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Showing posts from April, 2016

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--DX80 HOA Hell stealth setup. Post #762.

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If you're having difficulty viewing this video, please insert this title link into your brower search box: https://youtu.be/0nsomb-V-3s.  Operating in a HOA/CC&R restricted area presents some unique challenges.  Antennas must be "stealthy" (unseen), simple, easily deployed, and quickly taken down if suspicions are raised by your neighbors.  While this stealth installation of a RadioWavz 80 OCF (off center-fed) dipole is a bit complicated, it can be done quite quickly if you plan carefully and avoid prying eyes during the installation phase.  Please note how this radio amateur uses a privacy fence, trees, and property geography to hide this antenna from public view.  Although this antenna arrangement won't beat a 3-element yagi on the bands, it will get you on the air with a decent signal without being seen.  A basic rule applies:  Out of sight, out of mind.  Good luck. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Underground HF Antenna, 40 meter Loop-Survival Podcast. Post #761

Underground HF Antenna, 40 meter Loop--Survival Podcast (https://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=51280.0). Accessed on 30 April 2016, 02:06 hrs, UTC. Reporter:  Carl, "Mr. Ham Tastic." Comment: If you need the ultimate stealth antenna, why not use a subsurface 40 meter loop suggested by the author of this intriguing article?  For a slight sacrifice in receive strength, you can get a reduced noise level plus the added attraction of using an "invisible" antenna.  Carl built a 154-foot/46.95 meter loop and placed in beneath his yard.  The antenna is quiet, nearly invisible, and fairly cheap.  Although you do get a signal that's 2-3 dB below a regular dipole, regular noise is reduced considerably, so the trade-off may be worth pursuing.  Underground antennas have been used for years by the world's major military powers, and there is no reason why you can't discover the benefits of this antenna as well. Other ground-mounted antennas can w

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Ham Radio MARS Counter Poise Ground Saturn Dipole Antenna

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your search box: https://youtu.be/J9a1mAAtSbE.  This easy to understand video from http://www.radiowavz.com shows how adding a simple counterpoise or radial ground system can greatly enhance the quality of an antenna.  A good ground radial system is especially important for vertical antennas, since the radial system supplies "the missing half" of a vertical antenna system.  The intent of the video is to show that radials do make a difference in antenna performance.  I'll cover the "nuts and bolts" of ground radial systems in a future post.  But, for now, this video gives you an indication of just how important a ground radial system is to most antennas.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Backpack amateur radio. Post #759

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/bdCCw0qu5-g.  With the ARRL Field Day set for 25-26 June 2016, it may be a good idea to go "into the field" and test your portable and emergency gear.  Even if you don't join a club for this effort, individual and home stations can enter one of the biggest emergency preparedness exercises of the year.  A little practice beforehand will get "you in shape" for the big event.  Besides, backpacking with amateur radio is fun and educational.  In this well-done video, we see how Simon (2E0CRV) prepares his backpack radio station for a hike "into the field."  His system is simple, efficient, fairly lightweight, and easy to set up in a remote location.  Although Simon is using the versatile Yaesu FT-857D transceiver, you can use what you have available in your shack.  In my case, I use an "oldie, but goodie" from the distan

Solar Panel Charger and 12v Batteries for SHTF Backpacking HF Ham Radio ...

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/VdaX0cSAbVE.  John (KU4JZ), aka "Survivalist2008", wraps up his excellent tutorial on portable backpacking operations with this brief demonstration of the battery, solar panel, and charging system he uses with his ICOM-703 QRP rig in the field.  Most of the components were secured through eBay.  His battery system consists of three AGM Sealed Led Acid Batteries, a 4-stage battery charger, and a 8" X 8" (20.32 cm X 20.32 cm) solar panel. This combination gives John plenty of transmit time using his newly made 80-6 meter OCF Dipole Antenna described in the two previous posts.  While this arrangement may not meet your operating demands, it will give some valuable and inexpensive ideas about powering your amateur radio station for portable or emergency operations.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebar

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--80-6 meter OCF Dipole Antenna for SHTF or Backpacking Part 2

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If you're unable to view this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/H7w-dji-Nv4.  This is part 2, of how to build and use an OCF 80-6 meter Dipole Antenna suitable for portable, emergency, or even for HOA/CC&R-restricted areas. This is post number 757. In this video, "survivalist2008" pays particular attention to the importance of an antenna transmatch to make sure your rig isn't damaged by the high SWRs found on this antenna system.  "Survivalist2008" (John) (KU4JZ) also describes the battery system he uses to operate in the field. John's Off-Center-Fed-Dipole is simple, inexpensive, and highly portable.  After he finishes for the day, John simply winds up the antenna wire on a trout fishing reel.  A nice antenna for portable use.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog's sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de R

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--80-6 meter OCF Dipole Antenna for SHTF or Backpacking Part 1

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/IuXPsKX6nYw.  Here's another simple, inexpensive, and lightweight antenna you can use for emergency, portable, or even home use.  In this video, "survivalist2008" show us just how easy it is to create an effective HF antenna from simple materials.  He says the antenna covers all amateur radio bands between 80 and 6 meters. The antenna is "stealthy" and fits on a trout fishing reel, making it easy to carry to your operating site.  This is part one of a two-part series.  This is post #756.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--EA5ON mobile HF antenna. Post #755.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/1Da43_y_OMw.  Great mobile antenna idea from Duncan (EA5ON).  A simple, cheap, and efficient set up for using your HF rig while you are parked or using your vehicle as a support for a portable station. The equipment list is fairly basic:  a ball mount from Hustler; the 12-foot/3.65 meters extendable whip and screw driver antenna are from MFJ; and the extension mast is from DX Engineering.  You could even use this arrangement as a quasi-stealth antenna in a HOA/CC&R situation.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Deploying my Ham Radio at a Local Park. Post #754.

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If you're having trouble seeing this video, please enter this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/2WICcYCMJHM.  I've always enjoyed portable operations because they get me into the great outdoors, prepare me for emergency communications situations, and provide plenty of practice for the ARRL Field Day event.  In this video from Anthony ("biblesnbarbells"), we see how easy it is to organize, set up, operate, and tear down a fully functional portable amateur radio station.  Anthony selected Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida for his "mini dx-pedition."  His equipment was simple:  A Yaesu FT-817ND transceiver, a MFJ 1910 telescoping mast, an end-fed antenna, a LDG automatic tuner, and a Goal Zero solar power system.  Now's the time to practice for Field Day and have some fun on the side.  Good Luck!  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joini

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--8 Element Log Periodic Yagi(Home Brew). Post #753.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/3mj2n-HOP2g. A great video showing a father (VK2FJC) and his son, Corey (VK2FCOR) making and testing a homebrew 8 element log periodic dipole array.  Corey and his dad salvaged parts from 2 ANT, 4 element 20 meter antennas to make this homebrewed antenna. This video shows the pair testing the newly constructed antenna with a Rigexpert AA-520 antenna analyzer.  The analyzer is doing a sweep from 14 MHz to 30 MHz.  Log periodic antennas are a bit large and heavy for the HF bands, but many radio amateurs have managed to make a few with outstanding results.  Log periodic antennas are also used on VHF and UHF segments of the radio spectrum. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Magnetic Loop Antenna Demonstration. Post #752.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/gc3ITr2swgU.  Thanks to George Becht for this video demonstrating and reviewing a multiband HF magnetic Loop Antenna designed by N2SQ.  The video gives us a good look at the capacitor box, plus some actual contacts on 17, 20, and 15 meters.  The antenna also works on 30 meters.  The coax is RG-8 with a solid Teflon dielectric using only the shield of the coax.  The center conductor is not connected.  The capacitor is a 25-100pf air variable gear type bought for $2.00 at the 2014 Orlando HamCation.  This magnetic loop antenna would be useful in HOA/CC&R controlled homes and apartments, as well as for portable and emergency use.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--ICQPODCAST--Erecting Antennas Released. Post #751,

ICQPODCAST--Erecting Antennas Released (http://www.icqpodcast.com/download-the-show/2016/4/17/icqpodcast-episode-209-erecting-antennas). Accessed on 19 April 2016, 00:24 hrs, UTC. Reporters:  Martin (M1MRB/W9ICQ; Chris (M0TCH); and Colin (M6BOY). The "ICQPODCAST" is one of my favorite programs focusing on amateur radio. Martin, Chris, and Colin do an excellent job of presenting current amateur radio news, various technical topics, and presenting special features of interest to the amateur radio community. In this episode (#209), Martin, Chris, and Colin explore two interesting antenna topics:  Erecting Antennas and how a new radio antenna avoids unwanted signals. In the news section, the program explores the Shakespeare 400 Special Event Station, ARRL's "Youth Net" website, the DSTAR satellite in space, and the accomplishments of K1JT, who was named Amateur of the Year. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Backward Inverted L Antenna. Post #750

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If you're unable to view this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/SOpdXHnzwIA.  Here's another interesting antenna idea from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV)--something he calls a "Backward Inverted L Antenna."  While this antenna is designed primarily for receiving purposes, it can be modified to transmit on all amateur radio bands between 160 to 10 meters.  As with all verticals, a good ground radial or counterpoise system is necessary. I've built a few of these antennas and they work very well on 160 meters and on the MW standard broadcast band.  You can also use this antenna for general short wave listening when your amateur radio activity is done for the day.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--An All Band Loop. Post #749.

An All Band Loop Antenna (http://www.eham.net/articles/36087). Accessed on 17 April 2016, 05:37 hrs, UTC. Author:  Howard Walker (KI4VEO). If you have a large lot and want to experiment with the properties of loop antennas, then this article from Howard Walker (KI4VEO) may be what you need. Since Howard was blessed with several tall trees on his 4-acre property, he decided to string up a full wave loop antenna covering the amateur radio bands between 160 meters and 10 meters.  Howard ended up with a 570-foot/173.78 meters wire loop antenna that brings in plenty of DX during his time on the air. In this article published on eham.net, Howard discusses the construction techniques and the equipment needed to erect this large loop antenna. I've used full wave loop antennas in the past, albeit not as large as Howard's project.  My current 40 meter delta loop is fed with 450 ohm ladder line into an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  This modest antenna does an excelle

Time Zone Converter (Extended Edition). Post #748.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/HDFzizs DCcU. Here's a handy tool you can use in your ham shack to better schedule your DX and net contacts.  I've used this simple guide to set some of the clocks used in my radio room.  A useful gadget.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Homemade dummy load. Post #747.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/Yx5F1jUFySM.  Here's a simple project that you can assemble in your spare time that will help you adjust your transceiver without going on the air and creating needless interference.  A dummy load is a basic piece of equipment that every radio amateur should have in his/her shack.  Although you can buy commercial models, it's more fun and educational to "roll your own."  In this video, "the250rider" shows us how common items around your home and shack can be converted into a practical and cheap dummy load.  The resistor network consists of 8, 100 ohm-1/2 watt 5% tolerance resistors run in a series/parallel circuit.  You can keep the resistor network cool by immersing it in a jar of vegetable oil.  According to "the250rider", this homebrewed dummy load has a measured impedance of 49.8 ohms, close enough for casual use with

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Homebrew 10/20/40m EFHW vertical Antenna "SOTA"

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/29CA_IPyg9M.  Here's a nice, compact and simple end-fed-halfwave vertical antenna suitable for both home and portable use.  2E0VOV does an excellent job of describing both the theory, design, and operation of this antenna, which is based on the "Par Endfedz" multiband QRP antenna.  The UNUN uses a Ft-140-43 core and is fairly simple to build.  the coaxial feed line acts as a counterpoise, so no ground radial system is needed. While this antenna is a compromise, it does an acceptable job on 10/20/40 meters.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).  This is post #746 of a continuing series on Amateur Radio antennas.

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--DELTA Loop. Post #745.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/OD9CU4c_KNY.  The Delta Loop is a simple, easy-to-build, inexpensive, and efficient antenna that is excellent for both receiving and transmitting.  In this video from Simon (M0YKS/2E0HTS), we learn just how easy it is to design, build, and use this full-wavelength antenna.  In this tutorial, Simon builds the antenna for the 20 meter amateur radio band. With an antenna transmatch (i.e. tuner or ATU) and a 1:1 balun, this antenna works fairly well on 17 meters, 15 meters, 12 meters, and even 10 meters. You get 5 bands for the price of 1.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Beverage Antennas. Post #744.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/uriOszFe8i0. An exceptionally well-done video by Ms. Valerie Hotzfeld on the historical background, construction practices, and varieties of Beverage Antennas available to radio amateurs.  Her description of the antenna's inventor, Harold H. Beverage, is particularly good. This antenna is worth considering if you are serious about working the 160 meter band ("Top Band").  As a receiving antenna, the Beverage can't be beat.  Of course, this type of traveling wave antenna requires a lot of space and it's not for everyone.  But once you've used a Beverage Antenna, you won't try any other type of receiving antenna for 160 meters.  I have one installed on my vacation home in the Puna District of Hawaii Island and I find it's a super performer on the MW standard broadcast band as well as on "Top Band." For the latest Amate

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--HAM RADIO BACKYARD SETUP FIELD DAY. Post #743.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/2Mgd06UAHbU.  The ARRL Field Day is coming on the last full weekend of June.  Field Day is an ARRL-sponsored event in which radio amateurs and their clubs set up outdoors to demonstrate the hobby to the public, as well as their capabilities to operate in an emergency.  If you can't join an Amateur Radio Club this year for Field Day, why not run solo at your home or nearby park as a category 1D (commercial mains) or a category 1E (emergency power) station?  I've done this several times and had a good time being in the outdoors.  In this video by "dirtbike5100", we see how simple it is to organize, set up, and operate a portable station for a Field Day event.  The important thing is to have some fun and to test your capabilities to run your amateur radio station under field conditions.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please chec

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Inverted L for 160 meters. Post #742.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter this title link in your browser search box: https://youtu.be/ddbrweVlhCE. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1 GV) shows us how to design an inverted L for 160 meters that will fit in a typical house lot.  Good, basic theory is combined with helpful design and operational tips to create an inexpensive and effective quarter-wave antenna for "Top Band." Don't forget to include a good radial or counterpoise system for this antenna.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Coax and Line Loss Calculator. Post #741.

Coax and Line Loss Calculator   (http://www.arrg.us/pages/Loss-Calc.htm). Accessed on 09 April 2016. Comment: Here is a handy and useful tool for those who want to get the best performing coaxial cable for their antennas.  The site lists a large selection of coaxial cables with varying impedances for your HF and VHF/UHF antenna work.  The calculator also provides an online coax cable loss/Antenna Gain Calculator for further refinement of your antenna system.  Bookmark this website for your reference.  It could come in handy the next time you build an antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Top Band LIQ Mobile Antenna. Post #740.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/j3Eyu8qyMr4.  This antenna designed by Dennis (G3LIQ) (SK) and built by Poul Jensen (G7BTP) and a few of his ham radio friends will get you on the 160 meter band (top band) with a minimum of expense and effort.  Operating "Top Band" is fun, educational, and enlightening, especially when you turn on your mobile rig shortly before sunrise and shortly after sunset.  Grey Line Propagation can be most interesting, even with the relatively low power of most mobile rigs and the highly compromised mobile antennas used on that band.  Top band is excellent for local and regional contacts. Have fun! For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Quad Antenna: Square vs Diamond. Post #739.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsMEZ4ySLFs. This video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the theory, construction, and use of two popular amateur radio quad antennas:  the square and the diamond.  Either configuration, if built carefully, will perform very well on both HF and VHF/UHF amateur radio bands.  A good, basic tutorial.  For more information on this and other antennas from Stan, please visit http://www.sciencewriter.net. For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--GM0SDV Fishing Rod Vertical Antenna with S-match tuner. Post #738.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please enter the title "GM0SDV Fishing Rod Vertical Antenna with S-match tuner" into your browser search box. Interesting and intriguing antenna design from GM0SDV.  He claims this antenna works from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz with a SWR less than 1.15 to 1 on all bands. Unfortunately, he doesn't give many details on this design.  This might be worth trying, if only to see what it does on the air.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--Working the Birds Without Beam Antennas: AO-27. Post #737.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/GF_4jXGXPT4. Here's another way to work low Earth orbit amateur radio satellites such as the AO-27 and the often elusive SO-50.  Sterling Coffey (N0SCE) is using a simple 19 inch/48.26 cm whip with his hand-held VHF amateur radio transceiver.  While the signal isn't strong, he does make contact with the AO-27.  So can you!  Good luck.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--10/15/20m Trap Vertical Antenna, Part 4 of 4. Post #736.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/_Zjv851MNEg.  Here is part 4 of Dave Tadlock's (KG0ZZ) tutorial on how to build a 10/15/20 meter trap vertical antenna.  In this video, Dave assembles and tests the new antenna.  If you've followed Dave's instructions closely, you, too, will have a simple, functional 3-band HF vertical antenna that will give you hours of enjoyment.  Good luck! For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--10/15/20m Trap Vertical Antenna, Part 3 of 4. Post #735.

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If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/1Ff4_4T9RiI.  This is part 3 of a 4 part series from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) on how to make a simple 10/15/20 meter trap vertical antenna.  In this well-produced and detailed segment, Dave show us how to make the 15 meter trap. Dave recommends using a trap calculator for exact measurements.  The traps are made from RG-58 coaxial cable, so be careful on how much power you use with this antenna.  To be on the safe side, keep your power around a 100 watts or less.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Simple Ham Radio Antennas--10/15/20m Trap Vertical Antenna, Part 2 of 4. Post #734

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If you're have trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://youtu.be/SxooXltxolI.  Here's part 2 of Dave Tadlock's (KG0ZZ) 4 part series on how to build a 10/15/20 meter trap vertical antenna.  In this section, Dave shows us how we can attach the coaxial cable to the aluminum tubing.  Just a note on the coaxial traps---Dave uses RG-58 coaxial cable for the traps and notes that this small diameter cable is sufficient for power levels up to 300 watts.  To be on the safe side, keep your power below 100 watts and you should do fine.  For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily.  Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).