Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK0KX0YcvH0. Do you want better performance from your HT or other FM gear? Then disconnect the stock "Rubber Ducky" antenna that came with your HT and use this design from "electronicsNmore" instead.  All you need to make this vertical sleeve 1/2 wave coax antenna is some 50 ohm coaxial cable with copper shielding, a small diameter brass or copper tube,solder and rosin flux, a bit of heat-shrink tubing, and a SWR meter to help you trim the length of the antenna. This project is perfect for clubs, portable and field operations, and casual use. 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://bigislandarrlnew

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu6x37O1O-k. Most radio amateurs who participate in the annual ARRL Field Day communications exercise rely on some form of alternate energy to keep their stations on the air.  One of the popular choices for emergency power backup is solar power in the form of panels mounted near your Amateur Radio station. In this video, Julian (OH8STN) shows us how to set up a tower-mounted solar panel system, including charge controllers and a "repurposed" battery for providing power during a "grid down" emergency. Julian believes emergency communications should not only be designed for field use but also for your home station.  One never knows when commercial power mains may be rendered inoperable. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.a

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mgd06UAHbU. The ARRL Field Day is coming to the last full weekend of June (23-24 June 2018).  Radio amateurs from around the world participate in this emergency communications exercise to sharpen their technical and antenna skills.  Field Day is also one of the biggest contests of the year, with contacts ranging from amateur satellites to the most exotic digital modes.  And, yes, the act of getting out in the outdoors and operating with solar power, homemade antennas, and low-powered rigs is a lot of fun. As this video from "motoforlyfe" explains, you don't have to join a club to participate in this annual summer event.  You can operate from your home using your backyard as your playing field.  I've operated from my home several times when work requirements precluded travel to my club's field day site.  This video does an excellent jo

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZkWPP13S6k. An interesting, well-thought out, and easy to follow tutorial on how to make an effective, simple Delta Loop Antenna for the 6-Meter Amateur Radio band. M0ZMF and G3RCW have produced a totally clear and understandable method of designing, building, and using an antenna that produces excellent results on "The Magic Band."  The antenna doesn't use much space, so it can be mounted in your backyard with room to spare.  Try this antenna.  You won't be disappointed. 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 & In

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMCKOHyfeJ0. Here's an interesting magnetic loop antenna from Peter Parker (VK3YE) when he first started experimenting with this type of HF antenna.  According to Peter, this "compact magnetic loop antenna (is) capable of operation on all amateur radio bands between 160-10 meters."  Although the efficiency is quite low, Peter was able to make solid contacts from his backyard with this experimental transmitting loop. Peter says the feed line "connects directly to the copper tube which has a tapping point for the coax inner...other builders use a second smaller loop inside." If you have restricted space for a multiband HF antenna, you may want to try Peter's antenna. 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 w

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeumSDLXBKM. If you can't join your Amateur Radio Club for this year's ARRL Field Day (23-24 June 2018), why not go solo and set up camping-based single station for the event. In this video "Outdoors On The Air" mounted a small, one-man Field Day station in his back yard for the 2014 event.  He did rather well, making 135 contacts on 40, 20, and 15 meters with a few end-fed wire antennas. There are special categories for single-operator stations, including mobile, battery-powered, or commercially powered arrangements.  Be sure to bring plenty of coffee and snacks--it will be a long, intense night. 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). https://hamradiohawaii.wordpress.com. https://bi

If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch>v=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWZZlpHJKT8. Another way to get on 160 meters on a medium-sized urban lot is to design and build a simple 160 Meter Inverted L Antenna.  In this video from Bob Holowenko, we see how he built an effective 160 Meter Inverted L Antenna from 127 feet/38.719 meters of wire, six-127 feet/39.719 meters radials, and "a pile of random wire, including a fence."  You may find Bob's antenna a good start for your 160 meter antenna. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please visit these websites: https://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). Be sure to check the blog sidebars an