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Showing posts from July, 2017

Making and Using a Simple 40-m Dipole (#86). Post #1206.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLUrVnnQUI. I always enjoy the "laid back" and relaxing manner in which Dave Casler presents his video tutorials. This one is no exception. In this video, Dave explains how to make and use a simple 40-meter dipole antenna from commonly available parts around your shack or home. Other materials can be found at the nearest building supply or hardware store.  In this case, Dave was able to make this antenna at no cost, thanks to the materials he had in his home. This is a classic case of time vs. money.  If you're willing to spend a few hours of free time making this antenna, you'll save money and have a lot of fun at the end of your labors. 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.

Emergency Shack Setup. Post #1205.

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If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-JnKjPIOI7Tg. Every radio amateur should have an emergency backup system in his/her shack. In this video from Joe Lalumia ("Telescope Man"), we see a simple arrangement of spare equipment that allows emergency operation when natural or human-made disaster strikes. Radios in use are a Kenwood 281 for 2 meters, an ICOM-7200 for HF, and a handheld Uniden scanner receiver for monitoring the public service bands.  Joe's antennas include a Buddipole, MFJ hamsticks for various HF bands, an Alpha-Delta DXCC, a QSO King, and a dual band cushcraft 270.  Perhaps this video will encourage you to create your own backup system in your radio room. 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://ww

Building a Portable 6-el. VHF 2m Yagi-Uda Antenna.. Post #1204.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6quIk_X3QIE. "Radio Prepper" does an excellent job of taking us through the design, construction, and use of a simple 6-element Yagi-Uda antenna for the 2 meter Amateur Radio band.  The original design can be found at this website: https://m0ukd.com/homebrew/antennas/144mhz-2m-portable-yagi-vhf-beam-antenna. This antenna can be used at your home station or for portable or emergency operations.  If you have difficulty reaching a repeater in your area, this antenna can help resolve that issue.  Depending on how you orient the antenna (horizontal or vertical), you can use this yagi for 2 meter SSB contacts, which tend to favor horizontal polarization. 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

Ham Radio Go Kit v2.0 [EMCOMM]. Post #1203.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmnUiyH0eI. Here's another great and instructive video tutorial from Julian (OH8STN), whose "Survival Tech Nord" website provides a treasure trove of practical ideas and projects for the radio amateur. In this video, Julian shows us his Ham Radio Go-Kit, something that all radio amateurs should have in case of emergencies.  Julian's Go-Kit is built around the popular Yaesu-817ND qrp transceiver and the Chameleon Antenna MPAS (modular portable antenna system).  This portable ham radio station is great for training, emergency communications, and just plain radio fun in the great outdoors. For the latest Amateru Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://arrl.org. http://arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast updated

Ham Radio via Bicycle Mobile on 6m with IC703. Post #1202.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tknnqTC-7A. Bicycle mobile is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors and get on the air at the same time.  In this video, Steve (WG0AT), sometimes known as "The Old Goat", equips his mountain bike with a battery, a 6 meter Buddipole antenna, and an old IC-703 QRP rig.  The video shows some fascinating contacts on the road, including Randy (K7TQ) in Moscow, Idaho operating pedestrian mobile. Perhaps you may want to try this form of mobile Amateur Radio. 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 update each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https:/

RF and Antenna Basics in 802 11. Post#1201.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyr_u8Zfw2U. This video tutorial from Hank Ottey does an excellent job of explaining RF and Antenna Basics as they apply to 802.11 wireless systems. The tutorial covers two broad areas: Aspects of Antennas (gain and signal speed; reciprocity; range; and mounting). Enemies of Signal Quality (multipath; obstructions; Fresnel Zones; and weather). Each section is well-illustrated with graphs, photos, and other data. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: 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 updated every Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https://paper.li/f-1476233615 (Hawaii Science Digest)

HF J-Pole. Post #1200.

HF J-Pole (http://www.eham.net/articles/39180). Accessed on 25 July 2017, 20:00 hrs, UTC. Author:  Mike Higgins (K6AER). Please enter link into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: Most radio amateurs are acquainted with the J-Pole antenna, which finds a ready application for our shared VHF/UHF bands.  The antenna is simple, easy to make with commonly available materials, and provides a modest amount of gain. In this post, Mike Higgins (K6AER) describes the HF version of the J-Pole antenna scaled for both 20 and 40 meters. He briefly describes how the antenna is designed and built: "There is nothing special about a J pole, it is an end fed ½ wavelength vertical radiator that needs no radials. Just like its 2-meter brother but on 20 meters it is ten times larger. The bottom ¼ matching section is fed with 50-ohm coax. Bottom of the antenna is shorted and the coax attaches at the 50 ohm point in the matching transformer. The higher the attach poi

Ham Radio Tower Climbing Safety. Post #1199

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as3brjn_-X4. During my career in commercial broadcasting, I've climbed enough towers to last a lifetime. The fact that I'm still alive to discuss such things is a tribute to my training, the use of certified safety equipment, pre-planning, and plenty of help on the ground. In this video from Valerie Hotzfeld, we learn how to climb ham radio towers safely. The emphasis of this video is on planning, safety equipment, and adequate ground support.  Don't take shortcuts when you climb towers.  Just take your time and work slowly. 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 updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353

Amateur Radio Bicycle Mobile setup. Post #1198.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zWb-KnkGdY. Not all mobile operations can be run from your vehicle.  How about mounting a simple 5/8 wavelength Larson VHF magnetic mount antenna on your bicycle and using a HT to contact fellow radio amateurs on 2 meters while you cruise around the neighborhood?  "Taverned" has just done that with a simple 2 meter mobile antenna arrangement on his mountain bike. When you've finished your run, you can park the bike at a public park and operate portable from a bench or picnic table.  A very simple, effective operation--plus you get exercise and some fresh air at the same time. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: 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 updated on Friday

Solo antenna mast erecting - Ham Radio know how. Post #1197.

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If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=T10k1NIJO2A. Placing your ham radio antenna atop a mast can really boost your your antenna performance, especially if you're using a small yagi beam. In this video, "ColdMoon" shows how he erected a mast by himself using 3 guy lines and a fiberglass pole.  While this arrangement works, it may be safer to have a friend help you, in case there is a problem. 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 updated every Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https://paper.li/f-1476233615 (Hawaii Science Digest). https://hawaiiintellilgencedigest.com (trends i

New Portable Antenna Covers 60m Band. Post #1196.

New Portable Antenna Covers 60m Band (http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/band-hopper-iii-three-band-linked-dipole). Accessed on 21July 2017, 20:30 hrs, UTC. Source:  www.sotabeams.co.uk. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Now that the 60 meter band (5 kHz) is available in many countries, SOTABeams is now producing a version of its popular Band- Hopper Antennas to include 60 meters.  According to SOTABEAMS, the "Midi-Hopper" is a full-sized antenna that covers 60 meters, 40 meters, and 20 meters.  The antenna includes a balun, feeder, and guying for a 7 meter/22.96-foot telescoping mast. For more information on this new antenna, please contact SOTABEAMS at the URL listed at the top of the article. 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 updated

My Isotron 10 Meter Ham Radio Antenna. Post #1195.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxskjoxWi1A. If you want to experiment with an unusual antenna design, try the Isotron 10 Meter Ham Radio Antenna.  In this post from "videosbymike" we see how this antenna is built and what it can do when propagation favors the 10 meter band. Mike unpacked the box, quickly set up the antenna, and made some solid contacts to Santiago, Chile and Puerto Rico from his porch approximately 20-feet/6.097 meters above ground.  The rig used for the antenna test was an old Radio Shack HTX-10 running 25 watts from solar panels.  Isotron also makes antennas for 160, 80, 40, 20, and 15 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 updated eac

2E0WMG Vertical Antenna Building. Post #1194.

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If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiHKFAdu18U. You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to get your HF rig on the air.  In this video from Kevan (2E0WMG), we see how a few feet/meters of wire, a fiberglass telescoping pole, and a simple ground radial/counterpoise system can provide an easy entry into the HF band of your choice.  The use of an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") will give you some flexibility and better control over the SWR you'll experience on this antenna.  This easy to make vertical antenna can be used at your home or in the field for portable or emergency operations. 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 updated each Friday afternoon).

15M EXTENDED DOUBLE ZEPP ANTENNA BUILD.mp4. Post #1193.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIoLbe968Cg. Here's an antenna project that could get you some additional gain and directivity on the HF band of your choice.  Because of size considerations, BYRONLOCAL decided to design, build, and use a 15 meter extended double zepp antenna for his ham station. The extended double zepp is a collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase.  This video provides an excellent overview of the theory and construction practices used to build this antenna. Applicable formulas and scale drawings are provided to guide you in the construction of this antenna. 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 updated each Friday). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/143028935

QRO Balun 9:1 Unun for Slopper Antenna Long Wire Dipole Field Day Ham Ra...

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYhhm2cIHiM. This is post # 1192 in a continuing series of simple ham radio antennas. The secret to an efficient and safe long wire antenna is a sturdy 9:1 Unun combined with a ground radial/counterpoise system. In this video, Victor Ivanoff describes the 9:1 Unun he used  with a "sloper antenna long wire dipole" during the 2016 ARRL Field Day. You can find more information on this Unun at this website:  http://transverters-store.com. 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 updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https://paper.li/f-14762

Ultimax Stealth Antenna. Post #1191.

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If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-iP4rIcbTk. Here's an antenna that literally is "for the birds."According to Rich Rodgers, the Ultimax 53-ft/16.158 meter antenna serves a dual purpose of a stealth antenna and a guy wire to support an elevated bird's nest.  Roger says his antenna works on all amateur radio bands from 160 to 6 meters and can handle 2 KW of output power. 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 Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence, strategic forecasting, politics, terrorism,

Stealthy end fed vertical. Post #1190.

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If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSIJO9r68I. Don't let HOAs and CC&Rs stop you from enjoying Amateur Radio.  With a bit of imagination, some speaker wire, a 9:1 UNUN balun, and an antenna "tuner", you can get on the air just like KK6FUT does. KK6FUT uses 14.5 feet/4.42 meters of #22 speaker wire running into a tree in his front yard.  The 9:1 UNUN is based on a design from the Emergency Radio Club of Honolulu (EARC) and does a good job of matching KK6FUT's rig to the relatively short wire antenna.  According to KK6FUT, the best performance can be found on 15 and 10 meters, although contacts can be made on 40, 30, 20, and 17 meters.  You may have to add a few feet/meters to make the antenna more efficient on 40, 30, 20, and 17 meters.  A simple ground radial/counterpoise system will keep rfi out of your shack.  A compromise antenna is better than no antenna. For the

Portable HAM Radio Antenna. Post #1189.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsrgGy_JhpY. A portable HF/VHF station doesn't have to be complicated. In this video from USNERDOC (KF7ETX), a few "Long Arm Painter's Poles", some inexpensive wire, an antenna "tuner", a few batteries, and a small HF/VHF transceiver will get you on the air.  This video shows the perfect "antenna weather"-- wet, rainy, and a bit chilly. Despite the poor conditions, KF7ETX easily sets up his station and makes a few contacts. Most of the antenna materials can be found at the nearest home improvement or building supply outlet. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: 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 updated each Friday). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/

Homemade HDTV Antenna ( Awesome! ) Stealth Hawk Antenna. Post #1188.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRZPsBMItx0. Here's a cheap, simple HDTV antenna that will pull in signals from both local and distant stations (up to 50 miles/81 km). There's no need to buy an expensive commercial product if you're willing to spend a few hours designing and building your own HDTV antenna.  The antenna can be scaled to VHF/UHF Amateur Radio frequencies if you desire.  According to the video's author, this antenna was attached to a mast and raised 23-feet/7.01 meters off the ground. He was able to receive 42 local channels in addition to a handful of stations 50 miles/81 km away from his home.  The antenna can be used indoors if necessary to comply with property deed restrictions (HOAs and CC&Rs).  The estimated cost of the antenna using locally available materials was around $12.00. You can find design details at this website: https://www.digitalhome.c

Magnetic Loop Great HF Apartment Antenna. Post #1187.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuakP-C6NTM. Here's another magnetic HF loop antenna for those living in deed-restricted housing (HOAs/CC&Rs). Most of the materials used in these loops can be bought at the nearest building supply or home improvement outlet.  The toughest part of the project is the careful bending of the copper pipe used to make the loops. Generally, a nicely done video from the "North Carolina Prepper."  Please note the beautiful ICOM-IC-7000 used for the test. "North Carolina Prepper" has suggested two websites to help you design, build, and use this magnetic loop antenna: http://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/frank_radio_antenna_magloop.htm http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/small_tx_loop_calc.aspx. For the latest in Amateur news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com

160m inverted L. Post #1186.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqsfQngkpmM. Now that 160 meters and other low HF bands (80 meters and 40 meters) are becoming more popular because of the approaching solar minimum, you may want to design, build, and use an antenna specifically dedicated for "The Gentlemen's Band (160 meters)."  Erecting such an antenna, even for a 1/4 wavelength vertical, involves some serious height and space requirements (135 ft/41.15 meters). You can reduce the length and height requirements by building an inverted L antenna for this band, where the wire is partially vertical and partially horizontal.  In this video, Stephen Desmarais has done just that and has managed to squeeze in a 160 meter antenna using his back yard.  Stephen also includes a "tuning box" and a ground radial/counterpoise system to make the antenna more efficient and to reduce rfi in the shack. For the lat

Ham Radio-80 160 meter magnetic loop transmitting antenna.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3oP6VAG3gs. Here's an intriguing way to get on 160 and 80 meters with a stealthy magnetic loop antenna.  In this video, Kevin Loughin builds, erects, and uses a 6-foot/1.829 meter diameter magnetic loop for 80 and 160 meters.  As Kevin relates, " I create a two-turn loop to get down to 160 and it works quite well. I checked into a local 160 meter net and 4 out of 5 stated they could hear me." The loop is made from copper tubing and uses a 20 pf to 700 pf capacitor with about a 1 mm spacing to tune the antenna.  Kevin says "I've pushed it to 40 watts without an arc." 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. htt

Super Expedient Stealth 160 Meter Antenna. Post #1184.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnWkbiD79c. As the sun nears solar minimum, the lower HF bands (160, 80, and 40 meters) are showing their DX potential.  Perhaps it's time to build, erect, and use an antenna dedicated to 160 Meters--the "gentlemen's band."  If you live in a deed-restricted property governed by CC&Rs or HOAs, putting up an outside antenna for any ham radio band can be a challenge, especially if you want to experiment with the 160 Meter Band.  In this video, "Ham Prepper" uses his imagination to erect what he calls a "super expedient stealth 160 Meter Antenna." Thanks to 300 ohm twin lead and a MFJ-989C antenna "tuner", he can work any Amateur Radio HF band from 160 to 10 meters.  Granted, he may only have a NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antenna, but he'll be able to contact fellow hams up to 300 miles/486 km fr

HF Mobile Loop Antenna. Post #1183.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIvwXNuK7RA. Here's a fascinating HF mobile loop antenna that can be used in your vehicle, inside your home, or at a portable field operation.  Timothy Drager (W3UE) has done an excellent job of explaining how this unique antenna works and how to assemble, use, and modify the antenna.  Tim claims this mobile HF loop has about 6% efficiency, compared to a "screwdriver" mobile whip antenna which is around 2% efficient.  There appears to be little interaction between the copper pipe loop and the metal roof of his vehicle. An intriguing antenna worth considering. 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-

Building a 6m antenna. Post #1182.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBGSvI5Cgn8. You don't have to spend a lot of money and time building a simple 6 meter dipole antenna.  As "dafrogtoad" points out in his video, a surplus VHF/UHF outdoor television antenna in good shape can provide a good supply of aluminum and other parts for an efficient, inexpensive 6 meter antenna.  You might be able to salvage some more aluminum pieces for a 2 meter or 70 cm antenna after this project is done.  By investing a little time and securing a few pieces of locally available hardware, you can explore "the magic band" at minimum cost. 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-au

My Vertical Loop Antenna for 80 Meters. Post#1181.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01SePX-NPrw. Now that propagation is favoring the lower HF bands (160, 80, and 40 meters), you may want to design and build an antenna specifically designed for one of those bands.  In this video, "Lockemeister" chose a full-wavelength vertical loop for 80 meters, getting the best SWR on 3.913 MHz.  He can cover most of the band with his MFJ-Versa II antenna "tuner."  Fortunately, Lockemeister had a sufficiently large yard to contain this antenna.  A full-wavelength loop makes an excellent NVIS (near vertical incident skywave) antenna capable of reaching out to approximately 300 miles/486 km on 80 meters--perfect for working local, state, and regional contacts.  Multiband coverage is possible by feeding the antenna with 450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or 600 ohm balanced line in conjunction with a 4:1 balun and an anten

Amateur Radio Antenna Length Chart VE3ELB.ham-radio.ch. Post #1180.

Amateur Radio Antenna Length Chart VE3ELB ham-radio.ch (http://ve3elb.ham-radio.ch/antenna%20chart.html). Accessed on 05 July 2017, 16:00 hrs, UTC). Author:  VE3ELB. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: I ran across this intriguing chart and its attached antenna information while I was searching for new antenna ideas.  By itself, the antenna length chart is a "keeper", but the additional data supplied by VE3ELB is a wonderful bonus, especially for newly radio amateurs. VE3ELB's package includes: A useful Amateur Radio Antenna Length Chart. Simple Wire Antennas that work (dipole, inverted vee, full wave loop, and a basic ground plane). The  W5GI multi-band mystery antenna. Standard Dipole Construction. You may want to keep this article in your file in case you want to build a simple, effective antenna in a short period of time. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info.

472 kHz-George Smart-M1GEO. Post #1179.

472 kHz-George Smart-M1GEO (https://www.george-smart.co.uk/radio/472_khz/). Please click link to read the full article. Accessed on 04 July 2017, 20:55 hrs, UTC. Author:  Dr. George Smart (M1GEO). Comment: Once the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approves the FCC's Report & Order for the 630 meter band, radio amateurs in the United States will be able to use frequencies between 472 kHz and 479 kHz, subject to various restrictions on antennas and power. The FCC Report & Order also covers operations in the 2200 meter band (137 kHz). If you're curious about what the new band means for radio amateurs and the type of equipment needed to get on 630 meters, then this simple tutorial from Dr. George Smart (M1GEO) will help you get started. The report is divided into four separate pages, each with supporting photos, graphs, reception reports, and other operating data: 472 kHz antennas 472 kHz receive preamp 472 kHz transverter 472 kHz transmitter Dr. Sm

Five Band Indoor Magnetic Loop Aerial by G4IZH. Post #1178.

Five Band Indoor Magnetic Loop Aerial by G4IZH (http://qrz.com/five-band-indoor-magnetic-loop-aerial-by-g4izh/). Accessed on 03 July 2017, 21:50 hrs, UTC. Author:  G4IZH. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: If you have some basic plumbing tools and some experience in soldering copper pipe, then this homebrew magnetic loop antenna may be what you need to operate in stealth mode without your neighbors or landlord noticing your antenna. According to G4IZH, this sturdy magnetic loop antenna (aerial) covers the 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meter bands (14 through 29.7 MHz) and can be made from commonly available materials from the nearest plumbing or building supply store. G4IZH supplies a complete set of instructions and photos to help you make this near professional quality antenna. Of course, there are limitations and a few cautions attached to this antenna project: "The main problem with mag loops is that they are very high Q and need to be re tuned even

80m END FED NVIS FIELD ANTENNA. Post #1177.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiaHtmOB57Y. A simple, easy to follow tutorial on how to build an end fed Near Vertical Incidence Skywave Antenna. NG9D does an excellent job of explaining the installation details and the general theory of operation behind this versatile, inexpensive portable antenna.  NG9D also provides a demonstration of this antenna in his own backyard.  NVIS antennas provide excellent coverage out to approximately 300 miles/486 km--perfect for local and regional contacts. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.kh6jrm.info (breaking news for radio amateurs). http://arrl.org. http://arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (weekly podcast undated every Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and te

Bobtail Curtain Antenna. Post#1176

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dU2b0AHD1M. If you have some time, the help of a few friends, and some backyard space, you may want to build a Bobtail Curtain Antenna for your favorite band.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explains the theory behind this broadband, monoband wire array for HF.  The antenna is bidirectional and offers some gain over a dipole antenna. 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 updated each Friday). Other sites of interest: http://hawaiisciencedigest.com (science and technology news for radio amateurs). https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com (trends in geopolitical intelligence an