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Query: 2 meter horizontal
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The antenna is a 10 - 160 meter horizontal loop fed with 450 ohm ladder line all the way into the ham shack to an Palstar AT1500BAL balanced line antenna tuner
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The G5RV antenna, with an overall length of **31.10m (102ft)**, functions as a 3/2-wave on 20 meters when installed horizontally at 12m (39ft), exhibiting a resonant frequency of 14.150MHz and an approximate resistance of 80 ohms. Its 10.36m (34ft) stub line, designed as a 1/2-wave on 14.150MHz with a 0.97 velocity coefficient, acts as an impedance transformer across other bands, aiming for multiband operation without traps. On 20m and higher frequencies, the G5RV demonstrates improved gain compared to a standard dipole, attributed to the _collinear effect_ from multiple 1/2-waves along the wire. The original design sought a multiband solution for limited spaces, often requiring an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) for effective operation across bands like 80, 40, 30, and 20m, particularly with modern solid-state PAs. Variants, such as the F8CI modification, incorporate a 1/4 current balun at the stub line's base for symmetrical-to-asymmetrical transition, known as a _remote balun_. Proper flat-top or inverted-V installation is critical for maintaining symmetry and collinear gain, with inverted-V apex angles below 120° progressively diminishing higher-band performance.
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The page describes a Double-L antenna for 80 and 160 meters bands, designed by Don Toman, K2KQ, with a simple, effective, and ground system-free design. The antenna is a center-fed half-wave vertical with horizontal top and bottom sections, providing good performance without the need for an elaborate ground system.
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The RXO Unitenna, a vertical wideband antenna, offers operation across the 7-21 MHz spectrum, covering the 40, 30, 20, 17, and 15-meter amateur bands. This design focuses on achieving a low SWR across a broad frequency range, making it suitable for general HF operation without requiring an external antenna tuner for minor SWR variations. The antenna utilizes a unique loading coil and matching network to maintain efficient radiation characteristics across its operational bandwidth. Construction details within the PDF document include specific dimensions for the radiating element and the counterpoise system, which is critical for vertical antenna performance. The design incorporates readily available materials, simplifying the build process for radio amateurs. Performance graphs illustrate the SWR characteristics across the 7 MHz to 21 MHz range, demonstrating the antenna's wideband capabilities. The document also provides guidance on feedline connection and grounding considerations for optimal field deployment. This vertical antenna configuration is particularly useful for hams with limited space, offering a compact footprint compared to horizontal wire antennas.
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Details the construction and optimization of antenna systems for amateur radio satellite operations, focusing on practical, homebrew solutions for VHF/UHF bands. It covers building _groundplane antennas_ from salvaged materials, recycling old beam antennas into new configurations like a 2-meter crossed yagi, and constructing a 10-meter horizontal delta loop. The resource also explains antenna matching techniques, including folded dipole driven elements and quarter-wave transformers, along with the importance of accurate SWR measurements and minimizing coax loss. Demonstrates how to achieve a **1:1 SWR** by carefully trimming elements and adjusting radial angles on groundplane antennas. It provides insights into selecting appropriate coax and connectors, highlighting the benefits of Belden 9913 for low loss and the proper installation of _N-connectors_. The article also addresses RFI mitigation from computer birdies and presents a design for a silent triac antenna control circuit, offering practical solutions for common satellite station challenges.
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Presents a practical design for a **crossed-dipole turnstile antenna** specifically engineered for 2-meter Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) events. The author, WB6RDV, details a robust, omnidirectional, horizontally-polarized antenna, addressing the international ARDF rules requiring such characteristics at a height of two to three meters above ground. This contrasts with the vertical polarization often used in Southern California, highlighting the design's adherence to specific event requirements. The electrical design employs a classic crossed-dipole with a 75-ohm phasing section, resulting in a slight impedance mismatch and an SWR of approximately 1.3:1 with a 50-ohm feedline. Construction utilizes readily available and inexpensive PVC plumbing components and 1/8-inch bronze welding rod for elements. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for mechanical assembly, including drilling element holes at precise 90-degree spacing and preparing the RG-179 matching section. WB6RDV shares insights from his own build experience, discussing the use of plated brass versus aluminum spacers for element attachment and the effectiveness of crimping as an alternative to soldering. The document also covers final assembly, including the integration of ferrite beads as a choke balun and options for weatherproofing and alternative mounting configurations, emphasizing the adaptability of the design for other VHF bands through scaling.
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Presents the KE4UYP linear-loaded vertical antenna design, which introduces very little loss on 80 or 160 meters, achieving an overall radiation efficiency of 80% to 85%. This design addresses common pitfalls of traditional base-fed verticals by placing the majority of the current at the top of the antenna, eliminating the heavy reliance on extensive ground radial systems. The author's initial 10-meter model, only three feet tall, yielded 5/9 signal reports to Anchorage, AK, and Europe, confirming its effectiveness. The antenna incorporates both vertically and horizontally polarized radiators, with a 1/4 wavelength horizontal counterpoise located at the feed-point, near the top, to create an almost totally omnidirectional pattern with high wave angle horizontally polarized radiation. This dual polarization ensures even illumination across all take-off angles, making it effective for both local contacts and **DXing**. The vertical element is linear loaded, adding capacitance reactance and making it longer than the horizontal element to achieve resonance and raise the feed-point impedance to 50 ohms. Fine-tuning the antenna requires careful adjustment, as tower reactance can vary. The article suggests starting with 80 feet for 80m and 170 feet for 160m for the vertical wire, then trimming for resonance. Bandwidth specifications include 300 kHz under 2:1 **SWR** on 80m and 100 kHz on 160m when suspended between trees, or 150 kHz on 80m when side-mounted on a tower.
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The Flower Pot Antenna project details a portable dual-band antenna primarily operating on 10 meters, with secondary resonance near the 30-meter band. Construction involves winding RG58 coaxial cable uniformly around a large plastic flower pot, approximately 70cm high with a 60cm top diameter. The design eliminates the need for radials, contributing to its compact and lightweight nature. Key construction steps include soldering the inner conductor to the shield at one end of the wound cable and connecting the wound cable's shield to the rig cable's inner conductor at the base. An LC network, comprising a variable capacitor (0-200pF) and an inductor (10 coils, 5cm diameter, 2mm wire), is inserted between the wound cable's inner conductor and the rig cable's shield. Tuning is performed with an antenna analyzer, adjusting cable length and the variable capacitor for optimal impedance on 10 meters. The antenna performs effectively when installed horizontally.
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Demonstrates the construction and on-air performance of the _NB6Zep_ antenna, a modified 20-meter Extended Double Zepp design optimized for multi-band operation from 40 through 10 meters. The resource covers basic design principles, including dimensions of 66 feet horizontal and 5 feet vertical elements, and specifies open ladder line or TV twin lead for the transmission line. It details material selection for low-cost wire antenna construction, such as 18 AWG wire for the legs and ceramic or plastic insulators, along with practical tips for soldering connections and insulating against moisture. The author, NB6Z, shares insights from extensive _EZNEC_ modeling to optimize the antenna's total length for a 40-meter half-wave dipole footprint and feed line length for direct tuner connection. The article presents field results, including successful _PSK31_ contacts from Oregon to the East Coast on 40 and 30 meters with 50 watts, even at a low height of 6 feet. It provides detailed performance characteristics for each band, noting the _NB6Zep_'s highest gain (over 3 dB) and sharp, medium-angle lobes on 20 meters, which yielded strong DX reports to locations like Korea, Japan, and Argentina. For 17 and 15 meters, it describes a butterfly-like pattern with broad lobes, while 12 and 10 meters exhibit narrow, directional lobes in an "X" configuration. The author also shares personal experiences operating successfully for over a decade in an antenna-restricted environment using the NB6Zep and other stealth wire antennas.
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Selecting an appropriate antenna system for shortwave broadcasting involves evaluating various types based on performance, cost, and operational parameters. This resource details the critical specifications for broadcast antennas, including average and peak power ratings, directivity, takeoff angle (TOA), horizontal beamwidth, and gain, emphasizing that a 100-kW transmitter requires an antenna rated for 150 kW average and 400 kW peak. It clarifies that low TOA signals travel thousands of kilometers, while high TOA is for local coverage, and nearly all modern shortwave broadcast antennas are horizontally polarized. The article explores specific antenna types, such as Log-Periodic Antennas (LPAs), which offer wide frequency ranges (e.g., 2-30 MHz) and directional patterns with 11 dBi gain, costing from $20K to over $100K for multi-curtain versions. Dipole arrays, also known as curtain antennas, are prevalent in international broadcasting, featuring steerable beams (±15° and ±30°) and mode-switching capabilities to alter TOA, with high/low pairs costing over $1 million. Fan dipoles are noted for omnidirectional patterns, smaller size, and lower cost for low-power applications, while rhombics, though simple, require resistive termination and incur several dB of I2R losses. Balun considerations are crucial, as most communications baluns are not rated for the higher average and peak powers of AM broadcast transmitters. Modern shortwave antennas utilize durable materials like Alumoweld wire rope for radiators and support elements, avoiding copper, fiberglass, or materials prone to stretching or deterioration. Feeder systems for high-power stations often require tapered-line baluns to convert 50-ohm unbalanced power to 300-ohm balanced for connection to the antenna.
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This easy to build antenna works well for satellite or terrestrial communication, horizontal or vertically polarized by Anthony Monteiro, AA2TX QST Article
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This article describes the construction of a Moxon rectangle antenna for the 70MHz (4-meter) amateur radio band. This compact two-element beam design features folded element ends, reducing its width to approximately 75% of a half-wavelength. The antenna was built using enamelled copper wire stretched over a lightweight fiberglass kite spar frame, with a direct coaxial cable feed connection. Initial testing showed a VSWR of around 1.3 with distinct nulls at 90 degrees when horizontally mounted. The author later tested vertical polarization and suggested that the antenna's compact size might allow for indoor loft installation.
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The ZS6BKW multiband HF antenna, a design by ZS6BKW (G0GSF), functions effectively on multiple HF bands without requiring an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) for 40, 20, 17, 12, 10, and 6 meters. This antenna, approximately **27.51 meters** (90 feet) long with a 12.2-meter (40-foot) open-wire feeder, is a direct descendant of the _G5RV_ but offers superior multi-band resonance. It can be deployed as a horizontal dipole or an inverted-vee, with the latter requiring only a single support and maintaining an apex angle of at least 90 degrees to prevent signal cancellation. Performance data, recorded with an MFJ Antenna Analyser, indicates SWR values of 1:1 on 7.00 MHz (40m) and 14.06 MHz (20m), with SWR below 1.3:1 on 17m, 10m, and 6m. While primarily designed for these bands, the antenna can be adapted for 80m, 30m, and 15m with an ATU, preferably at the balanced feeder's base. The use of 450-ohm twin-lead for the feeder is recommended over 300-ohm for improved strength and reduced losses, especially in adverse weather conditions. This design, originally published in _RadCom_ in 1993 and featured in Pat Hawker’s "Antenna Topics," provides a compact and efficient solution for HF operation, particularly for those with limited space or resources.
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Notes on building a basic wire vertical or horizontal antenna for 160 meters band by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
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An horizontal full wave wire loop antenna for the 80 meters band by W4HM
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A 2-meter Turnstile antenna, detailed for amateur satellite communication, offers a straightforward build for those looking to engage with orbiting transponders. The author, WB8ERJ, shares his personal design and construction methods, emphasizing the antenna's simplicity and effectiveness for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite work. This design provides a circularly polarized signal, crucial for mitigating _Faraday rotation_ and signal fading often encountered with linearly polarized antennas when tracking satellites. Construction involves readily available materials like PVC pipe and copper wire, making it an accessible project for many hams. The article includes practical advice on element spacing and feed point considerations, drawing from the author's hands-on experience in the shack and field. It highlights the antenna's utility for receiving signals from various amateur satellites, including the popular AO-91 and AO-92. The Turnstile's inherent omnidirectional pattern in the horizontal plane, combined with its circular polarization, yields consistent signal reception, often resulting in **stronger decodes** and **more reliable contacts** compared to basic dipoles or verticals.
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The total length of the inverted L is 240 feet, which is 7/16th of a wave length long. It has a 92 foot horizontal linear load section 1 foot above ground that terminates into a home-brewed parallel network tuner by KN4LF
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This PDF document, authored by KT4QW in October 2004, details the construction and modeling of a dual-band, horizontally polarized hanging rectangular loop antenna for **10 and 17 meters**. The design, adapted from *The ARRL Handbook*, utilizes _NEC4WIN95_ software for scaling and optimization, targeting a 50 ohm feedpoint impedance. The resource includes a bill of materials, step-by-step construction instructions, and a discussion of the antenna's radiation characteristics. It presents NEC-generated elevation and azimuth patterns, comparing the loop's performance to a half-wave horizontal dipole at the same height and frequency. The 17-meter element is centered at 18.140 MHz for low SWR across the phone band, while the 10-meter element is centered at 28.500 MHz. Construction involves 14-gauge stranded copper wire and Schedule 40 PVC spreaders, with the total wire length calculated by the formula: Length in feet = 1005/MHz. The feedpoint impedance can be adjusted by modifying the rectangular aspect ratio. The document specifies hoisting the antenna to at least a half-wave above ground for testing. It notes that a balun was tested and found to have no measurable effect on SWR or radiation characteristics. A 2-meter scale model is presented to illustrate the physical design, and a "rotator" string is incorporated for directional adjustment up to 90 degrees.
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Antenna data, and design note for this horizontal loop antenna resonating on 80 Meters by K0ZE
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The intent of this site to share information about the design of a 40 meter horizontal phased array antenna.
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The Charles Gizmotchy high performance horizontal and vertical beam antennas. Two, Six, Ten and eleven meters antennas
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This resource details the computer-optimized design of the _ZS6BKW_ multiband dipole, an evolution of the classic _G5RV_ antenna. It begins by referencing the original 1958 RSGB Bulletin article by Louis Varney G5RV, explaining the operational principles of the G5RV's flat-top and open-wire feedline on 20m and 40m, noting its impedance transformation characteristics for valve amplifiers of that era. The article then transitions to the rationale for optimizing the design for contemporary solid-state transceivers requiring a 50 Ohm match. The core of the project involves using computer modeling to determine optimal lengths for the flat-top and matching section, aiming for a VSWR of less than 2:1 on multiple HF bands. It discusses the process of calculating feedpoint impedance based on antenna length and frequency, referencing professional literature from Professor R.W.P. King at Harvard University. The analysis also considers the characteristic impedance (Z(O)) of the open-wire line, identifying a broad peak of adequate values between 275 and 400 Ohms. Specific design parameters for the improved ZS6BKW are presented, including a shorter flat-top and a longer matching section compared to the original G5RV, with a velocity factor of 0.85 for the 300 Ohm tape. The article confirms acceptable matches on 7, 14, 18, 24, and 28 MHz bands when erected horizontally at 13m, and also discusses performance in an inverted-V configuration, noting frequency shifts. The author, Brian Austin ZS6BKW, emphasizes the antenna's suitability for modern 50 Ohm coaxial cable without a balun.
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A copper pipe Hentenna for 144 MHz. The Hentenna, a compact, high-gain loop antenna developed in Japan in the 1970s, offers approximately 5.1 dBd gain, comparable to a three-element Yagi. Adapted for 2 meters, it is crafted from copper pipe for simplicity, affordability, and broadband performance. Requiring no feed-point tuning, its construction involves soldering standard copper fittings. Installation demands non-conductive materials to minimize signal disruption. Versatile for vertical or horizontal polarization, it is ideal for FM, repeater, SSB, or CW applications. This design emphasizes practicality and performance for amateur radio enthusiasts
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An efficient 2 meter antenna disguised as a TV Satellite dish. This vertically polarized horizontal slot antenna, cut into the reflector of a TV dish, might be the ultimate stealth antenna.
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A short dipole wire antenna for 40 meters band. It is a folded dipole that do not make use of coils and can be used either in horizontal or inverted V configuration
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A well documented article about construction and analysis of a horizontally polarized halo antenna for 6 meters band by Dr. Carol F. Milazzo, KP4MD
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Demonstrates the construction of a 144 MHz turnstile antenna, detailing its design for omnidirectional, horizontally polarized VHF operation. The resource outlines the physical dimensions and materials required, including specific lengths for the radiating elements and the use of _RG-58_ coaxial cable for phasing. It covers the assembly process, emphasizing the critical spacing and connection points to achieve the desired radiation pattern and impedance matching for the _2-meter band_. The article presents measured _SWR_ performance across the 144-146 MHz segment, showing a low SWR of 1.2:1 at 144.5 MHz, which is suitable for general VHF use. It compares the turnstile's performance to a 9-element Yagi, noting the turnstile's advantage in providing consistent signal strength from all directions without requiring a rotator. Practical application for local FM simplex and repeater operations is implied, offering a simple yet effective antenna solution for fixed or portable stations.
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The ZS6BKW multiband antenna, an optimized variant of the classic G5RV, features a 102-foot (31.1 m) horizontal span and a 39.1-foot ladder line matching section. This design, derived by G0GSF (formerly ZS6BKW) in the early 1980s using computer programs and _Smith charts_, aims for improved SWR across multiple HF bands compared to its predecessor. Construction details specify Wireman 554 ladder line and #14 AWG THHN copper wire for the radiators, with precise instructions for determining the velocity factor (VF) of the ladder line using an antenna analyzer or dip meter, ensuring accurate physical length for the matching section. The radiator length is electrically 1.35 wavelengths for the 20-meter band, requiring careful trimming during tuning. Field measurements with an _AIM-4170C_ analyzer by KI4PMI and NC4FB demonstrated good SWR curves and bandwidth on 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, and 40 meters. The antenna was deemed unusable on 15 and 30 meters due to very high SWR, but an LDG AT-100PRO autotuner successfully brought 6 and 80 meters into tune. Contacts were made on 80, 40, 20, and 17 meters, including a **17-meter** contact to Spain. EZNEC models for 80-6 meters are provided, along with an AutoEZ model by AC6LA, which predicted good SWR for 80-10 meters. W5DXP's modifications for an all-band HF ZS6BKW are also referenced.
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The Gizmotchy high performance horizontal and vertical beam antenna for 2/6/10/11 meter bands
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A Wire resonant loop antenna for 160 meters band article by N4KC
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This PDF document details the construction of a **70 MHz** Big Wheel antenna, a horizontally polarized omnidirectional array. The design utilizes three full-wave loops, each approximately **2160 mm** in diameter, arranged in a triangular configuration. The resource provides mechanical dimensions for the antenna elements and a comprehensive bill of materials, specifying component quantities and types, such as M8 stainless steel bolts, 15x15x1.5 mm square aluminum tubing for spacers, and 8 mm aluminum rod for the arcs. The central hub is constructed from two 160x160x8 mm aluminum plates, with four 40 mm long polyamide insulators supporting the radiating elements. The feed system incorporates a 50 mm diameter aluminum pipe for mounting and a matching stub constructed from a 120x20x2 mm aluminum sheet, connected via M8x10 mm bolts. The resource includes a diagram illustrating the mechanical dimensions and assembly points, including the N-connector fixing point and the center conductor attachment. The project was published on May 25, 2011, by Peter OE5MPL and Rudi OE5VRL. DXZone Focus: PDF | 70 MHz Big Wheel | Mechanical Dimensions | **2160 mm** loop diameter
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Experimenting vertical wire antennas for 40 and 20 meters supported by balloons resulting in excellent gain in RX and good overall performance against horizontal dipole
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Simple 6 Metre DX Antenna based on an article by LB Cebick in QST May 2002 on a Quad Turnstile antenna. This antenna is basically two full wave loops mounted at right angles fed 90 degrees out of phase to produce an omni-directional horizontally polarized pattern
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The 160-meter amateur radio band, spanning 1.8 to 2 MHz, was historically the lowest frequency amateur allocation until the introduction of the 630-meter and 2200-meter bands. ITU Region 1 allocates 1.81–2 MHz, while other regions use 1.8–2 MHz. This band, often called "Top Band" or "Gentleman's Band," was established by the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 4, 1927, with an initial allocation of 1.715–2 MHz. Effective operation on 160 meters presents significant challenges due to the large antenna sizes required; a quarter-wavelength monopole is over 130 feet, and horizontal dipoles need similar heights. Propagation is typically local during the day, but long-distance contacts are common at night, especially around sunrise and sunset, and during solar minimums. The band experienced a resurgence after the LORAN-A system was phased out in North America in December 1980, leading to the removal of power restrictions.
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This wire antenna for 40 and 20 meter band feature a good SWR. Horizontal side of the antenna is placed at two meters above the ground. Impedance of the antenna are depending by the height of the base from the ground and conditions of the ground
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This simple project, based on the orginal CobWebb-Antenna model, is about an horizontally polarized, omi-directional antenna for the six meter band.
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This web article details the construction of a 4-meter band coaxial dipole antenna, designed for operation between **70.000 MHz and 70.500 MHz**. The resource provides a bill of materials and step-by-step assembly instructions for a half-wave dipole constructed from _RG-58_ coaxial cable. The design specifies a direct 50 ohm feedpoint impedance, eliminating the need for an external matching network. Construction photographs illustrate the stripping and soldering processes for the coaxial cable elements, ensuring proper electrical connection and physical integrity. The article includes specific dimensions for the radiating elements, derived from calculations for the 70 MHz band. The project outlines the physical dimensions required for resonance at 70 MHz, with the outer braid forming one half and the inner conductor forming the other. The feedline connection is directly to the coaxial dipole's center, maintaining a 50 ohm characteristic impedance. While the article does not present SWR plots or VNA sweeps, it focuses on the mechanical construction and dimensional accuracy for achieving a functional 4-meter dipole. The design is intended for fixed station use, with no specific mention of polarization or height above ground, but implies a standard horizontal orientation for dipole operation. DXZone Focus: Web Article | 4m Coaxial Dipole | Construction Guide | 50 ohm Feed
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How to improve your transmitting antennas for very low solar activity periods, vertically polarized 160 meter antennas, horizontally polarized 80 to 10 meter antennas, single or stacked yagis, multi-tower stations
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The RBN S-Meter visualizes real-time HF propagation data from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN). It processes thousands of automated spots per hour, providing a real-time picture of active RF paths on HF bands. Users can set their vantage point using _Region Mode_ or _Grid Square Mode_. Region Mode allows selection from broad geographic areas like E. North America or Europe, while Grid Square Mode uses a Maidenhead grid square and radius for more precise data. The app displays eight region panels, each with horizontal bars for bands 160m through 6m, indicating signal strength with a color ramp from green to red. A dimmer trail shows peak hold values, and an S-unit readout provides additional detail. The app is a free web application accessible on any device, offering a practical tool for ham radio operators interested in CW, RTTY, and FT8 signals. It features a Progressive Web App installation option for enhanced usability on mobile and desktop platforms. Users can install it on Android, iOS, and Windows devices, providing a native app-like experience. The app replaces the previous Windows standalone executable, incorporating user feedback to improve features like grid square mode and automatic location detection.
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An experimento of a 40 meter delta loop antenna both in horizontal and vertical polarization and several elevation angles with interesting notes about the effect of the radial field under the antenna.
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How to build a limited space 10 and 20 meter band Square Halo DX antenna. A horizontally polarized antenna for 10 and 20 meter band, which is suitable for a limited space.
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The Tri-pole antenna, a clever modification of a standard dipole, allows for dual-band operation by integrating a third element. This design effectively shortens the overall dipole length by 10 to 20 percent, simplifying antenna rotation and offering a compact footprint. KK4OBI's article delves into the operational principles, using a 6 and 10-meter Tri-pole as a primary example, and provides comprehensive instructions for constructing any Tri-pole antenna within the 6 to 15-meter range. Key to the Tri-pole's performance is its off-center feed, necessitating a common mode choke at the feed point for optimal tuning and reduced noise. The author outlines a methodical approach to determining element dimensions, starting with a vertical element frequency calculated as 0.47 times the sum of the desired upper and lower band frequencies. This calculation, along with K-values derived from trend lines, guides the initial lengths for the horizontal arms, demonstrating how a 10m-6m Tri-pole can achieve a total horizontal length 78% shorter than a conventional 10-meter dipole. Tuning and balancing are critical, with the article detailing adjustments to arm lengths and the vertical element to achieve balanced SWR values, as validated through 4NEC2 simulations. Radiation patterns are analyzed at various elevations, showing gains around 5.7 dBi and favorable take-off angles for DX contacts. Construction details specify aluminum tubing dimensions, U-bolts, and an SO-239 connector, emphasizing the importance of a ferrite-based choke for wideband operation.
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Operating in antenna-restricted communities presents unique challenges for amateur radio operators, often necessitating creative solutions for antenna deployment. This resource details the design and implementation of stealth antennas within a townhouse community in Exton, PA, where external antennas were strictly forbidden by covenants. The author, WB5NHL, describes his setup, which involved locating the shack in the basement and utilizing an unused space under the roofline of a finished third-floor loft for antenna placement. The content specifically addresses the practicalities of routing coax cables three floors and maximizing antenna performance within limited attic space. It covers solutions for multi-band operation, including dedicated sections for 40-10 meter and 80-meter antennas, along with strategies for mitigating potential interference issues. The approach emphasizes full compliance with community covenants, achieving maximum height-above-ground for horizontal antennas, enabling instant band switching, and efficiently utilizing available attic volume. While acknowledging limitations such as potential interference with high power and fixed antenna patterns, the resource provides a detailed account of a functional compromise for restricted environments. Links to individual pages on _coax cables_, _40-10 meter antennas_, _80-meter antennas_, and _interference issues_ offer deeper dives into each specific aspect of the installation.
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An omnidirectional horizontal polarization antenna for 2 meters band in Italian
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A coaxial cable trap is a fundamental component in multiband antenna design, enabling a single radiator to resonate efficiently on multiple frequencies by electrically shortening or lengthening the antenna element. This project focuses on constructing such a trap for a vertical antenna operating on the 10 MHz (30m) and 14 MHz (20m) amateur bands, providing practical insights into its fabrication and integration. The article outlines the specific dimensions and winding techniques for the coaxial trap, emphasizing the use of readily available materials. It details the physical construction of the vertical element, including the mast and radiating sections, to achieve optimal performance across both target bands. The author shares personal experiences with similar trap designs, noting their effectiveness in previous horizontal dipole configurations. Key construction steps are illustrated with _original photos_, showing the assembly of the trap and its incorporation into the overall antenna structure. The design aims for a compact footprint, making it suitable for limited space installations while still delivering effective DX capabilities on the **30-meter** and **20-meter** bands.
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WB8LZR details the construction and initial field results of a multi-band vertical wire antenna, designed to complement his existing horizontal loop for improved DX on 80 meters. The antenna utilizes a 67-foot vertical wire, configured as a quarter-wave radiator on 80m, and employs a 1:1 current balun for RF isolation on 80m, 30m, and 17m. For bands like 40m, 20m, and 10m, where the wire acts as a half-wave or full-wave radiator, an additional impedance transforming _unun_ is integrated to manage the significantly higher feedpoint impedance and voltage. The author notes the vertical's performance as a receiving antenna, observing reduced noise compared to his main horizontal loop, particularly on 80m, and even hearing some long-path signals the loop missed. Initial QRP contacts, including a **1-watt** QSO with a _VP2 station_ on 30m, demonstrate its transmit capability. While the radial system is currently rudimentary, the project outlines practical considerations for multi-band vertical deployment and impedance matching.