Posts

ARRL Field Day Safety - Ham Radio Q&A. Post 1866.

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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=vXIUqr3tMpU. More than 40,000 radio amateurs from the United States and Canada are expected to "take to the field" during the last full weekend of June for the annual ARRL Field Day emergency communications exercise.  The event is part contest, part emergency communications, and part fun. One of the most important aspects of this yearly event is operational safety, from generators and tents to antenna erection and food preparation.  In this video from Michael Martens of KB9VBR Antennas, we learn how to prepare for this outdoor event and take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.  A little pre-planning will go a long way to keeping Field Day a safe and enjoyable experience. 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-aud

#207 build your own ham radio antenna for field day or traveling. Post 1865.

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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=wKuaTX442UQ. In this video, "Peter" establishes a sound and thorough understanding of antenna design for any band and frequency.  Peter covers basic antenna theory, including formulas, construction practices, and materials considerations.  If you're looking for antenna ideas for your home shack, the ARRL Field Day, or for any portable operation, please check out this video.  Although the video is a bit long, it covers almost everything you need to know about antennas.  Place a copy of this video in your shack for further reference. 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:

HOA Stealth Backyard Vertical 10m-80m Antenna - MFJ-1979, RadioWavz P-80. Post 1864.

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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=4W5FFX3movg. Operating an amateur radio station in a deed-restricted property governed by HOAs and CC&Rs presents a real challenge.  In this video from "remingtonh" we see how a simple monoband vertical antenna can gain multiband capability while remaining nearly invisible to nosey neighbors. The antenna is a modified MFJ-1979 1/4 wave 20 meter vertical coupled to a RadioWavz Patriot 80 adjustable loading coil, supported by a Hustler mast, and tuned in part by a MFJ-959 capacitive matcher.  Remingtonh has installed a good ground radial system to improve the efficiency and performance of the vertical. To make the antenna a bit more stealthy, I would recommend a coat of green or brown paint to help the vertical blend in with its surroundings.  A tilt over device could be used to lower the antenna when it's not being used.  A case of "o

Simple Ground-Plane Vertical. Post 1863.

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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=HJpQBy34ubg. If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive, and effective HF antenna for your shack or for the upcoming ARRL Field Day, then this basic 40 meter ground-plane antenna from Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) maybe your answer.  In fact, this was the first antenna I used when I became a novice ham radio operator back in 1977. In addition to the 40 meter band, I also was able to make contacts on the 15 meter band using the third fundamental of the 40 meter frequency. The antenna is simplicity itself.  In this antenna, the 40 meter element and each of its ground radial wires are 33 feet/10.06 meters long.  I used a telescoping fiberglass mast to support the vertical element and some left over "zip cord" for the ground radial system.  I fed the antenna with 50 feet/15.24 meters of RG-8 coaxial cable.  Like Stan's design, my SWR was approximatel

Zero-Five Vertical Antenna Setup at KC9FFV's QTH. Post 1862.

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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=jgTWyR7hyII. Here's another fascinating vertical antenna installation.  This time, KC9FFV shows us how he installed and tested his Zero-Five 43 foot/13.109 metre antenna on his property. An interesting note is his use of a chain link fence as part of his ground radial system.  I would have preferred a few more ground rods or some ground radial wires spreading out from the antenna base.  Apparently, KC9FFV gets good results from this installation, so the metal fence apparently helps to create a suitable ground or counterpoise system for this installation.  Other than this minor quibble, this installation is neat, well-planned, and effective. 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 Fr