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Showing posts from August, 2018

3 minute portable HF vertical. Post #1602.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlvW9f--JOI. If you had to erect a vertical antenna during an emergency, could you do it in 3 minutes or less? In this video, Peter Parker (VK3YE) shows us how to unpack, erect, and use a portable HF vertical antenna in less than 3 minutes.  All you need are a telescoping fiberglass pole, a length of wire for the band of interest, a L-match antenna "tuner", and a simple counterpoise wire.  Such an antenna can be made in just a few hours and will provide contacts during portable or emergency situations.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Ama

2 Meter Antennas-Cheap and Easy! Post #1601.

2 Meter Antennas-Cheap and Easy! http://www.hamuniverse.com/2mtrcheap.html. Accessed on 31 August 2018, 0415 UTC, Post #1601. Contributing author:  Don (N4UJW). Please click link to read the full article. Comment: If you're looking for some easy-to-build, inexpensive 2 meter amateur radio antennas, Don (N4UJW) of hamuniverse.com may have the answer for you in this well-written tutorial.  Don discusses and illustrates some inexpensive 2 meter antennas that use commonly available materials from the nearest hardware store or home improvement outlet.  You probably have some spare connectors, stiff wire, and spare coaxial cable in your "junk box" to round out the project. These simple 2 meter antennas don't require sophisticated matching or adjustments.  They are "stealthy", portable, and easy to erect and take down.  You may want to build one of these for your emergency "go kit" or for a standby antenna at your home or apartment.  Try

What is Antenna Gain? Post #1600.

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If you can't see the video, please insert the title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVOo-miuIFQ. A good, basic introduction to antenna gain from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV).  Stan discusses the theory behind all of those "gain" figures cited in antenna advertisements and promotions for radio amateurs. Most of us radio amateurs are familiar with the standard Wikipedia definition of antenna gain "as the ratio of the power produced by the antenna from a far-field source on the antenna's beam axis to the power produced by a hypothetical lossless isotropic antenna, which equally sensitive to signals from all directions."  A nice, technically precise description suitable for exams and learned discussions of antenna patterns. But, in everyday terms, what does antenna gain mean?  Stan does a good job of illustrating antenna gain and directivity without resorting to complicated examples and higher level mathematics.  Of course, if

First Responder Ham Radio Antenna Build. Post #1599.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz9v57HAPeM. An excellent example of how to build a dual band "ham band" dipole antenna with only the materials on hand. A creative and usable way to rig up an antenna in minimum time.  Please consider building something like this for your emergency "go-kit". For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check the blog sidebars and links.  These news feeds are updated daily> http://www.Hawaii ARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ Roberts (KH6JRM).

Ham Radio Mast for Antenna|Setup & Review. Post #1598.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob53Zsp-ja8. A nicely-done tutorial on how to use a telescoping fiberglass mast to support portable and emergency antennas.  Properly strengthened, this simple mast will also support antennas at your home station. A simple, practical and easy solution to supporting your HF/VHF/UHF antennas.  The video provides links and suggestions for related antenna projects. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Installing a Vertical Antenna for Ham Radio. Post #1597.

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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=QKOVso4CJFA An excellent video tutorial from "Signal Search" (K5ACL) on how to install a Hustler 6BTV Vertical Antenna.  This well-made and organized video takes you from start to finish, and will have you on the air in just a few hours.  Pay particular attention to the issue of the ground radial or counterpoise system, which is needed for peak performance and efficiency.  You may want to consider four elevated radial wires if you have the space on your property.  Otherwise, bury as many radial wires as you can.  The Hustler 6BTV is an excellent antenna if you build it carefully and take time to maximize its performance. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon

How to Make a Ham Radio Speaker Wire Antenna. Post #1596.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqh0Ntus5G0. If you need a simple, efficient, cheap, and lightweight antenna for portable or field operations, the "HQD" Speaker Wire Antenna from Jerry (KG6HQD) may be the answer.  The antenna resembles several designs featured in past editions of the "ARRL Antenna Book."  Those examples used commonly available "zip cord" available at many hardware and home improvement outlets.  Jerry shows us how to build the antenna in a few simple steps.  Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), the antenna is capable of multiband operation--something that should appeal to SOTA (Summits on the Air) and QRP (low power) enthusiasts.  Based on research conducted by the ARRL and my own experience, these antennas provide excellent results on the lower HF bands (80/40 meters).  Higher HF bands may suffer significant losses, depen

WB9DLC Antenna-WB9DLC.com. Post #1595.

WB9DLC Antennas-WB9DLC.com http://wb9dlc.com/Portable_Vertical_Antenna.htm. Author:  WB9DLC. Accessed on 24 August 2018, 2229 UTC, Post #1595. Comment: Taking your ham station on the road or to a park, beach, or campground is an enjoyable experience if you can solve the antenna problem. With a little creativity and a few parts bought at your neighborhood home improvement or hardware store, you can make a lightweight, portable antenna that will be welcome in your backpack or vehicle trunk. WB9DLC addresses the portable antenna issue with a homebrew vertical antenna that provides coverage of the 40, 30, and 20 meter Amateur/Ham Radio bands without taking up much space. WB9DLC provides some excellent photos of the project to get you from design to finished product in a short time.  You can either search for these antenna parts or opt to buy MFJ's "Ultimate HF Vertical" kit (MFJ-1954K), which comes with the necessary coil, antenna element, radial system, and tr

HF Mobile Antenna & More. Post #1594.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwoH5aX72yQ. A well-crafted, efficient, and safe mobile installation from K1GMM.  Mobile HF antenna installations can be challenging, considering the lack of metal in most vehicles and the proliferation of computer chips and devices in modern cars and trucks.  K1GMM managed to control these issues without harming the integrity of his car, while making some interesting mobile contacts.  K1GMM offers some valuable insights concerning mobile HF operations. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. htt

Best Slingshot Antenna Launcher for Ham Radio-Easy and Cheap. Post #1593.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtJvTQ2oogQ. I use a similar system made from parts I bought at Walmart and Home Depot.  An old fishing reel and some PVC pipe helped me complete this project a few years ago.  I still use my crude device to get inverted Vs and vertical antennas into tall trees. N0KTZ does an excellent, step by step explanation of how to build this helpful device.  If you have a well-stocked "junk box", you may be able to build this antenna launcher at little or no cost. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arr.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eh

Homebrew 2M moxon antenna project. Post #1592.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEWb_H2m5k4 Thanks to Paul Athersmith for this excellent 2 meter moxon antenna project. As Paul explains, the moxon design is simple, easy to build, light weight, and ideal for portable or field operations.  Paul shows us how to design, build, and use this antenna with a simple, step by step procedure.  You can also design a moxon antenna for the HF band of your choice.  A nice, compact antenna that should belong in your emergency "go-box." For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http:/

Ham Radio-My 630 meter magloop. An overview. Post #1591.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrfmmb-YNyI. The 630 meter band (473 kHz-470 kHz) is attracting a lot of attention these days, despite severe power restrictions and limited space for efficient antennas. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) designs, builds, and successfully uses a homebrew 630 meter magnetic loop antenna that delivers contacts on this band below the U.S. Standard Broadcast Band.  Build this antenna and discover the amazing amount of signals that can be received with this simple, effective design. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information)

WV7U Tilt-Over Antenna Mast. Post #1590.

WV7U Tilt-Over Antenna Mast. http://www.wv7u.com/mast/mast.html. Author:  Hank (WV7U). Accessed on 20 August 2018, 0320 UTC, Post #1590. Please click link to read the full article. Comment:  Have you ever wanted to have a strong, reliable, and fairly inexpensive antenna mast for your ham shack?  If you don't want to spend a lot of cash for such a project, Hank's (WV7U) Tilt-Over Mast may be what you're looking for. According to Hank, the expenditure of around $300 US for locally available materials should provide all of the components needed for this sturdy mast.  The most important part of the mast is the selection of the pipe needed to support your antenna: "I used two different sizes of standard schedule 40 black iron plumbing pipe: 2" for the base and lower section, and 1-1/2" for the top section. This pipe comes in 21' lengths. Galvanized plumbing pipe of the same size would be OK too, but it was about 50% more expensive, and the zin

W9BVX's Helium Balloon Antennas. Post #1589.

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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=kVXJB-k8co0. Ever since he first saw a balloon support an antenna, Bob (W9BVX) has wanted to create his own balloon-supported antenna for portable operations.  In this video, Bob duplicates the experience with his fellow radio amateurs at a Wisconsin field near his home.  A balloon-supported antenna could prove useful at the next ARRL Field Day or for an emergency situation where an antenna mast is not available. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for j

Extra Class Lesson 9.1, Basics of Antennas, 11th edition. Post #1588.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNcTVWCEeU0. This is a must see video for those of you preparing for the Extra Class Amateur Radio License in the United States.  The video provides an excellent overview of basic antenna theory, including antenna radiation patterns, gain, bandwidth, and design features.  Dave Cassler (KE0OG) is an excellent teacher who clearly explains how antennas work and what is required to design them properly.  Review this video a few times before your exam...you won't regret it. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https:

Simple dipole antenna from coax. Post #1587.

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If you can't view this video, please insert the title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-rUeIMYXbg. Here's a simple, effective 2 meter dipole antenna made from rtl-sdr stock coaxial cable.  OH2FTG does a fairly good job of showing the construction process.  Make one of these antennas for portable or emergency operations.  Put one of these basic dipole antennas in your "go-box" for emergencies. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

Portable from the beach-HF Antenna. Post #1586.

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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=xMhNyt3J020. Operating beach portable is lots of fun, especially when you use a simple ground wire connected directly to the ocean.  A nicely produced video from AC2RJ, as he operates from a beach in Massachusetts.  His simple vertical antenna and Yaesu FT-817 perform well in this environment. A day at the beach and ham radio--great outdoor activity. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

6 meter/50 MHz Magnetic Loop 6M-F Review Magic Band. Post #1585.

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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=yYavPrYGibU. Here's a beautifully designed 6 meter magnetic loop antenna from Bob (VE3UK).  The antenna is all aluminum, simple to build and tune, and is great for home or portable use.  If you're interested in getting the antenna kit or just want more information about this piece of radio art, visit these websites: http://www.vhfloop.com or http://www.magloop.com. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (

The W5GI Mystery Antenna. Post #1584.

The W5GI Mystery Antenna. Post #1584. https://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4552#153408. Author:  John (W5GI) Accessed on 14 August 2018, 0448 UTC, Post #1584. Comment: If you can only have one multiband HF on your property, then the W5GI Mystery Antenna may be what you need.  John's W5GI antenna is a simple collinear array resembling the popular G5RV antenna, but with much more gain.  According to John, the "mystery antenna" exhibits about 6dB gain on 20 meters, with a 6 lobe pattern broadside to the antenna.  While the antenna is designed for the 20 meter amateur radio band, it can do very well on 160, 80, and 40 meters with the use of an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  Read some of the reviews in this post and see if the W5GI can work a "miracle" on  your property. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-

Dual Band Mobile Halo Antenna-70 cm and 2 meters. Post #1583.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu-Qq4RptS4. If you enjoy 2 meter and 70 cm mobile operations, then this antenna designed by Mike Fedler (N6TWW) could be what you need to improve your mobile performance.  According to Mike, the antenna is designed for 144 MHz and 432 MHz and "is intended for single side band use."  For more information on this fascinating antenna, please visit Mike's website at http://fedler.com/radio/mobile_loops.htm. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks

Amateur Radio Lightning Protection. Post #1582.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpl3TRXqaoM. A good, basic introduction on how to protect your amateur/ham radio station from lightning and surge issues.  The video does a commendable job of explaining lightning and surge protection, as well as lightning arresters and station grounds.  I always make it a practice of disconnecting my antennas from my rig and grounding all leads to a real earth ground when I finish operating for the day. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us

HF Ham Radio Antennas For Apartments (AC4DG). Post #1581.

HF Ham Radio Antennas For Apartments (AC4DG) http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio/?hf-ham-radio-antennas-for-apartments.53. Authors:  AC4DG and IW5EDI. Accessed on 11 August 2018, 0816 UTC, Post #1581. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: If  your amateur radio station is confined to an apartment or a deed-restricted property, you know how difficult it can be to find a HF antenna that works in a severely confined area.  In this article by Simone (IW5EDI) he expands on an original idea from AC4DG and gives us a few antennas that could work in limited spaces.  Simone says you may have to try several designs before you find the antenna that works for you.  He offers a few suggestions worth trying: A disguised outdoor wire antenna. Multiband HF antenna on a vehicle with a long run of coaxial cable to your station. Indoor wire antennas. Cliffdweller II antenna (basically a slinky dipole). Short, inductively-loaded vertical antennas. Loop antennas (including ma

Ham Radio-Crazy Antennas and QRP-The baseball diamond backstop. Post #1580.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYzBq0Ye0lI. I enjoy Kevin Loughin's (KB9RLW) videos because of their unpredictability, creativity, and just plain "craziness".  In this well-constructed video, Kevin takes his QRP station to an unused baseball field and converts the backstop fence to a HF reflector.  Strange as it seems, the idea works, and Kevin was able to make some solid contacts.  Great video! For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

HF NVIS Antenna First Look. Post #1579.

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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=xq7PU5oLWh8. A nicely  done video tutorial from Andy Wragg on how to build a NVIS antenna for local and regional coverage.  Andy uses a non-resonant design to build this dual band (40 meters and 80 meters) NVIS.  Because this NVIS design uses non-resonant elements, you will need an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to realize maximum efficiency and low SWR for this NVIS antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these web sites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio news and information). https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha e

Short Ham Antennas for HF. Post #1578.

Short Ham Antennas for HF https://www.hamradiosecrets.com/short-ham-antennas.html. Author:  Claude Jollet (VE2DPE). Accessed on 08 August 2018, 0454 UTC, Post #1578. Please click link to read the full article. Comment: Fascinating, informative tutorial from Claude Jollet (VE2DPE) on how to build a linearly-loaded dipole which delivers full half-wave dipole performance with 30% to 35% less space than the classic dipole.  The radiation resistance of this antenna is about 30 ohms, so you'll need an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") to get maximum efficiency out of this antenna. Claude describes this antenna with excellent drawings, suggests helpful construction techniques, and explains the basic theory behind this shortened dipole antenna.  Claude also supplies a recommended antenna length for each HF Amateur Radio band. Check out this graphic to see how much space is saved through linear loading: Thanks for joining us today.  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM). Lin

Ham Radio-D loop directional half loop transmitting antenna (experimental). Post #1577.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6vBna3bhfU. Here's another experimental antenna design from Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW).  Kevin says he got the idea from an article describing a military NVIS antenna.  Kevin states "I had the idea to rotate the design vertically and make a directional magnetic loop...it works surprisingly well for such a small antenna."  If you live in a deed-restricted home or apartment (HOAs/CC&Rs), this antenna may prove useful because of its small size and portability. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). http://

How To Tune a Small Transmitting Loop (Magnetic Loop Antenna). Post #1576.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAW2KKWumcY. I've always found the "tuning" process involved with small magnetic loop antennas to be somewhat tedious.  These antennas are very sensitive to small changes in frequency and adjustments can be a bit taxing.  But, thanks to this excellent, informative video from Johnny of "Signal Search", the tuning process can become easier and less stressful. In this video, Johnny uses a magnetic loop design by W4OP.  As with many magnetic loop antennas, adjustment of the coupling loop is vital to precise tuning.  With a little time and effort, small magnetic loop antennas can become viable options for those operating in deed-restricted homes or apartments. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a w

VK7JJ Squid Pole Antenna-Perite. Post #1575.

VK7JJ Squid Pole Antenna-Perite. Post #1575. http://perite.vk7jj.com/vk7jj/squidpoles.html. Author:  VK7JJ. Accessed on 04 August 2018, 1957 UTC, Post #1575. Comment: This interesting antenna design comes from our radio amateur friends in Australia, where the popular telescoping fishing rods known as squid poles have found a variety of radio applications.  The Squid Pole is a cheap, collapsible, self-contained portable antenna that can be configured for the 80, 40, 30, and 15 meter amateur radio bands using a spirally-wound wire, appropriated loading coils, an ATU, and a rudimentary ground radial system.  The article is divided into several closely related parts: General description of the squid pole antenna. Construction details and loading coil fabrication. Parts required. Connecting antenna to the ATU. Ground radial considerations. If you can't obtain an Australian Squid Pole, you can buy a telescoping fiberglass mast from a variety of manufacturers, includ

Build a 2 meter vertical antenna. Post #1574.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6PvUg2D0F4. You never know when you'll need a simple, portable 2 meter antenna. This easy, do-it-yourself project is perfect for your mobile "go-kit" or for a quick portable operation at a nearby park. Here are the materials needed for the antenna: "3/4″ PVC pipe – Length to suit 3/4″ adapter 8xMPT 3/4″THD Dome Cap SO-239 connector 6ft. 14 GA Romex wire qty. 4 4-40 stainless screws qty 8 4-40 stainless nuts 50 ohm coax Length to suit" ---------------------------------------- For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio N

Complete Idiot's Guide to RF propagation. Post #1573.

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If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ43Q0robws A brief discussion about RF propagation is often what's needed to clear up many HF antenna problems. Calllum McCormick (M0MCX) does an excellent job of introducing RF propagation and discussing what all the numbers, indices, and forecasts mean.  Although this program is geared for those preparing for the Foundation Amateur Radio License, it contains a wealth of valuable information for both veteran hams and newly licensed operators.  Very well done. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). https://www.eh

Five Band Indoor Magnetic Loop Aerial by G4IZH. Post #1572.

Five Band Indoor Magnetic Loop Aerial by G4IZH. Post #1572. http://qrznow.com/five-band-indoor-magnetic-loop-aerial-by-g4izh. Please click link to read the full article. Accessed on 02 August 2018, 0038 UTC, Post #1572. Comment: Although this antenna is a bit complicated, you may want to consider G4IZH's design if you can use no other antenna on your lot.  The "aerial" requires a bit of technical skill, but the rewards of completing this project far outweigh its challenges. G4IZH says the antenna covers the 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meter Amateur Radio bands (14 MHz to 29.7 MHz) with a 1:1 SWR throughout the tuning range.  Each construction step is illustrated by excellent photographs and helpful suggestions. Like any compromised antenna, there are limitations that should be considered: "The main problem with mag loops is that they are very high Q and need to be re tuned even for a relatively small change in frequency so a motorised tuning capacitor ar