Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view the video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmm63d2Zyv4. Operating a mobile HF/VHF/UHF amateur radio station is one of the fun activities enjoyed by licensed radio amateurs.  There are many contests and operating events specially designed for the mobile operator.  Mobile operations can expand your ham radio enjoyment while you get acquainted with the vast expanses of our country. The installation of mobile antennas can be a bit tedious, considering the limitations, grounding problems, and power issues involved in today's modern trucks and passenger cars.  In this video, Creg Cottrell of Rugged Radios walks us through choosing the right mobile radio antenna, understanding ground planes, selecting mounting locations, vehicle mounting options, and basic trouble shooting associated with mobile antennas.  An excellent video tutorial with many helpful suggestions for the mobile operator. For the lates

. If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6OfZYzCUE. One of the things I enjoy about antennas is the opportunity to build some of the classic antenna designs used in the early days of Amateur Radio.  The Windom Antenna is a good example of an early antenna design which continues in a variety of variants today. The modern Windom Antenna is a close cousin of the original off-center-fed dipole created by Loren Windom (ex-W8GZ) back in the early 1920s.  Windom's original idea was to design an off-center-fed (OCF) horizontal antenna to present a feed point impedance of around 600 ohms, close enough to match the surge impedance of a single-wire feed line.  Nowadays, variants of the Windom Antenna are fed by coaxial cable and a variety of balanced feed lines. In this video from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) we get a thorough understanding of the theory, design, construction, and use of a "moder

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3GAnjB_Wo. Here's a short video from the "HamRadioConcepts" youtube channel explaining the attractions of the 30 Meter Amateur Radio Band (10 MHz).  This video calls the 30 Meter Band a "hidden gem" because there's less noise and better propagation than some other ham bands. Especially interesting is a discussion of how digital modes such at FT-8, PSK31, CW, and JT65 can be used effectively on this band.  All it takes to enjoy this non-contest band is a simple dipole or vertical antenna.  Many modern transceivers include this band in their layouts in addition to the more "classic bands" we use everyday on HF.  Thirty meters is also a good place to practice and improve your CW skills. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://arrl.org. http:/

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=OJnp4BDST8U. Here's an excellent antenna idea for those radio amateurs living in deed-restricted housing governed by HOAs and CC&Rs.  This easily made magnetic loop antenna covers the 10-12 meter Amateur Radio bands and can be made from locally available materials.  The antenna can be used for  home, portable, and emergency use. The video is clear, concise, and easily understood.  Although several companies produce magnetic loop antennas, it may be more fun "to roll your own".  If you feel ambitious, why not make a magnetic loop antenna for 40 and 20 meters?  You may be surprised just how well these small antennas work.  A compromise antenna is better than no antenna. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrl

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnYIMAbKfCg. A short while ago, I reported on how Julian (OHJ8STN) was preparing for The Winter Field Day event.  In that video, Julian outlined what was needed to survive and operate an Amateur Radio Station in a severe northern latitude (above 65-degrees north). In this update of that adventure, Julian provides an excellent after-action report showing the benefits of planning, the practicality of using a "go-kit" for portable operations, and how to maximize your operational efficiency in an extremely cold environment.  Julian does an outstanding job of describing how to design, build, and use a "go-kit" for field operations.  Julian's suggestions can apply to many climatic situations, especially when he discusses the importance of pre-planning, pre-testing of equipment, and emergency procedures in extreme climates.  It's perha