Simple Ham Radio Antennas

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLDRafkpUdg. Here's a simple device you can use to measure antenna elements for both home and portable use.  You can take this step a bit further by using a metal (usually steel) tape measure to make antenna elements.  Just cut the metal tape measure to the required length using the usual dipole antenna formula.  I've seen 2 m and 70 cm yagi beams made from metal tape measures.  They work well for RDF (radio direction finding) "fox hunts", as well as for portable or emergency antennas.  In most cases, your neighborhood building supply or electrical supply outlet can offer many items suitable for antenna use.  This video explains how a simple tape measure can make antenna design and construction a bit easier. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzoxj73b3sw. Although the ARRL Field Day doesn't occur until the last full weekend of June, you may want to make a few antennas and test them before this popular contest.  In fact, some Amateur Radio Clubs are participating in several unofficial "Winter Field Day" events to practice before the main contest. In this video, we see a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to get on the 10 meter amateur radio band with materials you may already have in your shack.  Similar antennas can be built for 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters and set up in the same way as this video. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday).

If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browswer search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-hZ6i2wqa8vo. Interesting video from AB8XX--something he calls a "parallel ground plane antenna." The antenna is a basic ground plane with radiating elements for 20m , 30m, and 40m separated with PVC tube spreaders. The antenna is suspended from a 60-ft/18.29 m tree branch with the feed point about 20-ft/6.09 m above ground.  AB8XX fires his antenna into neighboring trees with a super powered launcher. The antenna performs well on the bands specified. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www/arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateuradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii

If you can't view this video, please enter this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3qS6YQWjQ. Every radio amateur should have a "go-box" or "go-kit" for portable and emergency operations.  In this video from BluegrassMedia, we see a well-designed, fairly lightweight, and highly portable emergency station that could be used at home or in the field.  You may already have most of the HF/VHF/UHF transceivers you need in your shack.  The metal or wooden case can be obtained from a variety of home improvement or electrical supply outlets.  Although this project was made indoors, it may be a good idea to wear protective eye gear and paint the "go-box" outside to avoid fumes.  Take stock of what you have in your shack and get ready to build an emergency ham radio station.  You never know when a natural or man-made disaster will occur. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites:

h If you can't view this video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBJ3hsrQkEI. The installation of a ground radial system for a HF Vertical Antenna can be a frustrating chore, especially if you're putting 36 or more radials into the ground.  However, if you buy a DX Engineering Radial Plate, that task is a bit easier.  In this video from Alan Senechal (K0CN), we learn how to assemble the DX Engineering Radial Plate and mate it effectively to your vertical antenna.  The video is clear, simple, and easily understood. For the latest Amateur Radio news and information, please visit these websites: http://www.HawaiiARRL.info. https://oahuarrlnews.wordpress.com. https://bigislandarrlnews.com. http://www.arrl.org. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news (a weekly podcast which is updated each Friday). http://amateurradionewsinformation.com (Amateur Radio News & Information). Other sites of interest: Hawaii Sc