Posts

How to Build a 9:1 UnUn for Ham Radio Antenna. Post 1788.

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If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfnvqQeDLoQ. This video offers a good, clear, and simple way to design and build a 9:1 UnUn for "Long Wire Antennas."  Tinker John (W5CYF) says this inexpensive, one-evening project uses locally available materials and will prove useful for both portable and home operations.  Why not make one for your emergency "Go-Kit?" 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).

Compact Homebrew End Fed QRP Antenna. Post 1787.

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If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hq7HAOYjZA. If you want a cheap, easy to make, and totally portable antenna for your next operation in the great outdoors, then this excellent video from WI9LL may be what you're looking for. According to WI9LL, the antenna was built to meet the need "for low wattage QRP use"...and designed to be "compact and inexpensive." The antenna uses a 9:1 UnUn wrapped on a T-10602 toroid, "using minimal hardware to be lightweight."  A very nice, compact antenna.  Why not make one for your emergency "Go-Kit"? 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://bi

5 Ways to deal with your H.O.A - Ham Radio - Get on the air! Post 1786.

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If you can't view the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcyeyphLTIg. If you live in deed-restricted housing (HOA/CC&Rs), this video from KG5OCW is a must see.  This well-produced and easily understandable presentation should give you several ideas for mounting an outdoor HF antenna while avoiding the attention of nosey neighbors.  The important thing to remember is "out of sight, out of mind."  When all else fails, use an indoor antenna mounted in your attic or a simple HF magnetic loop antenna that can be set up  and taken down quickly in your backyard.  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://

Ham Radio - Can an antenna work while laying on the ground? Post 1785.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS-CNtY2Uk. Fascinating video from Kevin (KB9RLW).  The short answer is yes, depending on ground conductivity and the local noise environment.  Kevin shows us that a "ground antenna" does work if you're willing to accept less than stellar performance.  There have been some SOTA (Summits on the air) events where ham antennas have been located at high altitudes without the benefit of trees or other supports.  Contacts were made despite the limitations of height above ground.  It's also worth mentioning the "Grasswire Antenna" from K3MT which seems to work fairly well.  Check the blog sidebars for the K3MT "Grasswire Antenna" page, which gives the specifics for this antenna. While on-the-ground transmitting antennas may not perform well, receiving antennas mounted a short height above ground seem to produce excellent res

ham radio HF wire antenna projects. Post 1784.

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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=R8hv1iLTUM8. It's amazing what you can make with just a few feet of wire, a few connectors, ceiling hooks, tape, and some creativity. In this video, we see a few examples of HF wire antennas which can be made from locally available materials.  This video does a good job of showing the construction details of an inverted Vee "Slinky" antenna, a modified half square antenna for 20 meters, and an indoor two-turn HF loop. Getting on the air may be as close as your garage, storage room, and the proverbial "junk box" kept by most radio amateurs.  Don't be afraid to experiment with homebrew antenna designs.  That's part of the fund of being a ham radio operator. For the latest Amateur/Ham Radio news and information, please check these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-ne