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Showing posts from December, 2017

Which is better: Vertical or Dipole? (#106). Post #1358.

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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=pRTo011Qttbc. Another excellent antenna tutorial from David Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave tackles the controversial issue of which is better:  Vertical or Dipole Antennas?  Although Dave prefers Dipole antennas, his discussion is objective and straightforward as he compares the pros and cons of each antenna.  In many cases, your antenna installation will depend on the space available, with verticals preferred for small urban lots.  If you have a larger yard, you may want to consider a halfwave dipole. Both antennas will perform well if you pay attention to details.  For those who wish to experiment, try a vertical dipole for the amateur radio bands between 20 and 10 meters.  I've used a few vertical dipoles with good results.  Dave's explanations are clear and uncomplicated.  Dave recommends using Antenna Modeling Software such as EZNEC + to des

Beginner Ham Radio #6 - Grounding. Post #1357.

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If you can't views this video, please insert this title URL into you browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=M8zeei63hek. One of the key components of any amateur radio antenna system is having a decent ground system for your equipment and antenna.  In this video from Joe Lalumia, we see an excellent example of establishing a workable and safe grounding system for your ham radio station.  Although I may have missed some of Joe's guidelines, it may be worth noting that all ground rods should be tied together, including your AC service, as per NEC requirements.  Overall, this is a well thought out approach to grounding.  Don't put you or your station's safety at risk.  Take your time and install a proper grounding system. 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-ne

Building a Multi-Band Dipole. Post #1356.

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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=cQfj9879K_c. A simple HF dipole antenna is an ideal way to get on the air, even when you have a limited space such as a backyard.  In this video from KK4DIV, we see a basic, effective dipole antenna that covers the 40, 20, 17, and 10 meter amateur radio bands.  Most of the antenna materials can be found at your nearest hardware store, building supply outlet, or electrical contractor's store.  You can gain full coverage from 80 meters to 10 meters if you use a balanced feed line (ladder line, television twin lead, or homemade 600 ohm balanced line) in conjunction with a 1:1/1:4 current balun and an antenna "tuner."  If you don't have an appropriate balun or antenna "tuner", then this basic, easy to build dipole described in this video will still serve you well. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these

Toyota Tacoma Ham Radio Mobile Installation (HF/VHF/UHF). Post #1355.

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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=c5u2UZvHRCk. Here's a well-thought-out mobile installation from K5ACL.  The vehicle is a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.  The rig is a Kenwood TS-590SG using a MB-430M2 mount. The antenna is a Wolf River Coil Silver Bullet.  Mount is a REP Design Toyota Trac-1 using 18-feet/5.48 meters of RG-8X coax.. Notice the custom made plywood shelf with anchor points.  This installation appears to be designed for stationary use.  There a lots of good ideas in this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii

Working AO-91--a video tutorial from VK3YE. Post #1354.

Working AO-91--a video tutorial from VK3YE (http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2017/december/working-ao-91.htm#.WkPDQWinHIU). Accessed on 27 December 2017, 1745 UTC, Post #1354. Comment: Peter Parker (VK3YE) has produced a video tutorial on how to use the new AO-91 Amateur Radio Satellite.  According to Peter, AO-91 is easy to use, requiring only an antenna and two handhelds, one for 2m and the other for 70 cm. This looks like a simple way to use this new satellite.  Just log in to this URL to see the video: https://youtu.be/astteV2umOg For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest

Ham Radio - Quick and easy field antenna. Post #1353.

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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=yH0zKNNGa0s. This is one of the better video tutorials on how to design, build, and use a portable vertical antenna for field day or emergency use.  Kevin (KB9RLW) covers basic vertical antenna theory and construction practices for this easy to make vertical antenna. As designed, the antenna will cover 20 through 15 meters.  You may want to make this antenna for emergency use at your shack or for your vehicle "Go-Kit".  A "tuner" is recommended for 10 meters and 30 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information).

Christmas Greetings from KH6JRM on Hawaii Island.

The Christmas Holiday is being celebrated all over the world by Christian communities ranging from Northern Iraq to the United States of America.  Although most of the holiday festivities will be celebrated by Orthodox Christian communities a bit later (January, 2018), The feeling of goodwill is a welcome break from the  usual saber rattling and political posturing which have dominated the old year of 2017. On Hawaii Island, residents will get a bit of a white Christmas, thanks to almost a foot and a half/0.457 meters of snow on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  Check out the webcams at both sites to see how normally tropical Hawaii Island reacts to this dusting of snow. Listed below are three seasonal observations from three radio amateurs as they contemplate the holiday season: A Special Season's Greeting from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV)--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBFdcgIBm7E&feature=em-subs_digest.  If that URL doesn't work, please enter the Title of t

Solo antenna mast erecting - Ham Radio know how. Post #1351.

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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=T10k1NIJO2A. Often the most difficult and somewhat dangerous tasks of erecting a HF vertical antenna is placing the mast correctly, securing the guy lines, and maintaining stability of the mast until you're ready to test your new antenna. In this video by "ColdestMoon", we see an efficient, quick, and safe method of erecting a vertical antenna mast using a telescoping fiberglass pole, a few lawn anchors, and three strategically placed guy lines.  Don't be afraid to ask for help if your project needs an extra hand. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com

Good Ground on Small Lot. Post #1350.

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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=5RCvUpB7woU&t=50s. One of the major problems with vertical HF antennas is the establishment of a good ground radial or counterpoise system.  According to conventional wisdom, the ground radial system supplies "the missing half" of a quarter wave vertical antenna. In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) provides a working substitute for ground radials in a small urban lot.  The key is laying down as many 10-ft/3.048 meters ground radials you can and using the tallest vertical support (i.e. mast) available. While this solution is not as efficient as a full ground radial system using 1/4 wavelength wire, it will make your HF vertical antenna perform better than no radials at all. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandar

25+ unique dipole antenna ideas on Pinterest. Post #1349.

25+ unique dipole antenna ideas on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/explore/dipole-antenna/?Ip=true Please enter post title or title URL into your browser search box to read the full article. Comment: If you're searching for new antenna ideas, then this Pinterest article is for you.  Click on each picture to get a basic idea of how each antenna is designed and built. Among the antennas shown are: Slinky Dipole Fan Dipole Broad Band Butterfly Terminated Dipole A Slim Jim calculator from M0UKD Inverted V Dipole A Spiral Dipole Vertical Dipole Slopping Dipole End-fed Dipole This site should give you some new antenna ideas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radi

Fast Deploy All-Band Portable Ham Radio Vertical Antenna - DX Commander. Post #1348.

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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=0eqrmAMYV20. How fast can you erect an all-band HF vertical antenna?  In this video, we see how a little pre-planning can reduce build and erection time to less than half an hour.  According to the video's author, this antenna "covers all bands on HF without a tuner with pure quarter wave elements (5/8th on 15 meters)."  Total time from beginning to actual on-air operation was about 25 minutes.  Interesting video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformationl.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisc

#268: How to operate a ZM-2 Z-Match Antenna Tuner kit by Emtech. Post #1347.

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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=XRO4TiashIs. An exceptionally clear and simple demonstration on how to operate the popular AM-2 Z-Match Antenna Tuner kit by Emtech.  Alan (W2AEW) takes us step-by-step through the operating parameters of this small, highly flexible antenna tuner. Alan says he's been using this Emtech kit for almost a decade without major problems.  The Emtech antenna tuner "does a nice job indicating when a match is achieved, especially when a SWR meter isn't available." For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday._ http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (h

Ham Radio Basics--How to Install a Coax Connector, PL259 on RG213--The R...

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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=N_2cXoJS2BO.  This is post #1346 in a continuing series on Simple Ham Radio Antennas. Installing PL259 coax connectors on your antenna feedline is an often a necessary and tedious task, especially when you use thicker coax such as RG-8 and RG-213.  In this video from Jim (W6 LG), we learn an easy way to install those pesky PL259 connectors in 3 minutes or less.  If you have the proper tools, the job goes much faster and far neater than just stripping cable, rolling back the braid, and dropping hot solder on the connection.  Jim's method is simple, effective, and easy to learn.  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 F

Tuning the 40/80 Meter Inverted V Dipole Antenna. Post #1345.

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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=IKuLDnwuy8M. A coiled loaded 40/80 meter Inverted V Antenna is ideal for a small urban backyard.  If you use a PVC pipe mast or a telescoping fiberglass support, you can raise and lower this antenna quickly. Other than designing, making, and erecting the inverted v, the only other issue with this simple, easily made antenna is tuning the antenna--something that must be done to reduce SWR and RFI in your shack. In this helpful video from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ), we learn how to tune this coil-loaded inverted v in a few easy steps.  Why not make an inverted v antenna as a back up for your current antenna?  Inverted Vs also make excellent portable and emergency 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

Ham Radio Antennas - Magnetic Loop experiments, observations, and results. Post #1344.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser's search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEO9JSRXeZI. If you're looking for an experimental antenna you can use in deed-restricted properties (HOAs/CC&Rs) or for portable and emergency operations, the magnetic loop antennas described by Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) may be what you need. Kevin does an excellent job of explaining the theory, design, construction, and  use of these small antennas.  He also discusses the limitations and safety concerns related to magnetic loop 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). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science

New 160 Meter Antenna. Post #1343.

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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=51wEd-Wg1IQ. If you have some space and a good amount of tall trees on your property, you may want to build this antenna for your 160 meter operations.  The keys to this project are a decent radial/counterpoise system and an efficient way to launch the long wire element for this antenna.  In this video, Dave ("AllAmericanFiveRadio") uses a pneumatic weight launcher to put the antenna into a tall tree--surely beats a bow and arrow and the slingshot I've used in the past. The video is loaded with many great ideas for designing, building, and using a practical and simple 160 meter antenna.  Be sure to have a good radial ground or counterpoise system to maximize the performance of this antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. ht

End Fed Half Wave Antenna -11 Bands One Antenna! Post#1342.

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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=Ree8NtpEEWA. Here's another interesting variant of the familiar end-fed halfwave antenna.  In this video, Steve Ellington shows how he added 160, 60, and 6 meters to his 130-foot/39.63 meter random wire, which already covered the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter bands.  The key is the addition of a 12-volt relay which bypass regular tuning, allowing for 160, 60, and 6 meter coverage. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.come. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Digest

Ham Radio 2m Backpack Quad Antenna. Post #1341.

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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=IAiiIzV8NpI. Here's another portable antenna idea from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ). In this video, Dave shows us how to build a lightweight 2 meter quad antenna that can be carried in your backpack when you go camping, hiking, or participating in SOTA (Summits On The Air) events.  A more robust version can be used at your home station to hit distant repeaters or for trying some 2 meter DX.  Dave takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of this versatile antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://wwwHawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites

CommsToGo Radio And Backpack Antenna. Post #1340.

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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=IEidACZ1Ebc. Here's another great portable/emergency radio "go kit" that can be assembled from locally available parts or from a number of online amateur radio equipment dealers. John Jacobs (W7DBO) has done an excellent job of designing and building a portable ham radio station suitable for field operations.  It's always a good idea to have a backup station available when disaster strikes or when you feel like bringing amateur radio along during a hike or camping trip. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other

Ham Radio - Salvaging a burned MFJ 962D versa tuner. Post #1339.

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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=uWgP9YE9pOU. A nice video tutorial from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) on how to fix one of the popular MFJ antenna "tuners"--in this case, a MFJ-962D Roller Inductor tuner rated at 1.5 KW. Apparently, something in the roller inductor failed, leading to some burned components.  Kevin has done an excellent job of diagnosing the problem and then fixing the breakdown.  A clear, understandable step-by-step repair procedure. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information) Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedi

Portable ham radio antennas. Post #1338.

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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=5HTOWnMFj_E. In this video, "Prepper Ohio" shows us some of the small, compact antennas available for Amateur Radio VHF/UHF hand held transceivers.  A good, basic tutorial on how to chose the best antenna for your HT.  It's been my experience that the standard "rubber duck" antenna that comes with most HTs delivers marginal performance.  A 1/2 wavelength whip antenna is perhaps a better choice.  You may also want to attach a "tiger tail"  to the base of your "rubber duck" stock antenna.  This 1/4 wavelength wire will increase the performance and efficiency of the stock antenna.  The "tiger tail" serves as a counterpoise wire, supplying the "missing half" of the helically wound 1/4 wavelength stock antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http:

CUSTOM S-MATCH BALANCED HOMEBREW TUNER. Post #1337.

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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=IwXYP4vTOso. If you use a balanced feeder to connect your rig to your antenna system, you'll need this simple S-Match balanced "tuner" for your shack.  The "tuner" will help match the impedance of your antenna to the impedance of your rig, insuring maximum power transfer and lowered SWR. This video does an excellent job of taking you through the design and construction process of this simple balanced tuner.  Although the author of this blog says the "tuner" can handle 100 watts, perhaps you would be more comfortable in using this device at power levels below 30 watts. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast w

N4LQ Multiband Inverted L Antenna. Post #1336.

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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=uuD2mBZKH0g. Operating a multiband HF antenna covering 160 through 10 meters on a city lot can be quite a challenge.  In this video, Steve Ellington (N4LQ) shows us how a modified inverted L antenna, a counterpoise system, and a wide range antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") can simplify your task. Steve says he used 100-feet/30.48 meters of wire for the inverted L, a counterpoise system, and a MFJ-998 antenna "tuner" to get 160 meter to 10 meter coverage.  Hopefully, some of Steve's suggestions can help you get on 160 meters without too much difficulty. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday)

PORTABLE 20 METER VERTICAL WHIP ANTENNA VIDEO 2. Post #1335.

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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=vWsX_TTbCv8. Here's a simple, effect portable antenna suitable for field operations and emergency work.  The antenna is ultra simple, using commonly available PVC pipe for supports, surplus wire for a radial ground system, and a steel whip from an electrical supply store or online from a variety of amateur radio outlets.  As configured in this video, this whip can be used on 20, 17, 15, and 10 meters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com). Hawaii

How to tune a Small Transmitting Loop (Magnetic Loop Antenna). Post #1334.

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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=QAWZKKWumcY. An excellent, informative video tutorial on how to tune a magnetic loop antenna. In this case, the mag loop is the LNR Precision Loop, which has a tuning control built in at the base of the loop.  This loop is based on a design by W4OP.  This mag loop allows adjustments of the coupling loop which is critical for magnetic loop antenna design. For the latest Amateur Radio News and Information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com) Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest

Installing a G5RV Inverted V Antenna for HF use on a Fishing Pole. Post #1333..

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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=t6vI4nZMemM. The G5RV antenna is based on a design from Louis Varney (G5RV)(SK).  Originally, the antenna was made as a 3/2 wavelength antenna for the 20 meter band.  Over the years,  radio amateurs have modified the feed arrangement to allow operation on several bands, including 40, 20, and 10 meters.  Used with balanced feed line a 4:1 current balun, and a sturdy antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), the G5RV can work other bands such as 15 meters. In this video, "kloxieman" shows us how he installed the G5RV as an inverted V using a 30-ft/9.146 meters fishing pole as the support structure.  His use of a balanced feed line, a current balun, and an antenna "tuner" gives this G5RV excellent performance on the 40, 20, and 10 meter bands. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www

Mobile HF Grounding Basics. Post #1332.

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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=v6i2ZoT_P_8. An excellent video from Dan Vanenehovnen on the basic grounding principles employed in mobile operations.  Dan explains how chassis grounding, earth grounding, and signal grounding effect the efficiency of your mobile rig.  A good introduction to mobile HF grounding basics for those of us who wish to operate from our vehicles. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Science Digest (http://hawaiisciencedigest.com). Hawaii Intelligence Digest (https://hawaiiintelligencedigest.com). Hawa

Hustler Vertical Antenna Modification for 12 & 17 meters. Post #1331.

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

Building a Doublet Aerial - Antenna. Post #1330.

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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=vAYbkVhsSBY. Thanks to Adrian ("One Time Pad") for this excellent video tutorial on how to design and build a doublet antenna.  If you have doubts about your ability to make or erect this antenna, please ask for help from your local amateur radio club.  The project will go much safer and quicker with the help of friends. Adrian has supplied a full list of components and materials for this basic HF antenna: "Antenna Components: Copper wire for radiating element (I used multi –strand Flexweave) Ladder line/Open wire/Ribbon (I used 300Ω ribbon because its neater) x3 eye bolts with associated nuts as washers x1 straight wastewater pipe connector x2 access plugs for above wastewater pipe connector x2 wing nuts and bolts x2 Dog bone Isolators (to isolate end of each antenna leg) x1 spool Rosin core solder (i.e. solder with embedded flux) Cable

Building a dipole for 40 and 20 meters. Post #1329

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