Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwXYP4vTOso. If you use a balanced feeder to connect your rig to your antenna system, you'll need this simple S-Match balanced "tuner" for your shack.  The "tuner" will help match the impedance of your antenna to the impedance of your rig, insuring maximum power transfer and lowered SWR. This video does an excellent job of taking you through the design and construction process of this simple balanced tuner.  Although the author of this blog says the "tuner" can handle 100 watts, perhaps you would be more comfortable in using this device at power levels below 30 watts. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast w

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuD2mBZKH0g. Operating a multiband HF antenna covering 160 through 10 meters on a city lot can be quite a challenge.  In this video, Steve Ellington (N4LQ) shows us how a modified inverted L antenna, a counterpoise system, and a wide range antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") can simplify your task. Steve says he used 100-feet/30.48 meters of wire for the inverted L, a counterpoise system, and a MFJ-998 antenna "tuner" to get 160 meter to 10 meter coverage.  Hopefully, some of Steve's suggestions can help you get on 160 meters without too much difficulty. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday)

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWsX_TTbCv8. Here's a simple, effect portable antenna suitable for field operations and emergency work.  The antenna is ultra simple, using commonly available PVC pipe for supports, surplus wire for a radial ground system, and a steel whip from an electrical supply store or online from a variety of amateur radio outlets.  As configured in this video, this whip can be used on 20, 17, 15, and 10 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com). Hawaii

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWZKKWumcY. An excellent, informative video tutorial on how to tune a magnetic loop antenna. In this case, the mag loop is the LNR Precision Loop, which has a tuning control built in at the base of the loop.  This loop is based on a design by W4OP.  This mag loop allows adjustments of the coupling loop which is critical for magnetic loop antenna design. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com) Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6vI4nZMemM. The G5RV antenna is based on a design from Louis Varney (G5RV)(SK).  Originally, the antenna was made as a 3/2 wavelength antenna for the 20 meter band.  Over the years,  radio amateurs have modified the feed arrangement to allow operation on several bands, including 40, 20, and 10 meters.  Used with balanced feed line a 4:1 current balun, and a sturdy antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), the G5RV can work other bands such as 15 meters. In this video, "kloxieman" shows us how he installed the G5RV as an inverted V using a 30-ft/9.146 meters fishing pole as the support structure.  His use of a balanced feed line, a current balun, and an antenna "tuner" gives this G5RV excellent performance on the 40, 20, and 10 meter bands. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6i2ZoT_P_8. An excellent video from Dan Vanenehovnen on the basic grounding principles employed in mobile operations.  Dan explains how chassis grounding, earth grounding, and signal grounding effect the efficiency of your mobile rig.  A good introduction to mobile HF grounding basics for those of us who wish to operate from our vehicles. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com). Hawa

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvY6CxYNvhY. The Hustler 6ATV is an exceptionally well-made vertical antenna, but, in its original condition, doesn't cover the popular 12 and 17 meter amateur radio bands. In this video, K5ACL ("Signal Search") shows us how he modified the 6ATV to operate on 12 and 17 meters without affecting the other HF bands. All you have to do is follow K5ACL's step-by-step procedure and trim/adjust to obtain a low SWR.  The estimated cost of this modification is approximately $8.00 (USD). For more information, visit https://k5acl.net. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weeklypodcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinfo

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYbkVhsSBY. Thanks to Adrian ("One Time Pad") for this excellent video tutorial on how to design and build a doublet antenna.  If you have doubts about your ability to make or erect this antenna, please ask for help from your local amateur radio club.  The project will go much safer and quicker with the help of friends. Adrian has supplied a full list of components and materials for this basic HF antenna: "Antenna Components: Copper wire for radiating element (I used multi –strand Flexweave) Ladder line/Open wire/Ribbon (I used 300Ω ribbon because its neater) x3 eye bolts with associated nuts as washers x1 straight wastewater pipe connector x2 access plugs for above wastewater pipe connector x2 wing nuts and bolts x2 Dog bone Isolators (to isolate end of each antenna leg) x1 spool Rosin core solder (i.e. solder with embedded flux) Cable

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://youtube.com/watch?v=RVKRnQmrx3k. If you want a simple, effective, and inexpensive antenna for the 40 and 20 meter amateur radio bands, then this video by RC286 is for you.  This video documentary covers the theory, design, construction, and use of this two-band HF antenna.  Dipole antennas can do an excellent job if they are mounted high enough and clear from obstructions. Even if you can only support an inverted Vee dipole antenna on a single mast, you will still get good results.  Make one of these antennas for portable or emergency use.  This two band HF dipole antenna can also serve as a "backup antenna" in case your current antenna is disabled. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/ar

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39KyjSzw31I. For those of you who have some space in your backyard, a random loop antenna can offer some interesting possibilities.  When I was upgrading my new home in the Puna District of Hawaii Island a few years ago, I erected a 540-ft/164.53 meters horizontal loop on my property's spacious backyard, thanks to some 30-ft/9.146 meters Norfolk Pine Trees around the lot. The antenna generally followed the guidelines outlined in this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV). The key components of this experimental antenna were a balanced "tuner" (or a 4:1 balun/"tuner" combination), balanced feed line, and a good ground system for your station.  In my case, I used some speaker wire left over from a radio station news room renovation (I was working as a news announcer at the time for KHLO-AM 850/KKBG-FM (97.9 MHz), a roll of 300-ohm televisi

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84F4UgSWmQo. If you're a newly licensed Technician Class Amateur Radio operator, there's an exciting world of DX awaiting you in the 10-meter band.  Technicians can use a small segment of the band for SSB contacts as well as CW portions of the 80, 40, 15, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  Although propagation doesn't always favor 10 meters, there are times when the band is open throughout the world.  Why not build a simple 10 meter dipole antenna to catch those openings? In this video, Randy Hall (K7AGE) shows you how to make an effective, inexpensive, and sturdy 10 meter dipole antenna.  Just follow Randy's step-by-step process, and you'll have a 10 meter dipole ready for use in only a few hours. Randy's instructions are clear and easily followed.  Good luck. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JawIvGu2DYU. End fed random length longwire antennas can perform remarkably well if you have a decent ground radial/counterpoise system and a way to match the antenna's high impedance to your rigs nominal 50 ohm input. In this video, "Signal Search" shows us how to match this antenna to your rig's input impedance with a simple 9:1 balun.  The balun is based on a design from the Emergency Radio Club of Hawaii (EARCHI).  This excellent video takes us step-by-step through the design, building, and use phases of this useful balun. Once the balun is built and connected to your antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), you should be able to use your longwire antenna on any amateur radio band from 40 meters through 6 meters.  For more information, please visit this website: http://www.k5acl.net. For the latest Amateur Radio news and info

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGSvI5Cgn8. If you've ever wanted to build an inexpensive, sturdy, and simple antenna for the 6 Meter Amateur Radio Band, then this video is for you.  Most of the parts can be found around your shack, at garage sales. and in the bins at your nearest home improvement or hardware store.  "Dafrogtoad" takes you step-by-step in converting an old VHF/UHF television antenna into a fully functioning 6 Meter Dipole Antenna--a great project that will save money and deliver good performance on "The Magic Band." For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Rad

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li-OqrAzbZ8. Operating an amateur radio station from deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs) can be a difficult, often frustrating experience. Yet, with a little ingenuity and creativity, a decent HF signal can be launched from your restricted home, apartment, or condominium location. In this video from N4CPB ("videosbymike"), we see how the popular Alpha Multiband HF Antenna can be used for amateur radio operations from a severely restricted space--in this case, Mike's Florida condominium unit. Mike's operating conditions aren't ideal. Please note that about 10-feet/3.048 meters of his antenna are blocked by the outdoor patio wall of his apartment.  Despite the restrictions, Mike is able to get some good contacts with this Alpha Multiband HF Antenna.  If you don't own one of these antennas, try making a small magnetic loop antenna

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT1kSQjQIkM. Do you want a multi-band HF antenna, but don't have an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to keep SWR low as you select your favorite band? Then, a multi-band HF "Fan Dipole Antenna" may be what you're looking for.  The antenna consists of dipoles for each band connected to a single 50 ohm coaxial cable feedline.  In this video, Cory (N0ECK) and Alex (KD0YNH) take us step-by-step in designing, building, and using this simple, effective HF antenna.  According to Alex and  Cory, this antenna will work well on 80, 40, 20, and 15 meters without an antenna "tuner".  Be sure there is separation between the dipoles to reduce signal cancellation.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarr

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcRuJvPEPrU. If you've ever wondered what the 6 meter band holds for you, then check out this informative and laid back video from "Ham Radio Concepts" (KJ4YZI). The idea for this video came from a recent ARRL VHF contest which encouraged KJ4YZI to investigate the nature and challenges of "The Magic Band." The "magic" of 6 meters lies in its borderline location between HF and VHF, with the band showing characteristics of both HF and VHF.  Antenna requirements are modest, with a simple vertical or horizontal dipole offering plenty of contacts. KJ4YZI does an excellent job of explaining the theory, operations, antennas, and equipment needed to work this slice of the radio spectrum.  As an added feature, you get the antics of Sophie, the official mascot of KJ4YZI's ham shack. If you want a challenge in this time of

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrvgcxVqwng. Another excellent video tutorial from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave reviews the basics of building HF/VHF cubical quad antennas. His presentation is clear, concise, and helpful. Dave does a good job of explaining the theory, construction, and operation of cubical quad antennas in a variety of operating environments. He also reviews the formulas used in calculating dimensions and spacings between elements.  Although cubical quads have been used extensively on the VHF/UHF amateur radio bands, they can also be found on some of the HF bands, including, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters.  On lower HF bands (i.e. 40, 80, and 160 meters), quads tend to be quite large and bit unwieldy. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw1rz0CVn90. In this video, Julian (OH8STN) does an outstanding job of building two man-portable magnetic loop antennas which can complement your "Go Kit" or backup antenna system.  The video supplies specifications for two different antennas, based on the Chameleon Magnetic Loop Antenna.  Either of these antennas can be used in portable or emergency situations, where space and weight are considerations. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com)

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnWkbiD79c. Operating on 160 meters from a deed-restricted home, apartment, or condominium unit can be a difficult challenge.  You can still pursue contacts in "The Gentlemen's Band" if you use some creativity and willingness to experiment with the materials you have on hand. In this video from "Ham Prepper", we see how a "junk bin special" can get you on 160 meters without nosey neighbors reporting you to the "housing police." In this case, "Ham Prepper" used some 300 ohm television twin lead, a MFJ-989c antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a quarter wave length of wire for 160 meters to get on the air.  Although this antenna could be improved considerably with a better ground radial or counterpoise system, it does work.  You do what you can with what you have around you.  This video s

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgdP8ao71Cc. Here's another great idea for a temporary portable or emergency HF antenna designed for field use.  In this video, GUERRILLACOM designs, builds, and operates an effective NVIS (near vertical incidence skywave) dipole antenna. NVIS antennas are effective omnidirectional antennas that can cover local, state, and regional communications requirements.  This type of low-level dipole antenna is perfect for local nets, roundtables, and "rag chews."  Just design the antenna for the lowest HF band of use, feed the antenna with balanced line, attach a 1:1 or 4:1 current balun, run 50 ohm coaxial cable from the balun to your antenna "tuner", and you're ready to go. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan

ZS6BKW Antenna (https://w2lj.blogspot.com/2017/hmmmmmmmm.html). Author:  W2LJ. Accessed on 20 November 2017, 0125 UTC. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: The G5RV antenna and it variants are great tools for antenna experiments.  One of the more popular G5RV dipole antennas is the ZS6BKW, which is an optimized G5RV covering the 10, 12, 17, 20, and 40 meter amateur radio bands without the need for an antenna "tuner".  The 6, 15, 30, and 80 meter amateur radio bands can be worked with an antenna "tuner" with some loss of performance and efficiency. In this post by W2LJ, we see a preliminary design that will cover the 10,12, 17, 20, and 40 meter amateur radio bands without a "tuner".  All specifications are given, including total antenna length, the length of the 450 ohm matching section, the type of choke or current balun required, and the approximate lenght of 50 ohm coaxial cable n