Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Here's one of the most fun and enjoyable antenna tutorials on the internet.  Thanks to Mike (K8MRD) and his friends, we find that almost anything metal can be used as a ham radio antenna...even a pair of crutches and an empty liquor bottle. If you like to experiment with unusual, "offbeat" antenna ideas, then this video is for you. Most of these antennas actually work.  So the next time you need an antenna for some emergency or field operation, just let your imagination run wild.  An excellent presentation. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdshC5S_wsE Here are a few comments from Mike (K8MRD): We team up to make the most absurd antennas we could think of at the Ham Radio Adventures PacBeach Meetup 2022. Which one will win?? Find out in this WSPR Challenge. Become a member of Ham Radio Adventures here: https://hamradioadventures.com Consider becoming a Patron @ https://www.patreo

One of the true joys of Amateur Radio is experimenting with antenna designs. In this video from Callum (M0MCX), we see a prototype of a new 40m/20m vertical antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2v76wkFXk Here are some comments from Callum (M0MCX: This is the 40m / 20m special design I'm testing out. It's 6.5m long (only) and has a 35uH coil at around 5.5m. Resonates on 20m and 40m. Let's try it out! Callum. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Peter Waters (G3OJV) describes the "Back Yard Secret HF Antenna" that can fit into a small urban lot.  Peter's design is a modified end-fed wire antenna using a 49:1 UnUn and a good ground radial system. Peter's antenna is configured as an inverted "L". The antenna is simple, effective, and capable of working several Amateur Radio HF bands. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcuHTWWOg7c. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Bret of the "SurvivalComms" video channel for this easy-to-make ZS6BKW multiband HF antenna.  The antenna is a variant of the popular G5RV HF antenna. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlEN4U8zlpw. Here are some comments from Bret: Short video on constructing an HF Multiband wire antenna - The ZS6BKW. It is a variation of the G5RV . #survivalcomms #survivalantennas ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Tim (G5TM) for this excellent discussion of the Rybakov Antenna, an antenna well suited for both home and field use. Tim explains the theory and practical applications for this antenna which can be made with locally available materials. The "classic" Rybakov Vertical Antenna configuration calls for  7.6-8.0 meters/25-26 feet of wire supported by a flexible fiberglass mast and fed through a 4:1 UnUn.   Tim takes us through the design, building, and testing parameters of this useful, inexpensive vertical antenna. ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you need a compact, easy-to-make vertical HF antenna with no radials, then this "Coastal 20" antenna design from Walt (K4OGO) may be of interest to you.  The antenna covers all Amateur Radio Bands between 20 meters and 10 meters. The antenna can be used at both your home station and "in the field." If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkrTJk9pXKk Here are some comments from Walt (K4OGO): Going portable with the easy to build “Coastal 20” vertical no-radial multiband HF antenna for 20 through 10 meters #hamradio #hamradioantenna #verticalantenna ----- Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  

Thanks to Callum (M0MCX) for this excellent, easily understood discussion of vertical antennas and their radial systems.  A good ground radial or counterpoise system is necessary to realize the full potential of a vertical antenna.  Radial systems can be at ground level or even elevated to maximize the potential of  your vertical antenna. Callum explores both the theoretical and practical implications of ground radial systems, and shows us how to make these vital antenna accessories. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdqFyWGOOQE Here are some comments from Callum (M0MCX): So many permutations BUT there IS science hidden behind the myths. Allow me to untangle this in just a few minutes. Here's the link I mentioned:     • 12 Volts, 6 Men a...   Here's the radial pins: https://www.m0mcx.co.uk/store/product... More videos: ▶️     • Antenna Modelling   Antenna Modelling ▶️     • Tips and