Posts

Showing posts from September, 2017

N4KC's TOP FIVE GET-ON-THE-AIR-QUICKLY ANTENNAS. Post #1266.

N4KC's TOP-FIVE GET-ON-THE-AIR-QUICKLY ANTENNAS (http://www.donkeith.com/n4kc/article.php?p=22). Author:  Don Keith (N4KC). Accessed on 30 September 2017, 2125 UTC. Please click title link or enter title URL into you browser search box to read the full article. Comment: I ran across this fascinating article by Don Keith (N4KC) while I was searching for some new antenna ideas.  In this article, Don discusses five basic, easily-made antennas that will get you on the air quickly with a decent signal suitable for both DX and casual contacts.  According to Don, these simple, effective antennas are easy to build and use readily available materials. Here are the top five get-on-the-air-quickly antennas: The half-wave wire dipole. The doublet with parallel feed lines. The quarter-wavelength vertical with ground radial system. The horizontal loop. The original G5RV (a great antenna for the 40 and 20 meter bands). Don does an excellent job of describing the theory, design

Emergency Ham Antenna. Post #1265.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDHohc-w3Go. If you need an emergency 2 meter, 1/2 wavelength antenna for your next portable operation, look no further than a piece of unused coaxial cable in your "junkbox." In this video from Aaron of "Prepping Ohio", we see how easy it is to convert some surplus cable into a simple, effective, and light weight antenna for 2 meters.  Add this antenna to your "Go-Kit" today. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615).

Ham Radio Go Kit v2.0 [EMCOMM]. Post #1264.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmnUiyH0eI. Considering how many natural disasters are occurring this year, it may be a good idea to make yourself an emergency "Go Kit" suitable for portable or emergency situations.  In this video from Julian (OH8STN), we see an example of a carefully thought out HF/VHF Go Kit using a Yaesu-817ND and a Chameleon Antenna MPAS (Modular Portable Antenna System).  This compact amateur radio station is lightweight, portable, and highly reliable.  Julian covers a variety of related topics in this post, including emergency power sources. 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.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://

How To Build A Delta Loop Antenna. Post#1263.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uUVMaRFMv4. One of my favorite antennas is the Delta Loop. It has some gain, receives well, exhibits low noise, takes up little space, and is fairly inexpensive.  In this video, Hiram Vazquez discusses the theory, design, construction, and use of this versatile, easily-made antenna.  You can use balanced feeders in conjunction with a 4:1 balun and an antenna "tuner" to attain multi-band capability. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615)

Portable dipole ham stick MFJ-347 mount. Post #1262.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYypZ0Ot55I. Ham Stick antennas are the key to a simple, cost effective way to make a portable dipole antenna, which can be set up at Field Day or any other portable or emergency situation.  In this video from KG4YZI, we get an informative, step-by-step procedure on converting a few ham stick antennas into an easily built portable antenna. The MFJ-347 mount is a handy way to support the ham sticks. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii I

From ARRL President: Relief Efforts Need Your Help. Post #1261.

Image
ARRL president appeals for volunteers to support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Source:  E-mails to ARRL members. From:  Rick Roderick (K5UR), President, ARRL. Accessed on 26 September 2017, 0515 UTC. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and many smaller Caribbean Islands have been devastated by Hurricane Maria.  Although relief aid is arriving in this area, many smaller islands, including Puerto Rico, are facing dire shortages of water, electricity, medical aid, shelter, and communications. ARRL President Rick Roderick (K6UR) has taken the rare step of appealing to the Amateur Radio Community, whether they be ARRL members or not, to support ongoing relief efforts in Puerto Rico. On Monday, 25 September 2017, Roderick issued a mass e-mail appeal for help and included several areas where radio amateurs can best serve first responders. Here's the full text of Roderick's message: Monday, September 25, 2017  Dear ARRL Member: There are few times when I have ne

Introducing The New Tuner Free Alpha Multiband Antenna 10- 24- 2016. Post #1260.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxwuXuIQvTE. If you've been waiting for a multiband HF antenna that doesn't require a "tuner", then this fairly new, easy to assemble antenna from Alpha Antennas could be your answer.  This antenna was introduced in 2016 and has become a favorite choice of those wanting a sturdy, quality-made antenna suitable for both portable and home use. In this video  from "videosbymike", we get an excellent tutorial on the antenna's theory of operation, how to assemble the antenna parts, and how to improve the efficiency of this vertical. This antenna could be a good choice for those of us who prefer a commercial product. 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.

80m END FED NVIS FIELD ANTENNA. Post #1259.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiaHtmOB57Y. In this video, NG9D offers a simple end-fed halfwave antenna suitable for 80 meter portable and emergency operations.  Most of the signal radiated by this antenna is high angle, making it ideal for Near Vertical Skywave applications (NVIS). NG9D provides necessary construction details, theory of operation, and a brief demonstration of how the antenna works in the field.  A nice, simple, inexpensive antenna that should be included in your "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.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of inte

Solo antenna mast erecting - Ham Radio know how. Post #1258.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T10k1NIJO2A. A nicely produced video from "ColdestMoon" on how to erect a mast suitable for amateur radio using only three guy lines and a telescoping fiberglass pole.  This method is quick, safe, and ensures a stable mast for your antennas. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li./kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Daily (https://paper.li/f-1482109921). Be sure to check the blog sid

Phased Vertical Array on 20M. Post #1257

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5awjoMRzrQ. A phased vertical array on 20 meters can give you a boost in gain and directivity on this popular amateur radio band. Bob (VK5FO) gives you a "walk through" of this antenna and a description of the end-fire phased array consisting of 2X 1/4 wave elevated ground plane antennas. This antenna would make an excellent field day or contest antenna.  Most of the materials can be bought at the nearest home improvement outlet or neighborhood hardware store. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430280353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of in

Fast Deploy All-Band Portable Ham Radio Vertical Antenna - DX Commander. Post #1256.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ5IIr3hsIA. A nice video showing how to deploy an all-band vertical antenna (DX Commander) in less than 25 minutes.  Notice how well organized the assembly process is and how easy it is to take the antenna down when operations are done. According to "Radionut63", this vertical antenna covers several HF amateur radio bands without a "tuner". He ends the video with a good contact on 17 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: https://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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https;//paper.li/f-147623

N7EAA's 65 foot vertical for 160M. Post #1255.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXcInIk1fGo. Here's a dual band top loaded vertical antenna that covers both the 160 meter and 80 meter amateur radio bands.  For this project, N7EAA used a MFJ pipe for $200, galvanized steel electrical fence wire, and inexpensive poly rope for guy supports.  You'll probably need some help assembling and erecting this antenna. Like all vertical antennas, you will need a good ground radial or counterpoise system.  In this video, N7EAA attaches his ground system to an aluminum plate at ground level. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News &am

Tom, K2BEW's Maple Leaf Studio Off Center Fed Windom Antenna. Post #1254.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDDQChjQra4. The Maple Leaf Studio offers some excellent antennas for those of us with limited mechanical abilities.  This video from Tom (K2BEW) shows us the popular Off Center Fed Windom Antenna from this manufacturer.  Tom does an excellent job of showing us the step-by-step process of assembling this multiband HF antenna. In this video, Tom uses a 37-foot/11.28 meters aluminum mast to support the antenna.  The antenna fits comfortably into his beautiful yard. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest:

Homebrew antenna , 10-40 meter loop antenna. Post #1253.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T1LOGahiwY. Here's another HF loop antenna idea if you have some trees or tall supports in your backyard.  Marcus Schrader built this full-wavelength 40 meter loop (143 feet/43.59 meters) and suspended it 20 feet/6.09 meters above ground using a few trees in his back yard.  He uses a 4:1 balun along with a length of 450 ohm ladder line to feed the antenna.  Marcus uses this combination with an antenna "tuner" to cover 10 through 40 meters.  As you can see from the video, the antenna is fairly "stealthy". 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353

Antenna simulator for small vertical monopoles. Post #1252.

Antenna simulator for small vertical monopoles. (http://www.472khz.org/pages/tools/antenna-simulator.php). Accessed on 16 September 2017, 2215 hrs, UTC. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Now that the FCC has established rules and regulations for the 630 and 2200 meter amateur radio bands, radio amateurs can now expand their contacts with frequencies below the standard broadcast band. One of the prime concerns related to these bands, besides running low power and non-interference for existing services, is the type of antenna suitable for such low frequencies. It's possible to design a relatively small vertical monopole antenna that will perform well in the rf "basement", thanks to this antenna simulator for 472 kHz. Although this simple calculator isn't a replacement for software such as EZNEC, it will give you an indication on how this type of antenna will perform.  Just plug in the raw data about antenna type, antenna dimensions, and

FCC opens 630-and-2200-meter bands. Post #1251.

ARLB018 FCC opens 630-and-2200-meter bands; stations must notify UTC. Special announcement from HQ ARRL, Newington, CT, 06111. Accessed on 16 September 2017, 0800 hrs, UTC. The full text of this special W1AW bulletin is listed below. Comment: On Friday, 15 September 2017, the FCC opened the 630 and 2200 meter bands for licensed radio amateurs, subject to special rules and regulations of the FCC. Here is the announcement from HQ ARRL, Newington, CT, 06111: SB QST @ ARL $ARLB018 ARLB018 FCC Opens 630- and 2200-Meter Bands; Stations Must Notify UTC Before Operating ZCZC AG18 QST de W1AW ARRL Bulletin 18  ARLB018 From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT   September 15, 2017 To all radio amateurs SB QST ARL ARLB018 ARLB018 FCC Opens 630- and 2200-Meter Bands; Stations Must Notify UTC Before Operating The FCC has announced that the Office of Management and Budget has approved, for 3 years, the information-collection requirement of the Commission's  March 29  Report

Five minute portable 40m ground plane antenna! Post #1250.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxGXJxNkfb8. If you need to erect a portable HF vertical antenna for the 40 meter amateur radio band in 5 minutes or less, then this video from John Saunders may be what you need.  By pre-assembling the parts beforehand and storing them in your vehicle, you can have a working antenna for any portable or emergency situation.  John shows us how to assemble the antenna in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step process.  You may want to make your vehicle part of the ground system to increase efficiency and reduce rf flow on the outside of the coaxial feed. 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 afternoon). https://paper.

K1GMM 6 METER 3 ELEMENT QUAD BUILD 9.4 DBi. Post #1249.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6xH-s1rpiM. Even in times of poor propagation, the 6 meter amateur radio band can still produce interesting contacts--often at surprising distances.  In this video from K1GMM, we learn how to build a 3-element 6 meter yagi that can deliver approximately 9.4 dBi gain.  According to K1GMM, all of the parts can be obtained for around $60 from a well-stocked home improvement outlet or hardware store.  The antenna can be broken down easily 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 which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of

Build a Portable Hexbeam Antenna. Post#1248.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGMepI5hrI. I you're feeling a bit experimental when it comes to HF antennas, why not try building a homebrew, portable hexbeam antenna?  In this video from "Cliff" of the QRP School, we learn how to design, build, and use this versatile, multiband HF antenna. Cliff offers many helpful suggestions, including a recommend parts list for the hexbeam. 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: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligenced

Scorpion Screwdriver Antenna HOA Friendly Home Installation. Post #1247.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8ExG3E5oY. Here's another possible antenna solution for those living in deed-restricted homes and apartments (HOAs and CC&Rs). In this video, "None Business" uses his Scorpion Screwdriver mobile antenna to operate from his property. While the arrangement isn't perfect, it does allow this radio amateur to get on the air without undue notice.  As the old saying goes, "a compromise 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.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science

Tuning a CB Whip for use on the 10 Meter Ham Band. Post #1246.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Oho0Icbis. If you have a few old CB antennas around your shack, why not covert some of them into 10 meter mobile or home station use?  My current 10 meter vertical antenna is a cut down 108-inch/274.32 cm steel CB whip I bought years ago at Radio Shack.  Used as a ground plane antenna, this converted CB antenna does a good job on 10 meters when the band opens. In this video by Tony (KD8RTT) and his brother Andy (KK4LWR), we see a simple way of modifying a CB whip antenna for use on the 10 meter Amateur Radio Band.  Their MFJ HF/VHF SWR analyzer helps in the trimming process. Don't let that old CB antenna go to waste.  Convert it now into a simple, effective mobile or portable antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislan

HF Multi-Band Dipole. Post #1245.

HF Multi-Band Dipole (http://hamuniverse.com/multidipole.html). Accessed on 10 September 2017, 0120 hrs, UTC. Please enter title URL into your browser search box to view the full article and photographs. Comment: This variant of the popular "Fan Dipole" antenna was based on work done by the Stanford Research Institute (SRI).  The aim of the SRI project was to develop a multi-band HF dipole antenna that would work without any need for cut and prune techniques. The article provides all of the critical measurements, construction techniques, and materials needed to make a versatile, easy-to-use multi-band HF antenna covering the 80, 40, 20, and 10 meter bands without the use of an antenna "tuner." 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

W4EDF Portable Dipole Antenna Center Support. Post #1244.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cUNs274rU. Here's an interesting dipole center support that will withstand bad weather, heat, dust, and other environmental factors.  In this video from Ed (W4EDF), we get a detailed, thoroughly explained step-by-step process in designing and building of the original Field Expedient Dipole Antenna center platform introduced by K7ETX.  This would make a good club or school project. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelli

DIY antennas The VHF / UHF folding ground plane antenna v2.0. Post #1243.

Image
If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBBHR6Z-IE. In this short video, Brett (SurvivalComms) shows us how to make a lightweight, cheap, and portable VHF/UHF antenna that is easy to make, has broad bandwidth, and offers good performance.  Make one these antennas for your "go box" emergency radio 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.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon. https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Daily (https://paper.li/f-1482109921). Be sure to check the blog sidebars for more antenna and propagation article

Portable Antennas for Amateur Ham Radio by OH8STN

Portable Antennas for Amateur Ham Radio by OH8STN (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMrdrsNkFA60HGnhXN9_2FehDWdPPnQ1). Author:  OH8STN (Survival Tech Nord) Accessed on 06 September 2017, 2350 hrs, UTC, Post #1242. Please click link or enter title URL into your browser to view the antenna videos. Comment: In this playlist from OH8STN (Survival Tech Nord), you'll find 19 videos covering a variety of portable and field deployable antennas tested OH8STN on this youtube channel.  All are outstanding, understandable, and full of helpful suggestions for man-portable antennas in a wide range of climates and conditions.  The antennas range from end-fed half wavelength wires to compact magnetic loop antennas. In this package, OH8STN has included an article about portable vertical antennas. You can find the article here:  http://www.survivaltechnology.net/the-man-portable-vertical-compromise-antenna-rant/. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit the

Ham Radio - The simple coax cable emergency prepper antenna. Post #1241.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafy51yUzQo. It may be wise to make several versions of this simple, inexpensive antenna for portable or emergency operations.  Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) does an excellent job of creating an emergency antenna from coaxial cable.  The antenna is easy to build and uses a minimum of tools.  The antenna can be designed for your favorite amateur radio bands and stored in your vehicle or shack when you need to get on the air quickly. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430280353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.

What is a V-Beam Antenna? Post #1240.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex77E4p3Aq0. Here's an antenna you may want to try in your spare time.  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) presents the theory and operational parameters behind this rarely used but effective antenna. This antenna can be used where a tower and metal beam antenna aren't feasible. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (https://paper.li/f-1476233615). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Daily (https://paper.li/f-148210

Antennas in the Attic: Ham Nation 215. Post #1239.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFW-dre0OrQ. This excellent video with Gordon West (WB6NOA) comes from the Ham Nation program, episode 215.  In this video, Gordon shows how radio amateurs remain active by placing a variety of antennas in their attics.  Sometimes, there are no other alternatives because of deed-restricted housing (HOAs and CC&Rs). A few of these compromise antennas work quite well, delivering hours of operating time to antenna-limited areas.  Hopefully, some of these suggestions will help you get and stay on the air. 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 afternoon). https://paper.li/kh6jrm/1430289353 (Amateur Radio News &

Build your own 110 foot multi band dipole home brew ham radio HF antenna. Post #1238.

Image
. If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B0wCP2Tsdw. Here's a simple, efficient, and inexpensive HF dipole antenna that covers 80 meters to 6 meters.  The key to multiband operation is the use of 300 ohm twin lead as a feeder and a 1:1 ATU balun.  You can also use 450 ohm ladder line or home made balanced line into a 1:4 current balun and then connecting the antenna feed line and balun to an antenna "tuner" with a short length of 50 ohm coaxial cable.  W5XJ provides a list of easily obtainable materials for this versatile antenna.  If you have only one tall support, you can configure the antenna as a dipole "sloper" 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

CB antenna to ham radio. Post #1237.

Image
If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYg9jbdjTIw. Excellent, well-paced video from "Musings" showing us one way to convert a 5/8 wave CB antenna for ham radio use.  Depending on your interests, this video can help you transform an old 11 meter (CB) antenna into an effective vertical antenna for 20, 15, or 10 meters with just a few shop tools and a little imagination. I've converted a few 108-inch/274.32 cm CB whip antennas (from Radio Shack) into usable 10 meter vertical antennas without much difficulty. While this video has a bit of a learning curve, it shouldn't be too hard to copy the procedures shown and build your own, inexpensive HF vertical antenna from unused or discarded CB antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http: