Posts

Horizontal Loop Antenna Experiments. Post #1489.

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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=OLq3nBQppqg. If you want a good general coverage HF antenna that exhibits low noise, please consider the horizontal loop. In this video, Rob Wagner (VK3BVW) describes the large horizontal loop used at his QTH.  He compares the design, installation, and noise reduction capabilities of this antenna with several of his dipole antennas. Rob's horizontal loop is large (43 meters/141.04 feet for each of its four sides--a total of 172 meters/564.16 feet for the complete antenna), making this antenna suitable for several amateur radio bands from 160 to 10 meters.  Depending on the type of feed line used, you can either design the loop for single band or multiband purposes.  An antenna transmatch or "tuner" is needed for the antenna to reach its most efficient operation. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websi

Building an Emergency Ham Radio Go Box. Post #1488.

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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=_3qS6QYQWjQ. Every radio amateur operator should have a "go box" or "go kit" ready for emergency, portable, or disaster response. In this video, "BluegrassMedia" show us how he assembled his go box from material found in his neighborhood.  The only criticism I have about this otherwise excellent tutorial is the failure of the maker to wear eye and body protection during the painting process. This go box is sturdy, light weight, and totally portable--a good candidate for the upcoming ARRL Field Day in June. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check these websites: 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 (Amateu

Tilted Terminated Folded Dipole. Post #1487.

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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=Batw43uoQ9I. Here's an antenna you don't see very often--The T2FD (Tilted Terminated Folded Dipole).  This antenna is well-suited for small urban lots and can be used as a horizontal dipole, a sloper,or even as an inverted vee dipole antenna. In this short video, "SpectreOZ" shows his T2FD from design to installation, featuring a 10 watt terminating resistor made from 4, 5 watt 390 ohm resistors in a series parallel circuit.  The circuit is joined to a 4:1 balun, which is encased in pvc pipe for stability and weather resistance. If you feel in an experimental mood, why not try this classic HF antenna in your backyard? For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday afternoon). https://hamradio

An Indoor VHF Delta Loop. Post #1486.

An Indoor Delta Loop. Post #1486. http://www.k2zs.com/indoor-vhf-antennas/vhf-delta-loop Author: Scott (K2ZS). Accessed on 09 May 2018, 0225 UTC, Post #1486. Don't let restrictive housing covenants (HOAs/CC&Rs) stop you from enjoying VHF/UHF activities in your area.  If you follow the suggestions from Scott (K2ZS), you'll have an efficient, effective VHF/UHF antenna that can operate indoors out of the earshot of noisy neighbors. Scott's VHF Delta Loop is easy to build and can be for both home and field use. Scott's article discusses the following topics: General design characteristics of the VHF Delta Loop. Construction procedures. Feed point connectivity Polarization. Weak signal use. I've built a few of these delta loop antennas for 2 meters and they work very well. According to Scott, you can't beat the price and convenience of this homemade antenna: There is no need to spend money for some special antenna that claims to be the be

The Mighty Rhombic, The King of Antennas (AD #128). Post #1485.

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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=fmW1Oisao-I. A wonderfully done video on one of the true "monster" antennas of all time.  During the 1930s and 1940s, powerful HF shortwave stations, including the ARRL HQ station (W1AW) used this high gain antenna to reach distant points of the globe.  Nowadays, the rhombic is becoming a historical curiosity in favor of modern sterba arrays which can be a bit more efficient and switchable to various HF bands. In this video, David Casler (KE0OG) delves into the theory, construction, and use of this once popular antenna, citing its "phenominal directivity and extraordinary low elevation angle" as a definite plus for point-to-point HF service. If you have the space, build one of these classic antennas--you won't be disappointed. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.arrl.o

Backyard Inverted-L Antenna. Post #1484.

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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=Wq4A9skU3Zs. Here's a simple inverted-L antenna that works well between 40 and 10 meters.  According to Craig Sheppard, the antenna is about 58 feet/17.68 meters long and 24 feet/7.31 meters high at the branch supporting the top of the antenna.  The longer section is terminated at a post  between 6-7 feet/1.87-2.13 meters high at the far end.  Don't forget to install a good ground radial or counterpoise system to maximize efficiency and reduce RFI and SWR. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: 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.southgate

Portable Amateur Radio Satellite Antenna. Post #1483.

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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=b0niy7Sy96Q. In this informative and easy-to-understand video, Dave Tadlock (KG0ZZ) takes us step-by-step through the design, construction, and use of a small, hand-held portable Amateur Radio dual band (2 meter/70 cm) satellite antenna.  While this antenna is a bit complex, Dave's building process and suggestions will make assembly fairly simple.  This antenna is suitable for both home and portable use.  Use this antenna to copy Amateur Radio satellites during the upcoming ARRL Field Day on 23-24 June 2018.  For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: 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 & Informa