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How High Should a Dipole Be? A Look at Antenna Modeling (#100). Post #1363.

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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=q1Lz-TjdJAY. An often asked antenna question is "How High Should a Dipole Be?" As a general rule, "get it up as high as you can" seems to work for most dipole installations.  In this video, David Casler (KE0OG) turns to EZNEC antenna modeling software to get a definitive answer.  The "old rule of thumb" of one-half wavelength is correct, but, according to David, the answer is far from simple.  There are all kinds of things to consider, including ground conditions, proximity to buildings, trees, and other objects on your property, and even the type of feed line you use. David's video is an excellent tutorial on dipole antennas and antenna modeling.  He offers a variety of resources and references to help you design the best dipole antenna for your situation. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit

The Drooping Dipole. Post #1362.

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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=UHQA5uI9Oj8. If you can't erect a full halfwave HF dipole antenna on your property, why not try its close cousin, the Drooping Dipole or Inverted Vee Antenna?  In this video, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) provides the basic theory and construction tips to get you started on an inverted vee antenna, which has similar performance characteristics of a halfwave length horizontal dipole.  Instead of two high supports for a horizontal dipole, the inverted vee requires a single mast and two strong anchor points to tie off the antenna elements.  You can get multiband HF performance if you use a balanced feedline (450 ohm ladder line, 300 ohm television twin lead, or homebrew 600 ohm feedline), along with a 1:4 current balun and an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner").  Whether you choose single band or multiband performance, the drooping dipole or inverted vee an

Ham Radio Satellite Home Brew Antenna. Post #1361.

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If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser searchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whbccNdqAtA. According to the "Amateur Radio Guy", it doesn't take much to make a fully functional antenna system for working the simple amateur radio satellites.  In this case, a homebrew yagi and a microphone support stand were coupled to a UV5R hand held to make a simple station capable of working several amateur radio satellites. This easy project should give you a taste of what it's like to work amateur radio satellites with gear that "is realy cheap, really simple." For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information

UHF antennas: construction and discussion. Post #1360.

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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=-kz9XG72mIc. Although this excellent video focuses on UHF antennas for LRS and control of an FPV model, it contains most of the basic theory, design, and construction practices  needed to build an efficient UHF antenna for amateur radio use.  This video discusses three types of UHF antennas: the 1/2 wavelength dipole. the 1/4 wavelength monopole. the 1/2 wavelength coil dipole. The video is concise, well produced, and easily understandable with many helpful suggestions for the UHF antenna enthusiast. For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Inf

Modeling the Simple Inverted Vee Antenna #102. Post #1359.

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https:// If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFE142IMo-s. Here's another excellent antenna tutorial from David Casler (KE0OG).  This time, Dave investigates some of the surprising aspects of the humble, single-band inverted vee HF antenna, courtesy of the powerful EZNEC+ modeling software.  Using this program we can custom design an efficient inverted vee dipole antenna by manipulating height above ground, the amount of spreading between the elements, and even factoring in a metal mast.  Dave offers valuable suggestions and tips for those of us using this adaptable HF antenna. For the latest Amateur 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). https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://amateurradionewsinfor