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=63zMjG6y2jQ. Here's another simple antenna solution for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted properties (HOAs and CC&Rs).  In this video from "remingtonh", we see how a MFJ-1620T "hamstick", a simple ground radial system, and a small tripod can get you on the air.  The system is portable, easy to set up, and can be disguised by the natural features of your property.  This antenna would make an excellent addition to your emergency "go kit". 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.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast published each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaii

Four-Foot Vertical 20m Magnetic Wire Loop Stealth Antenna (http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=32750). Accessed on 29 June 2017, 20:10 hrs, UTC. Author:  W0QL. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: This unusual 20 meter magnetic wire loop antenna is based on a design by Russell Prack (K5RP), and was originally  published the "ARRL Antenna Compendium, Volume 2", page 39. W0QL made some alterations to Prack's design, making it nearly invisible to neighbors--perfect for stealth operations.  Although the vertical height of this antenna is only 4-feet/1.219 meters, it performs better than most magnetic loop antennas. W0QL includes a variety of documentation, including photographs and comparisons with other types of antennas.  If you live in a deed-restricted property (HOAs and CC&Rs), you may want to consider this antenna for your ham radio activities. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites:

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehjKrJ-TH_w. If you lack the space for a full-sized dipole or vertical antenna for general shortwave or Ham Radio  reception, then this simple, cost effective magnetic loop receiving antenna from "Chappy Happy" may be what you need for your indoor installation.  The antenna is compact in size and is highly directional. Please note the classic Hallicrafters S-38 shortwave receiver used in "Chappy Happy's" tests.  This would be a great weekend project or something to show at your next Amateur Radio club meeting. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. \https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (weekly podcast updated ea

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMchB-bML98. This is post #1172 in a continuing series about Ham Radio Antennas. Here's an experimental end-fed wire antenna that is simple, inexpensive, and stealthy--just right for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted homes and apartments.  Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) began building this antenna as an experiment and ended up with an effective, multiband HF antenna (80-10 meters) that could be used as backup antenna for his regular antennas. In this video, Kevin takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and placement of this end-fed wire antenna.  As explained in the video, you will need an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), a UNUN made from T-50-2 torroids, and a counterpoise/ground radial system to get the maximum efficiency out of this antenna.  All of the key components of the antenna can be confined to the perimeter of your

2-Element Single Mast Wire Beam with 4 Switchable Directions (http://www.eham.net/articles/39030). Accessed on 26 June 2017, 15:00 hrs, UTC. Authors:  Chavdar Levkov, Jr. (LZ1ABC) and Chavdar Levkov (LZ1AQ). Please click link to read the full article. Comment: If you can't erect a tower and a multi-element 20 meter beam on your property, you may want to use this idea from Chavdar Levkov, Jr. (LZ1ABC) and Chavdar Levkov (LZ1AQ).  This 2-element single mast wire beam for 20 meters offers high performance, directivity, and reasonable cost. The Levkov's present an easy-to-understand, thoroughly documented tutorial on the design, construction, and use of this wire antenna.  The Levkov's provide plenty of photos, diagrams, test results, and construction tips to make this project a success. The post is divided into several bite-sized discussions: Antenna description Switcher schematics RF transformers Feeders Control Cable Capacitors Relays Losses Erectio

If you can't watch this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SBGdPMnH-E. You can also insert the post title into your browser search box to bring up the video. If you spend much of your operating time contacting certain sections of the world, you may want to design and build a half square antenna for your favorite band.  I've used half square antennas for 20,15, and 10 meters with good results. At these frequencies, construction of this phased, bidirectional vertical antenna is fairly simple and can be aimed in the direction of your choice.  A theoretical gain of 3dB is possible, making the half square a worthwhile experiment. In this post, Don Johnson (N4DJ) takes the half square a step further by building and using an 80 meter version of this antenna.  In the 80 meter band, this antenna can be quite large, often necessitating extra help in building and aiming the antenna in the preferred direction.  If you&#

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3x_uOzIFJ4. Here's a simple, easy-to-build 40 through 10 meter HF Doublet Antenna made with commonly available parts.  In this video, Craig Sheppard uses 44-feet/13.414 meters of speaker wire, insulators made from milk bottle caps, a fiberglass crappie fishing pole, and a few hiking poles to make a lightweight portable HF antenna suitable for Field Days or any remote location. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (this podcast is updated each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedi

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEDneotW3ko. Here's an interesting, if somewhat complicated antenna worth trying for Field Days or any portable operation dedicated to the 160 meter Amateur Radio Band. In this video from "HAMPREPPER.COM", we see how a few friends prepare a set of helium balloons to support a full 1/4 wavelength 160 meter antenna (around 135 feet/41.158 meters).  This project will take some coordination and excellent weather to make this antenna work.  With propagation favoring the 160, 80, and 40 meter bands this year, you may want to consider a balloon-supported antenna for Field Day, which happens on 24-25 June 2017. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com (becomes https://bigislandarrlnews.com on 25 June 2017

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP9Arp7V9RA. Thanks to Al (VE3RDD) and his fellow hams from the Bernie Amateur Radio Club for this refinement of an old antenna launching technique.  Al has paired a common slingshot with a fishing reel, fishing line, and a sinker to launch a Field Day antenna into nearby trees.  After a little practice, you'll be able to launch antennas into tree cover with few problems.  Be sure to participate in the 2017 ARRL Field Day Emergency Communications Exercise on 24 and 25 June 2017. You don't have to belong to an amateur radio club to take part of the festivities. You can even run a portable ham station from your vehicle or from your own backyard. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm

Random Wire Antennas (http://www.arrl.org/random-wires). Accessed on 21 June 2017, 23:50 hrs, UTC. Please click link or insert title into your browser to read the full article. Comment: Random wire antennas have been around since the dawn of Amateur Radio early in the 20th century.  Properly designed and attached to a suitable ground radial or counterpoise system, a random wire antenna will perform well and give you many contacts on Field Day or any other portable operation. This article from the ARRL, gives you all the information you need to make a simple, inexpensive, and efficient random wire antenna. The best length of a random wire antenna seems to be around 1/4 wavelength of your chosen band.  If you want to operate from 80 through 10 meters, make the wire length to accommodate the 80 meter band (around 135-feet/41.158 meters). For multiband HF use, an antenna "tuner" and a ground radial/counterpoise system are required. According to the ARRL, a counterp

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-MQI2G6uqQhw. A good, basic introduction to HF mobile antennas and their installation from the staff of Waters and Stanton Ham Store in the UK.  Before you commit to HF mobile operation, please review the suggestions given in this video.  If you already have a HF mobile Amateur Radio Station, consider using it in the upcoming ARRL Field Day event. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (podcast updated every Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intellig

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH0RiRHp2Bc. If your amateur radio operations are confined to the inside of your apartment or home governed by deed-restrictions (CC&Rs and HOAs), you may want to consider these MFJ antennas tested by Mark Elzey.  He does a good job of explaining how the MFJ-1661 and the MFJ-1668 work and what can be expected from them inside  your home.  Of course, it would be preferable to mount these antennas outdoors, but they do a reasonably good job inside.  A compromised antenna is better than no antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly news podcast issued each Friday). Other sit

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijIICTN391. Helically-wound antennas can be a lot of fun to design, build, and use.  In this video, Bob (KC4FNE) shows us his home-brew 20 meter rotatable dipole antenna during a presentation before the Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association meeting on 05 February 2014.  The only drawback to these helically-wound antennas is a fairly narrow bandwidth.  I've built a few vertical helix antennas for 40 and 80 meters where vertical space was limited.  All of them performed well, given the narrow bandwidths inherent in the design.  In Bob's design, a ground radial or counterpoise system is not required for operation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio a

If you can't view this video, please enter the title URL into your browser search box--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wBDEYiIsyM. If you're thinking about adding a VHF/UHF station to your 2017 ARRL Field Day site on 24-25 June 2017, you may find this video by "DENMONKEY" useful.  In this video, DENMONKEY assembles his VHF/UHF station using a simple aluminum push up mast, a dual band vertical, and a small dual band yagi beam.  The antenna package is lightweight, easily assembled, and portable. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. htps;//bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (podcast issued each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedi

FCC Part 97 Ham Radio Changes (http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2017/june/fcc-part-97-ham-radio-changes.htm). Accessed on 15 June 2017, 14:30 hrs, UTC. Source:  http://www.southgatearc.org. Please click link or insert title URL into your browser search box to read the full report. Comment: Amateur Radio operators in the United States have waited for almost five years to gain use of the 630 and 2200 meter bands, which were approved by the WRC-12 Conference in Geneva back in 2012. That dream will become fact sometime this summer.  On 14 June 2017, the FCC WRC-12 Implementation Report and Order was published in the Federal Register, making the WRC-12 recommendations part of the rules and regulations governing the Amateur Radio Service in the United States. Here are the main points of the Report and Order: • Part 97 - Allocation of 472–479 kHz and 135.7–137.8 kHz bands to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis. • Part 15 - § 15.113 Power line carrier systems  An electr

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-G9mmLyFh7eY. In my previous post, I mentioned a simple, easily-made fan dipole covering the 40/20 meter Amateur Radio bands.  This antenna was suitable for a small lot and had the potential of spanning several HF bands with the use of an antenna "tuner." Can the same principle be applied for radio amateurs living in deed-restricted homes and apartments (CC&Rs and HOAs)?  According to  Patrick Hock, an attic fan dipole antenna covering the 20 and 40 meter bands can be made if you're willing to install the antenna in an attic and can spend some time pruning the antenna for the best SWR on each band.  Patrick accepted that challenge and built a fan dipole in his attic.  The antenna performs very well, considering the limitations inherent in an attic antenna.  If you have an accessible attic in your housing situation, you may want to try this

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.watch?v=8DMHVCrJZqY. Here's another simple, easily made dipole antenna that covers the 40 and 20 meter Amateur Radio bands.  Separate dipoles for each band are joined at a center connector and fed with the same 50-ohm coaxial feed line.  According to KC2IRV, this antenna will also work on 80 meters with a sturdy antenna "tuner." Fifteen meter operation is also possible using the 3rd harmonic of 7 MHz.  SWR will be slightly higher on 15 meters than 40 meters, but can be controlled with an antenna "tuner."  KC2IRV uses 1-inch/2.54 cm PVC plumbing Tees for insulators.  A cheap, multiband HF antenna that works. For the latest Amateur Radio News and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio ama

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu_YqfE-Ak8. Here's another way to launch a dipole antenna over trees at a Field Day site.  Bob Keys (NA4B) is using a clever "crossbow" design to accurately launch a dipole antenna into tall trees at the 1990 Raleigh Amateur Radio Society Field Day location.  Jeff Wittech (AC4ZO) uses a more traditional bow and arrow to shoot a dipole over the trees.  A slingshot can also be used.  You may find these suggestions helpful during the 2017 ARRL Field Day event, 24-25 June 2017. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (updated every Friday). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for m

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KjDC0sKUus. Nicely done video from Ralph Parkhurst (VK3KQ), showing how he and some friends set up their portable station for the summer 2014 VHF/UHF Field Day near Marysville, Victoria, Australia.  As you can see, a lot of work went into preparing the site, building the antennas on site, and taking care of a few minor problems.  You may be able to use some of the ideas presented in this video for the upcoming 2017 ARRL Field Day event on 24-25 June 2017. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news. Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuzVcfwE28. One of the major problems of using portable antennas is getting them high enough off the ground to do some good, particularly where DX contacts are concerned. In this video from Dr. Bob Heil (K9EID), we get a good discussion of antenna launchers and how they're used to put antennas over high trees or other obstacles. Bob illustrates the general principles of antenna launchers with this new device from Korea. While this device is certainly an improvement over fishing rod launchers and arrows shot over trees, you may find a simple slingshot works well enough for your location.  Whatever launch method you chose, please be mindful of safety and handle all equipment carefully. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https;//bigislandar

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xczCFzEZ1CY. A nice, simple video tutorial from Darrell Steele (VO1MDS) of St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.  In this video, Darrel uses a 16-foot/4.878 meters telescoping aluminium rod, a tapped coil, a coaxial cable feed line, and a simple ground rod to build a vertical antenna covering the 40, 20, 15, and 12 meter Amateur Radio bands.  Bands are selected by changing the tap on the coil. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (updated every Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Gyfb7fivuA. Here's nice, simple antenna made from common audio speaker wire. In this video from K9ARV, we see a simple arrangement that allows for multiband HF operation with a small QRP HF transceiver.  The match box was made by Nelson antenna and is sold on e-Bay.  Note how K9ARV uses available trees to disguise the antenna.  An antenna "tuner" and a suitable ground radial/counterpoise system will enable you to get maximum performance from this basic wire antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (issued each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.c

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgdP8ao71Cc. Interesting video on how to set up and tune a dipole antenna in field conditions. Note the use of 450 ohm ladder line as the antenna feed line, which enables multiband HF use.  While this particular antenna is designed for 40 meter NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) use, it can be used on bands above 40 meters with ladder line and an antenna "tuner."  The 40 meter version of this antenna can be useful up to approximately 300 miles/486 km--great for local and regional contacts. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (issued every Friday). Other sites of interest: http:

If you can't view the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=EXD9rAOM_o4. Here's a simple, easy to build, and low cost L network antenna "tuner" that will maximize the performance of a random wire antenna.  Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) shows us how to use locally available materials to design, build, and use this useful tool for antenna designers.  Kevin's instructions are clear and easy to understand.  Add to this "tuner" a ground radial or counterpoise system and you will have a high performing portable multiband HF antenna.  You may want to enclose this "tuner" in a small metal box to protect it from the weather and to reduce RFI to a minimum. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amat

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=Rfbnt4-xg1g. HF magnetic loop antennas are becoming popular with portable, emergency, and home operations.  Radio amateurs have used these fascinating, man-portable antennas where other antennas aren't practical or desired, especially in deed-restricted homes and apartments governed by HOAs and CC&Rs. In this video, OH8STN field tests the Chameleon P-LOOP magnetic loop antenna in a practical situation with less than friendly weather.  Despite its limited bandwidth, the magnetic loop antenna is small, easily assembled, and completely portable--something to consider if you're hiking into a remote area or forced to erect temporary antennas in less than favorable housing conditions. Considering its limitations, the Chameleon P-LOOP does fairly well outdoors and should be considered a useful standby antenna for your next Field Day or portable oper

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U44aXzD2LB4. If you need a simple, inexpensive, and easy to erect HF antenna for Field Day or any other portable operation, you may want to use this idea from Larry (WD0AKX). Larry says he wanted to experiment with a random length wire in his backyard using QRP power and a portable set up to see what he could do with a minimum of equipment.  You will need an antenna "tuner", a 9:1 unun, and a ground radial/counterpoise system to make the antenna work properly. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (updated every Friday). https://arnewsline.org (script and audio available every Friday).

If you can;t view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM6RGiFkdMM. Here's an interesting multiband HF antenna for Field Day from Edward Bradshaw (W4EDF).  Ed says "free standing" means he isn't using nearby trees to support his portable mast.  Watch Ed as he demonstrates how to assemble and deploy this free standing painter pole fan dipole by himself.  Ed discusses the materials, wire, knots, poles, and guying techniques used in making this antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/audio-news (issued each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiinte

40 Meter Full Wave Loop (http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=29255). Accessed on 01 June 2017, 19:10 hrs, UTC. Author:  Greg Lane (N4KGL) of Panama City, Florida. Please click title or enter title URL into your browser to read the full article. Comment: With propagation favoring the lower HF bands this year (160, 80, and 40 meters), you may want a dedicated antenna for those bands, especially 40 meters where daytime and evening time remain fairly good. In this article, Greg Lane (N4KGL) describes a 40 meter full wave loop he used for his 2013 ARRL Field Day effort in Florida.  His antenna is a diamond-shaped loop using three, 31-foot/9.451 meters Jackite fiberglass poles and his truck to support the structure.  Each loop element was cut for the lower portion of the 40 meter band and measured 36-feet/10.975 meters, for a total length of 144-feet/43.902 meters. Here are some of the antenna details:  I considered feeding it with balanced line but decided to use