Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psUdNEfDIc4.  Here's another antenna idea for those radio amateurs living in deed-restricted homes or apartments.  In this video, "signa2424" uses a LDG S9v31 telescoping mast to support a HF vertical antenna.  The radial system consists of 24 ground radial wires made from CAT 5 cabling.  The antenna is raised only during operations. It's nested on the ground when operations are over.  Signa2424 notes that his fiberglass pole is painted green and and blends in well with his surroundings.  He also knows when the HOA conducts its inspections.  Of course, an unannounced inspection could reveal the presence of the antenna, raised or not.  The design, placement, and use of a "stealth" antenna take some forethought and planning. Don't assume all HOA inspections will be done according to a pre-set schedule. Other than un

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.watch?v=spWdV-So0iA. Fascinating and interesting tutorial from Cliff of the "QRP School."  Cliff's deployable HF antenna covers all amateur radio bands from 20 meters through 6 meters and can be used almost anywhere with no separate supports needed.  His portable "go kit" consists of a 17-foot/5.18 meters telescoping steel antenna from MFJ, a small tripod, a large Jaw C-clamp, 50-feet/15/24 meters of 50 ohm coaxial cable, a plastic tent stake, and a radial system that attaches to the tripod or C-clamp.  You can change the antenna frequency by adjusting the length of the telescoping steel rod.  The radial system consists of quarter wavelength wires cut for each band. This antenna kit is so small that you can make an extra one for your vehicle or use as a spare for your normal antenna system. An excellent weekend project. For the lat

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box:' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UgoY2nvUds.  In this video, Tom Morton (W5TOM) discusses several antenna configurations suitable for deed-restricted homes or apartments. Tom shows how easy it is to disguise a vertical, loop, inverted V, a dipole, and a random wire antenna so that it remains undetected by neighbors.  Tom also reviews the importance of using a good rf ground, a sturdy antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner"), and a fool-proof wire launching system. He briefly touches upon the use of a lightweight telescoping fiberglass mast to support vertical and inverted V antennas.  This video should give you a few good ideas on how to design and use your own stealth antenna. Remember the old saying:  "Out of sight-out of mind." For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Op

The Doctor will see you now! Magnetic Loops. (http://www.arrl.org/news/view/the-doctor-will-see-you-now). Accessed on 28 July 2016, 21:26 hrs, UTC. Reporters:  Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and Joel Hallas (W1ZR). Please click link to find information about this podcast. Comment: Every two weeks, "QST" Editor in Chief Steve Ford (WB8IMY) and the "Doctor" himself, Joel Hallas (W1ZR), discuss a wide range of technical topics relating to amateur radio. This week's podcast (28 July 2016) investigates "Magnetic Loops"--small, portable HF antennas that are growing in popularity among QRP enthusiasts and those living in deed-restricted housing. You can e-mail your questions to the show at doctor@arrl.org. You can download the podcast through Apple iTunes, Blubrry or Stitcher. 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 other

If you're having trouble viewing this video, please insert this title link into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMwRZVi-IOA.  If you need a cheap, effective emergency antenna for portable or home operations, then this video from Tom Morton (W5TOM) may help you reach that goal.  In this video, Tom discusses the various pieces of equipment you'll need to assemble and build an emergency antenna that is cheap, durable, and effective. Tom reviews several antenna "tuners" that will help you match the antenna to your rig, offers suggestions on wire sources, describes several antenna launching schemes, and offers several coaxial connectors that will help you interconnect your equipment to the antenna.  Tom then demonstrates several designs at a public park and at his home.  An excellent video for antenna experimenters. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated daily. Than