Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atRUzlvmPPc. How would you like to see how well your antenna performs for DX contacts? You can get a good analysis of antenna effectiveness by using WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) software from Joe Taylor (K1JT). In this video, Randy Hall (K7AGE) shows how he used WSPR to gauge performance of his "Super Antenna MP-1" using a Yaesu FT-817 and the MFJ-1976. According to Randy, WSPR "sends your call sign, power level and grid square during a nearly 2 minute transmission--Receiving stations can decode your transmission and post results to an online data base."  WSPR can be a valuable operating aid for DX chasers and Contest followers. Randy does an excellent job of demonstrating how WSPR works and how the software can help you improve antenna performance. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit thes

ZIf you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SBGdPMnH-E. Now that propagation is favoring the lower HF bands (160 meters, 80 meters, and 40 meters), you may want to build an antenna that addresses your favorite lower HF band.  May I suggest the 80 meter half square antenna built by Don Johnson (N4DJ)? The half square antenna is ideal for DX chasing without investing in a very tall tower or buying an "aluminum forest" for radiation purposes.  There's no need for a tower, antenna rotor, or an expensive beam. A half square antenna is a wire antenna with two vertical radiators fed in phase.  The antenna exhibits a bit of gain, a broadside pattern, a low angle of radiation (around 15 degrees), and needs no ground.  If you feed the antenna at the top left or right edge, the antenna shows a good match to a 50 ohm coaxial feed cable. Don takes us step-by step through the design, constructi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3BsYbzwvw. If you want your HF dipole to have better gain and some directivity, try this "classic" Extended Double Zepp Antenna. The EDZ antenna described by Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) is a "collinear array of two 5/8 waves in phase", which delivers approximately 3 dB gain broadside to the antenna.  According to Stan, construction of this antenna is simple and uses locally available materials. Just follow the diagram provided, and you should have a dipole with a bit more"punch" for your ham station. For more antenna ideas from Stan, please visit his website at: http://sciencewriter.net. 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://oa

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpl3TRXqaoM. Every Amateur Radio Operator should have lightning and static electricity protection as outlined in this well-made, to-the-point video from "North Carolina Prepper." The video takes us through basic lightning and grounding procedures that will shield your equipment from static charges and lightning strikes near your QTH. In addition to the above steps, I'm able to lower my vertical antennas and disconnect all feed lines after use.  A little prevention now will save you grief later. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://ww

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18FGuuaif9c. In this video, "Outdoors on the Air" discusses a fascinating ham radio dipole offered by Tim (N9SAB) on his ebay store.  The original idea for this 20 meter off-center fed dipole comes from Dennis Blanchard and his video entitled "Ham Radio Hiking Gear." This 20 meter dipole requires no coax as it is designed to connect directly to a transceiver jack.  According to the video, no assembly or antenna "tuner" is required.  The antenna accepts a PL-259 connector.  The off-center fed antenna is integrated with a 4:1 balun.  The cost of the antenna is approximately $20 (USD). 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://oahua

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jVVQ8ReQXA. If you want multiband HF coverage from 160 meters through 10 meters and you can have only one antenna, why not try the "classic" doublet antenna? In this video, Steve Ellington (N4LQ) show us his doublet antenna which covers 160 meters to 10 meters, using 60-ft/18.29 m of 450 ohm ladder line and a MFJ-998 automatic "tuner."  Steve says his length of balanced feed line, coupled with the "tuner" allows, him to cover a wide range of amateur/ham radio frequencies. If you want to follow Steve's design, please cut the doublet for the lowest frequency of use.  In this case, you will be able to cover 160 meters to 10 meters with each dipole segment measuring approximately 135-ft/40.76 m.  You may have to adjust antenna length to accommodate local conditions. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, ple

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0mWdNlHw5E . One of the toughest parts of a vertical antenna installation is the preparation, building, and installing of a ground radial or counterpoise system.  The ground radial system supplies the "missing half" of a vertical antenna and is needed to improve signal strength and boost efficiency. In this video, we see one way of putting that "missing half" in the ground without too much effort. As suggested by "dixielandfarm", more short radials are preferred to fewer, longer radials.  Although there is no ideal number of radials for a vertical antenna (some AM broadcast stations use up to 120 quarter wave radials). try building a radial field using 16 to 20 buried radial wires.  Another possibility is using four to six elevated radials for your vertical antenna.  I've used this solution for frequencies between 20 and

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjSGCSwNuAg. I consider this video from Martin Lorton one of the best tutorials covering crimp connectors, wire stripping, and the proper use of heat shrink tubing.  For those of us who don't do much kit building or repair of equipment, this video is a welcome gift for those times when we must fix something at our ham stations. Martin show us some simple, effective ways to work with connectors, wire projects, and heat shrink tubing.  You may want to download this video for your personal ham radio library.  You never know when this material will come in handy.  An extremely well-done 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 (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAsG8q_oWT8. I've been following the progress of Paul's (OM0ET) homemade Magloop Antenna over the course of several videos documenting the design, construction, and testing of this compact antenna. In this segment, Paul makes what he calls a "practical improvement" of his homemade magloop with the addition of a new coupler unit which doesn't require the use of screwdriver--an ingenious design feature which works very well.  Paul has given us a remarkably well-made and clean design which should encourage experimentation within the amateur/ham radio community. If you want more information on Paul's project, please visit this website: http://www.sk-tech.sk.om0et. 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-

. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl_8msSbpDQ. Other than the mildly distracting audio track, this video from 4Z5JO does an excellent job of showing how to build a simple, inexpensive, and effective 4:1 balun for your HF antenna system.  The video provides a step-by-step method of designing and building this useful antenna accessory.  4Z5JO provides a full list of materials needed for this easy project. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfe3powlvY. An utterly fascinating and somewhat cryptic demonstration of a 160 meter ferrite rod antenna from Russian ham Yuri (RN3RBH). It isn't clear whether this antenna is transmit capable.  Most likely, this homebrew 160 meter antenna is designed for reception purposes only.  It probably nulls out noise very well.  If you live in an RFI-rich environment, then you may want to consider building something similar to Yuri's ferrite rod antenna. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek14ax7pCfo. Getting on the 160-Meter Amateur Radio Band from a small urban lot can be a difficult challenge. You may find this curious top-loaded vertical from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) a possible answer to your 160-Meter operating issues.  In Stan's design, a capacitance hat forms part of four guy wires supporting the vertical section of this antenna.  Try out this antenna and see if it works. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lO_h1bqmmY. Here's another fascinating antenna video from Denis (VE3BF). In this video, Denis shows us how to make an efficient, inexpensive, and simple HF long wire antenna for both home and portable use. The key to Denis's long wire antenna is a 9:1 UnUn which solves much of the antenna-feed line mismatch found in such antennas.  A good antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a simple ground radial or counterpoise system will improve the performance of this antenna. Denis does a good job of explaining the concept, construction techniques, and tuning of this antenna. If you want more information on HF long wire antennas, check out this website: http://udel.edu/~mm/ham/randomWire. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl9H3CC0PAE. If you want a good performing 160 meter antenna for a limited urban lot, please try this Inverted U antenna from Edy Karsano (YC2YIZ). The horizontal wire is 17 meters/55.76 feet long, while the two side elements are 9 meters/29.52 feet each. Edy says the antenna works well in a restricted space. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCq_fOwCLT4. Now that HF propagation is favoring the lower amateur/ham radio bands (160m, 80m, and 40m), you may want to design, build, and test an inverted L antenna. In this video, Callum (M0MCX) shows us how to build a simple antenna for the lower HF bands--in this case an inverted L for 80 meters.  The antenna has a small footprint, is easy to build and tune, and remains fairly inexpensive.  As Callum points out, the basic 80 meter inverted L provides decent DX and local coverage, too.   Used with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), this antenna can also be used on 40 meters through 10 meters.  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://oahuar

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0WB-3UToLg. Here's another segment of David Casler's (KE0OG) popular "Ask Dave" series about Amateur/Ham Radio. In this well-organized and energetic video, Dave presents an overall view of antenna theory, antenna terminology, and antenna designs for both the newly-licensed radio amateur and the experienced operator. The video is full of valuable suggestions, interactive diagrams, and detailed discussion of antennas from verticals to gain antenna systems.  Dave's video would make a good program for your next club meeting or for an upcoming licensing class.  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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://h

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP3kDxtaSWQ. Although many radio amateurs/hams joined their clubs at public parks, emergency response headquarters, and civic building for the annual June ARRL Field Day, more survivalist-oriented operators, such as Finnish ham Julian (OH8STN), preferred to operate in remote field locations with light weight, portable equipment. In this video, Julian show what he used to truly operate off-grid and away from civilization.  From his electric bike to a state-of-the-art tent, Julian rolled out quite a station that collected many contacts. Julian's basic equipment included: A Yaesu FT-891 transceiver A Raspberry Pi microprocessor for digital contacts. A study, light weight MP-1 portable HF antenna. Solar power. Solar panels. Basic tools. And, of course, a beautiful shoreline to set up his equipment. Julian has compiled a fascinating series of v

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKuLDnwuy8M. A 40/80 meter coil-loaded inverted V dipole antenna is an excellent fit for a small urban lot or any other restricted outdoor space.  However, tuning this antenna for efficient operation in both bands can be a bit challenging, especially where loading coils are used. In this well-made video from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ), we learn a few ways to make the tuning procedure a bit less painful, while making sure each of our two bands is operating at peak efficiency.  Dave does a thorough job of explaining what to to without wasting time or materials.  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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPT_YLXclDE. A fascinating video from Tim (2E0TWG) on how to squeeze a good performing multiband doublet antenna into a restricted garden space.  In Tim's video, we see how careful planning can set up an efficient dipole antenna in a space measuring 30 ft X 30 ft (9.146 m X 9.146 m).  Tim's antenna is only 44 ft (13.41 m) long, yet it performs well on several amateur radio HF bands.  Perhaps Tim's project can be used in your yard.  It's worth a try.  Remember the old saying:  "A compromise antenna is better than no antenna at all." 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5awjoMRzrQ. If you want a little more "punch" from your 20 meter vertical antenna, why not build Bob's (VK5FO) end-fire phased array of 2 X 1/4 wave length elevated ground plane antennas? Bob walks us through the general theory, construction, and alignment of this directional antenna which can give about 3 dBi gain over a single 20 meter monopole vertical antenna. Most of the materials for this phased vertical array can be obtained from your local building supply outlet, neighborhood hardware store, or through a few online vendors. A basic, simple, and fairly inexpensive way to get some gain from a vertical antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: https://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday aftern

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZhCs3FbvNU. Here's a simple and elegant solution to keeping common mode currents off your coaxial cable feed line. According to Australian radio amateur Peter Parker (VK3YE), this basic choke "balun" only uses a few materials: 7 meters/22.96 feet of RG-58 coaxial cable. 75mm/2.95 inches diameter piece of PVC tubing. A few connectors. Be sure to weatherproof the assembly. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. https://www.eham.net. http://www.southgatearc.org. Thanks for joining us today. Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0eYB5AWGvY. Although some of my amateur radio friends will call KD0RVY's "2m Ladder Line J Pole" a "Slim Jim", the basic idea given in this well-done video is sound, doable, and extremely useful for portable, emergency, and field operations. KD0RVY takes you step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing phases of this handy, lightweight, and inexpensive antenna. According to KD0RVY, here's a list of the materials needed for this antenna: 60 to 61 inches/152.40 to 154.94 cm of 450 ohm ladder line. A MFJ Ladder Line board with BNC connector. RG-58 or RG-8X coaxial cable. RG-58 or RG-8X coaxial cable with BNC connectors at both ends. BNC Female to SMA Connector. A 2 meter HT. KD0RVY says the SWR for this 2 meter antenna is excellent:  144.000 MHz (1.2:1) and 148.000 MHz (2.0:1). For the latest Amateur/Ham Ra

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfhrMqZAlmg. If you want an inexpensive, easy-to-build 20 meter vertical antenna for portable or emergency use, then this homebrew vertical designed by Denis (VE3BF) may be what you need. Denis takes you step-by-step through the design, building, and testing phase of this remarkably simple antenna.  Denis also supplies a list of materials which can be used to make this "field operations" antenna. Here's what you'll need to make this antenna: An 8-foot/2.43 meters fence rail. A TV roof top tripod. A 1/2 in/1.27 cm to 3/4 in/1.905 cm diameter galvanized conduit pipe. A 6 in X 9 in/15.24 cm X 22.86 cm cedar board. 4 pipe saddle clamps. 2 hose clamps. One 108 in/274.32 cm stainless steel whip. LDG RU-4:1 balun. 75 feet/2.86 meters of #14 AWG wire. Have fun with this simple, sturdy 20 meter vertical antenna. Thanks for joining us

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uPk0lAEwhc. Here's another great project from Dave Turlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing of homebrew "Feed-point Connector for an Inverted V Dipole Antenna." The video is very detailed, yet easy to understand.  If you follow Dave's instructions, you should get a very strong support for your inverted v elements. You may want to weatherproof the assembly to insure protection from the elements. Most of the materials for this project should be available from a plumbing supply outlet, your neighborhood hardware store, or a building supply warehouse. 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 afterno

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUJPcRIUDE. In our previous post, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explained the pros and cons of a coax-fed multiband HF dipole antenna.  Even with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") in line, high antenna SWR for all bands, except the one cut specifically for the design frequency, will lead to poor efficiency and power loss. According to Stan, one way to keep feed line losses to a minimum would be to use a balanced feeder (ladder line, TV window line, or homebrew 600 ohm balanced line) with your HF dipole antenna.  Design your dipole for the lowest frequency of use, use balanced line to feed the antenna, and use a balanced antenna "tuner" to keep line losses and SWR low. In this video, Stan explains the theory, operation, and use of ladder line, as well as where and when to use it.  If you can have only one HF antenna, feed it with balanced t

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Hr4vSnkuo. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV), we see an "elegant but fragile solution to a common conumdrum"--making a monoband dipole antenna capable of operating on several amateur/ham radio bands with only one coaxial cable feed line. With the aid of an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") and a carefully chosen length of 50 ohm coaxial cable as a feed line, it's possible to cover a few HF bands without too much loss.  Many of us, myself included, used this arrangement when we needed a simple, inexpensive antenna to get on the air.  This arrangement worked fairly well, if one chose 40 meters as the basic antenna.  Even without a "tuner", a 40 meter dipole could give passable performance on 15 meters using the third harmonic of of 7 MHz. As Stan points out, the antenna works fairly well, considering the mismatch f

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5OqrvyjTgs. One of the ways you can achieve multiband HF coverage using only one coaxial cable feed line is to build a "Fan Dipole", with separate dipoles for as many HF bands you want to use.  The key to this "classic" antenna is the construction of a sturdy, weather resistant center Insulator to support your various dipole antennas. In this video from Jim (W6LG), we see how some PVC plumbing parts, a coax connector, and a few screw eyes can make a tough, inexpensive center connector for your Fan Dipole. Jim takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and testing phases of this helpful antenna accessory.  A well-done, easily understandable tutorial from a well-know antenna pro.  Please note the classic Drake Amateur Radio gear in the background. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these w

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azmDNE1uboo . A very short video from Neven (9A5YY) showing us his simple, portable inverted V antenna.  He seems to get a variety of good contacts using only 5 watts into his Yaesu-FT-817ND transceiver. The antenna has only a few parts: Spiderbeam HD 12 m/39.36 ft telescoping fiberglass mast. MFJ-1779C Center insulator. Antenna wire. Plastic insulators. Various clips and clamps. Ancell 5(50 ohm) coaxial cable for the feed line. MFJ-269 Antenna Analyzer. Neven says the antenna is resonant at 14.180 MHz with an SWR of 1.2. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrl

. If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOEvhhLlL7U. If you need a simple, effective antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") for your QRP station, then please consider the EMTECH ZM 2 antenna tuner. In this video, Kevin Loughin (KB9RLW) does an exhaustive review of this small, but highly versatile ATU.  Kevin also compares the ZM 2 to his recently built L-network tuner.  While both tuners are capable performers, the ZM 2 holds the edge on overall performance. The EMTECH ZM 2 is light weight, highly portable, and certainly efficient, whether you prefer home operation or working stations from a nearby park or recreation area. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com.

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK5j8hTVnoE. Now that you've measured your wire, gathered a few supports, and assembled some basic tools, how do you make sure your new dipole is close to the frequency calculated by the usual formulas and collective wisdom of your friends? In this well-organized video by Josh of the "Ham Radio Crash Course", we learn how to build, setup, and trim your new HF dipole antenna so that it performs as you intended. The video provides basic, easy-to-understand instructions on how to make your dipole behave as it should.  A nice review for any antenna enthusiast. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawa

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Axs2ut7sE. Here's an excellent example of what can be done with a very short HF vertical in a portable or field operation. In this video, "RadioPrepper" uses a 6 m/19.68 ft telescoping fiberglass fishing pole to support 19 ft/5.79 m of antenna wire.  The key to the success this antenna is the EARCHI 9:1 UNUN.  On this day, an Elecraft KX2 was able to reach Sweden for a QSO.  Notice how a complete ham station was carried in a small plastic case, making this arrangement perfect for an impromptu field operation. 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://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.co