diamond V2000. 6m, 2m and 70cm with Triplexer. Callum. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Shakesphere INFL8-Inflatable Dual Band Antenna

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If you're looking for a different kind of portable antenna for 2m/70cm, please consider the "Shakesphere INFL8-Ham Inflatable Dual Band Antenna."  The antenna is compact, easily-transportable, and suitable for home use or field operations. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXwjo-0JF14. This is post 2368 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some general comments from "Tech Minds": Here we take a brief look at the Shakesphere INFL8-HAM Dual Band End Fed 3DB Antenna 144-148 MHz AND 430-440MHz Unfortunately I wasn't able to fully test the antenna with on-air contacts due to lack of people on frequency at the time I made this video. It was sunny so most normal people would be in the pub..! https://www.moonraker.eu/shakespear-i... . Become a Tech Minds YouTube member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9a8... Join the Tech Minds Official Disco

Homebrew Antenna Launcher-Ham Radio

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Thanks to Tinker John (W5CYF) for this ultra-simple way to launch antennas into tall trees or other structures.  All you need are a few simple parts, a casting reel, and a sturdy slingshot. I've used a similar system for years to put HF dipoles at useful heights for DX. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unliqNuzNHI This is post 2367 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Tinker John (W5CYF): This may be the easiest, least expensive antenna launcher you can build. It took less than 30 minutes to build and under $15 if you had to buy everything new! Easy to use and works great. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

MFJ-1917 Telescopic Mast

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Thanks to K8MRD for this excellent tutorial on how to modify, set up, and configure the MFJ-1917 43 ft/13.1064m fiberglass telescopic mast.  These modification are easy and will add strength and versatility to this popular mast. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5fWT3R1cd8 This is post 2366 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from K8MRD: A look at the 43' telescopic fiberglass mast, and how to set it up. https://mfjenterprises.com/products/m... I may make a small commission on purchases made through the following links: Bioenno BLF-1203W: https://amzn.to/3bXsRhP Bioenno BLF-1203AB: https://amzn.to/39OAW74 Bioenno BLF-1206A: https://amzn.to/2XaWQ1L Bioenno 20AH LiFePO4 Battery: https://amzn.to/2XfZPWT Bioenno 12AH LiFePO4 Battery: https://amzn.to/2WHU9kp Lunch box for QRP: https://amzn.to/2xQfbGO Xiegu X5105: https://amzn.to/2U4jrtM Xiegu G90:

10 tips for SOTA & POTA Excursions

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If you're planning for SOTA (Summits On The Air) and POTA (Parks On The Air) operations, you may find these suggestions from Charlie (NJ7V) helpful.  Always go prepared, including extra water, food, and backup communications. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browsers search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evx0MnHO9qo This is post 2365 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments from Charlie: Whether you are new to Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air, or an experienced activator, you should follow these 10 tips to have a safe and enjoyable excursion. In this video I activate Saddle Mountain W7A/AE-023 in the Coconino National Forest K-4428. While doing so I offer 10 tips for you to consider. Twitter: @NJ7V_ Instagram: RedSummitRF Facebook: Red Summit RF Keep this channel AD FREE - Donate: https://www.patreon.com/redsummitrf Obtain a sticker https://redsummitrf.blogspot.com/ Gear Seat Cushion htt

HF-Back-Yard Secret-A Budget Class Antenna System

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Thanks to Peter (G3OJV) for this intriguing look at an end-fed halfwave HF antenna that can fit into a small urban lot or back yard garden.  You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a high-performance antenna for restricted spaces. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcuHTWWOg7c This post 2864 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. Here are some comments about the antenna: 47,063 views • Jan 4, 2022 • Peter Waters G3OJV, give some pointers on how to install a Budget Class HF Antenna System for small Back-Yards. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM)