Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXIqkdosGWw.  In our last post, W5CYF described how to build a window panel to pass coaxial feedlines through a window without damaging the window frame.  In this video, we see a simple way to have 600 ohm true ladder line pass from the outside of your house into your ham shack using a simple external balun and a short length of 50 ohm coax to connect your antenna to your transmatch/tuner and then on to your HF rig.  A nice, simple, inexpensive solution to using ladder line for your HF antennas. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRmbezrkGoc. Here's a handy gadget for your ham shack that will make attachments to your outdoor antenna a bit easier.  In this video, Tinker John (W5CYF) shows us a simple, effective method of passing a coax antenna cable through a window sill without damaging the window frame or glass. The project is simple and inexpensive. This window pass through can be used for any type of antenna--ham radio, TV, CB, or SWL. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yARhBgi020. This is post #880 in a continuing series discussing amateur radio antennas. Great video tutorial from Peter Parker (VK3YE). Long radials are a hassle in a portable or emergency situation. Ground-mounted radial wires can present a safety hazard to both animals and people.  In this video, Peter uses a television rabbit ears antenna along with a variable capacitor to create a tuned counterpoise for his 20 meter vertical antenna.  The small tuned counterpoise system works very well and reduces the chances of someone getting tangled up in a ground radial system. Of course, Peter's location near a beautiful Australian beach helps launch a decent signal.  If you don't have sufficient room for a ground radial system, try this idea from Peter. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  Th

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLOvSLXDudU. Another quick and easy antenna idea from Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ).  In this video, Dave show us how to build a simple, efficient 2 Meter yagi antenna out of metal coat hangers. You could also use roll up metal rulers sold in hardware stores for the antenna elements.  Your boom could be made from pvc pipe, wood, or bamboo. Just follow Dave's simple instructions and, in no time, you'll have a fully functional yagi that will "hit" those distant repeaters.  This antenna is great for contests and DX hunting. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

HF-Powered Drone Antenna (http://www.hackaday.com/2016/08/hf-powered-drone-antenna). (http://www.eham.net/articles/37439). Reporter:  Elliot Williams. Please click underlined title link or enter the title URL into your browser search box to read the full report and to see the video of the experiment. Comment: If you have no room for a tower, but still want the performance edge extra height gives your VHF/UHF signal, you may want to try this intriguing idea from Glenn (N6FN). Glenn has built a rig that "transmits significant power using a thin wire.  The wire is used to send the power at high frequency down the wire at which point it becomes more like a transmission line than a conductor."  Glenn adds that his signal " is rectified to DC on the other end to power a quadcopter drone" supporting the antenna wire. Glenn has included some interesting graphics and a video showing the evolution of the drone supported antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news