Simple Ham Radio Antennas

Using a Smith Chart to Match Transmitter to Antenna Effectively (http://www.radioworld.com/article/using-a-smith-chart-to-match-transmitter-to-antenna-effectively/278137). Accessed on 05 July 2016, 23:33 hrs, UTC. Author:  Mike Hendrickson of "Radio World." Please click link or enter title link into your browser to read the full article. Comment: This is part 2 of Mike Hendrickson's exploration of SWR, VSWR, and Reflected Power.  In this well-constructed article, Mike show us how to use the Smith Chart to get a graphical representation of impedance, admittance, phase, wavelength, and reflection coefficient of an antenna system.  This chart, developed by Philip Smith in the 1930s has proven to be a valuable, useful tool for not only broadcast engineers but also for radio amateurs wanting to design efficient and safe antenna systems.  Mike explains the history behind the Smith Chart and explains how it can be used in a variety of applications.  The article contains

ABCs of SWR, VSWR, Reflected Power and Return Loss (http://www.radioworld.com/article/the-abcs-of-swr-vswr-reflected-power-and-return-loss-27769). Author:  Mike Hendrickson, "Radio World Engineering Extra." Please click title link to read the full article. Comment: Thanks to "Radio World" and to broadcast engineer Mike Hendrickson for this excellent, easily understood, and concise explanation of Standing Wave Ratio, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, and Return Loss. Although this article is focused on the needs of professional broadcast engineers, there's plenty of good information for radio amateurs.  Mr. Hendrickson provides a helpful series of diagrams, equations, and superb photographs to illustrate the complexities of standing waves and how they affect transmitter and antenna performance. An understanding of SWR and VSWR is necessary if we are to operate our amateur stations efficiently and safely. Mr. Hendrickson has also created an excellent pres

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOCG6bFGfuE.  A short, simple, concise, and informational tutorial from Randy Hall (K7AGE) on how to use the popular MFJ 259/269 Antenna Analyzer.  In this well-done video, Randy shows us how to check your antenna for SWR and resonance. Considering how expensive professional grade Antenna Analyzers are, the relatively inexpensive MFJ 259/269 Antenna Analyzers are a good bargain. Another great presentation by Randy! For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Opinions expressed in this blog are mine unless otherwise stated. Thanks for joining us today! Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

5 Simple Multiband Wire Antennas (http://www.dxzone.com/5-great-multiband-wire-antennas). Authors:  M0UKD, IW7EHC, EC2APU, HB9MTN, and W1GFH. Accessed on 02 July 2016, 23:50 hrs, UTC. Please click on title link or insert URL to read the complete article. Comment: If you're looking for a simple, easy to build multiband HF antenna that does not require an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), then this well-crafted article from http://www.dxzone.com is for you. This article recommends 5 simple wire antenna designs that will get you on the air quickly with a decent, effective signal.  Most of the antenna materials can be obtained from the nearest hardware store or building supply outlet.  The use of an "antenna tuner" will enhance the performance of these antennas. 1.  Homemade Carolina Windom from M0UKD.  This antenna is an off-center fed dipole with a 10-ft/3.04 meter vertical section. One antenna element measures 41-ft/12.5 m, while the remaining elem

If you can't access this video, please enter this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOXzSqNd6PY. Another great video from Randy Hall (K7AGE). In this well-made video, Randy takes us on a solo ARRL Field Day adventure on a hilltop outside of Gold Beach, Oregon--Randy's new QTH.  His station is a lesson in simple and effective portability.  His truck serves as the base of his Field Day Station, with a 20-ft/6.09 meter pole holding a 20 meter dipole antenna. Randy's Yaesu FT-857 is powered by a large capacity lead-acid battery which is charged by a 100 watt solar panel.  I have a similar setup using a flexible telescoping fiberglass mast to support an inverted vee antenna. My power source is a deep cycle marine battery with a solar panel to keep the battery charged.  My rig is a near classic--the Yaesu FT-7 QRP rig. Other than these minor differences, our stations are quite similar.  Randy says he had good success with this basic porta