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This guide provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a tin can waveguide antenna, commonly known as a cantenna, for enhancing WiFi signal range. The project is budget-friendly, costing under $5, and utilizes easily accessible materials like a food can and basic electronic components. The design is suitable for 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks, operating within the 2.4 GHz frequency range. To start, gather the necessary parts including an N-Female chassis mount connector, nuts, bolts, and a suitable can. The assembly process involves drilling holes in the can for the connector and mounting the probe. The guide emphasizes the importance of can dimensions and placement for optimal performance, encouraging experimentation for best results. This project is ideal for amateur radio operators and DIY enthusiasts looking to improve their wireless connectivity without significant investment. Safety precautions are advised, as the author does not hold electrical engineering credentials. Users are encouraged to take responsibility for their equipment and ensure proper assembly. With this simple yet effective antenna, users can extend their WiFi coverage and enjoy enhanced connectivity.

GM4JMU shortened dipole for 40 meters band. This article illustrates in detail how to build a resonant antenna for 7.030 MHz. Cut two 10.25-meter pieces of insulated wire, wind 40 turns of wire onto plastic tubing, and connect the wire to a central insulator using a choke balun built of RG174AU coax and a ferrite toroid. Once built, the antenna is adjusted by altering the wire length to produce the lowest Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) for best performance. The guide emphasizes careful building and adjustment for the best results.

Mike wiring notes for cb radios

Installing your dipole end insulators, a beginner guide to proper setup wires to insultaors.

Kioan's calculator for building a Cantenna , directional waveguide antenna for long-range Wi-Fi

F6EZX presents a detailed account of constructing a compact, multi-band _Levy antenna_ for portable holiday operations, specifically addressing issues with local QRM from a previous _Deltaloop_ setup. The article outlines the design criteria, including multi-band operation on 40m, 30m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m, a symmetrical configuration to reduce interference, and a low take-off angle for DX. Construction involves 2x 10.3m radiating elements and a 15.3m open-wire feeder (ladder line) with 7cm spacing, made from 1.5mm2 copper wire and foam pipe insulation spacers. Theoretical calculations, referencing F9HJ's "_Les antennes Levy_" book, guide the determination of element lengths and feeder impedance characteristics, aiming for a good match across bands with a commercial antenna tuner. Initial field tests with the _VCI Vectronics VC300DLP_ tuner showed a 1:1 SWR from 80m to 10m, with some difficulty on 17m. The antenna, mounted as a 45-degree slopper with the high point at 12m, successfully facilitated DX contacts to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina, suggesting a lower take-off angle compared to the previous Deltaloop which favored Brazil. The Levy antenna significantly reduced TVI/RFI, attributed to its improved symmetry and greater distance from the QRA. While signal reports on 15m and 20m were 1-2 S-points lower than the Deltaloop, its performance on 40m and 30m was comparable, fulfilling the design goals for a portable, low-cost, multi-band solution.

Constructing an HF End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) vertical antenna, the resource details the winding of a monoband matching unit, inspired by _AA5TB_, designed to provide a 50 Ohm impedance match without a ground plane or antenna tuner. It specifies the use of a _T200-2_ ferrite core for the transformer, outlining the 13-turn secondary and 2-turn primary winding process with enamelled copper wire. The document also describes the integration of a coax capacitor, whose length is critical for tuning and varies by band, with specific starting lengths provided for 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m operation. The practical application section guides the builder through tuning the antenna using an antenna analyzer, emphasizing the iterative process of spacing secondary windings and trimming the coax capacitor to achieve resonance at the desired band frequency. It highlights the antenna's low angle of radiation, beneficial for DX, and claims up to 2 S-points improvement over a _G5RV_ or similar doublet when used as an omnidirectional vertical. A comprehensive shopping list, including specific part numbers from _Rapid Electronics_, is provided, along with advice on selecting fiberglass fishing poles for support and suitable antenna wire.

A circular waveguide calculator for designing cantennas include source code and windows executable by lincomatic

Presents a comprehensive guide for constructing a broadband Hex Beam antenna, a popular directional array for HF operation. This design offers a compact footprint and excellent gain characteristics, making it suitable for limited space installations while providing significant performance advantages over omnidirectional antennas. The resource details the specific dimensions for a five-band Hex Beam covering 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 meters, emphasizing the critical element spacing and wire lengths required for proper resonance and pattern. It outlines the construction of the center post, spreaders, and wire elements, along with the feed point assembly, ensuring proper impedance matching. The project aims for a forward gain of approximately **5.5 dBi** on most bands, with a front-to-back ratio often exceeding _20 dB_. Building this antenna requires careful measurement and assembly, but the resulting performance provides a substantial upgrade for DXing and contesting.

Demonstrates the essential steps for winding **toroidal cores**, a fundamental skill for amateur radio operators engaged in homebrewing and kit building. It addresses the critical aspects of selecting the correct core material and wire gauge, emphasizing the importance of precise turn counting and consistent winding tension to ensure optimal circuit performance. The resource details methods for preparing the wire, including techniques for safely removing enamel insulation from leads using flame, sandpaper, or a solder pot, and provides guidance on tinning the exposed wire. Explains the process of mounting the wound toroid onto a printed circuit board, highlighting the need for careful lead placement and secure soldering to prevent shorts and ensure mechanical stability. It also offers a practical formula for calculating the required wire length based on the desired number of turns and the specific **toroid** size, referencing common core types like T-50 and FT-240. The guide stresses the importance of verifying the inductance of the wound component, often using an inductance meter, to confirm it matches design specifications. Provides practical tips for handling multi-filar windings and managing short lead lengths, which can be particularly challenging. It underscores the necessity of meticulous attention to detail throughout the winding and installation process to achieve reliable and efficient RF circuits.

The ZS6BKW antenna, a popular multiband wire antenna, offers improved band matching compared to the traditional G5RV. This construction guide details the process, beginning with specific dimensions: 13.11 meters (43 feet) for the 450-ohm ladder line and initial dipole arm lengths of approximately 14.8 meters each. It emphasizes the critical role of an _antenna analyzer_ for accurate tuning, particularly for determining the velocity factor of the ladder line and achieving a 1:1 impedance match. The article outlines the materials required, including a 1:1 current balun, 450-ohm window line, wire for the dipole arms, and a 50-ohm non-inductive resistor for testing. It provides a step-by-step procedure for cutting the ladder line to its electrical half-wavelength, explaining how to calculate the velocity factor using measured and free-space frequencies. For instance, a measured 50-ohm impedance at 12.54 MHz with a calculated free-space half-wavelength frequency of 11.44 MHz yields a velocity factor of 0.91. Final adjustments involve hoisting the antenna to its operational height and fine-tuning the dipole arm lengths to achieve optimal SWR, specifically targeting 14.200 MHz. The _ZS6BKW_ design is noted for its performance on 80m, 40m, 20m, 10m, and 6m, though it is not optimized for 15m operation. The author, _VK4MDX_, shares practical tips for durable construction using stainless steel wire and cable clamps.

For radio amateurs and electronics enthusiasts requiring specialized wiring solutions, Multi/Cable Corporation provides custom multi-conductor cable manufacturing services. They focus on made-to-order constructions, offering a broad range of specialty cable products including composite, instrumentation, electronic, flexible cord, thermocouple, high-temperature, and Mil-Spec wire and cable. Their capabilities extend to extensive customization of all cable components, ensuring precise adaptation to specific application requirements, which can be critical for bespoke shack setups or antenna control lines. With over 50 years in business, Multi/Cable emphasizes low minimum orders, quick turnarounds, and competitive pricing, making custom cable solutions accessible even for smaller projects. A case study highlights their role in helping an emergency vehicle lighting company expand offerings by providing versatile and cost-effective wire bundles, demonstrating their ability to support diverse technical needs beyond typical off-the-shelf options. They also provide reference data and guides on choosing conductors, insulation, and jacketing materials.

The TransWorld Antennas TW4040 The Adventurer Monobander™ is a portable HF antenna designed for rapid deployment in field operations, including **SOTA** and **POTA** activations. This manual details the antenna's assembly, tuning procedures, and operational guidelines for optimal performance on the 40-meter band. It outlines the specific components, such as the telescoping whip and base unit, required for proper setup. Instructions cover mast erection, radial wire deployment, and impedance matching to achieve a low **VSWR** across the designated frequency segment. The document also provides guidance on antenna orientation and environmental considerations for portable use. It specifies the antenna's power handling capabilities and physical dimensions when fully deployed and collapsed for transport.

This online project guide details the construction of a homebrew boom microphone system. It details the assembly of a microphone shell from a 3/4" PVC pipe section and an end cap, requiring a drilled hole for a snug fit of the electret or condenser mic element. The internal wiring schematic specifies a **2.2 K** resistor and a **47 uF** polar capacitor for signal conditioning, with a circuit diagram provided for integration with IC-706 series transceivers. The guide outlines the use of CAT-5 cable for internal connections, incorporating strain relief at the rear of the mic shell, and an inline 3.5 mm jack to facilitate an external _PTT_ line, designed for a foot-mounted switch. Further construction involves fabricating a microphone shock mount from a 2-inch PVC connector, detailing the creation of four "fingers" and the insertion of screw-eyes for attaching elastic bands, which are twisted 180 degrees for tensioning and vibration isolation. A foam wind screen is also incorporated into the microphone assembly, secured with adhesive. The boom arm itself is repurposed from an articulated architect lamp, with the original lamp assembly converted into a **60 watt** resistive load for testing power sources. Microphone cabling is secured to the boom arm using wire ties, ensuring sufficient slack at hinge points to maintain articulation. The boom base is mounted to a bookshelf, requiring specific positioning to achieve proper microphone placement in front of the operator. Performance evaluation of the microphone system is conducted through on-air audio signal reports from other amateur radio operators. DXZone Focus: Online Project Guide | Boom Microphone Construction | Electret Mic Element | PTT Line

Mobile RFI, often manifesting as persistent noise in the receiver even with the antenna disconnected, frequently originates from the vehicle's power supply system. This guide details systematic troubleshooting steps, beginning with isolating the radio from the car's 12-volt supply to confirm the power system as the noise source. It emphasizes the critical importance of drawing power directly from the battery using **heavy gauge wire**, bypassing the fuse block to leverage the battery's natural capacitance for RFI suppression and ensuring a solid RF ground. Proper routing of power lines through the firewall is also covered, advocating for dedicated grommeted holes to prevent inductive coupling from other wiring harnesses. The article stresses the necessity of fusing both positive and negative leads from the battery, a crucial safety measure to prevent damage to the rig and mitigate high-current risks should the battery's engine block ground become compromised during service. Addressing **alternator whine**, a common high-pitched noise that varies with engine speed, the resource suggests checking battery connections and the alternator-to-battery harness for looseness or corrosion. It also mentions the utility of adding an external RF noise suppression capacitor in parallel with the alternator's internal capacitor for enhanced filtering, and the effectiveness of commercially available in-line power supply filters.

Constructing a digital interface for the Elecraft K2 transceiver, this resource details the "Fat Wire" design by WG4S. It demonstrates how to integrate a sound card for digital modes, outlining specific connections to the K2's microphone jack and internal audio path. The author shares practical insights from his build, including the use of _RG-62_ coax for its flexible braid and the strategic placement of components like the 2.2K resistor and _2N2222_ transistor. The guide provides a breakdown of the interface's internal wiring, specifying connections for AF In (pin 1), AF Out (pin 5), PTT (pin 2), and Ground (pin 7) on the K2's microphone connector. It also covers the external connections to a laptop's headphone and line-in jacks, along with a DB-9 connector for PTT control via _DTR_ or RTS lines. The author notes that his laptop's headphone output level was sufficient for the K2, negating the need for an attenuator. Reflecting on the design, the author, Dan WG4S, acknowledges a later suggestion to house the components directly within the DB-9 shell for a more compact build. This iterative feedback highlights the ongoing evolution of DIY ham radio projects and the community's collaborative spirit in refining designs.

Full article on how to build a home-made wire dipole antenna for 40 and 80 meters band. Article is fully in italian, as it was published on ARI RadioRivista, but is plenty of self explaining pictures that will guide you on homebrewing this trapped dipole antenna for the lower amateur radio bands.

The MFJ-971 portable antenna tuner, as stock, lacks a bypass switch and sufficient inductance for efficient 1.8 MHz operation. This modification addresses these limitations by integrating a DPDT switch for direct signal bypass, enhancing operational flexibility. Furthermore, the guide details the addition of a T130-2 iron powder toroid, wound with **29 turns** of enamelled copper wire, to augment the tuner's internal inductance. This increases the maximum inductance from approximately 17µH to around **27µH**, enabling effective impedance matching on the _160-meter band_. The modification involves cutting the wire after the 'L' tap on the original inductor and inserting the additional toroid, ensuring the entire original coil plus the new inductance is engaged when 'L' is selected. This preserves the functionality of other inductance settings while extending low-band performance. The article also highlights a potential RF burn hazard from the variable capacitor nuts on the MFJ-971, even at QRP power levels.

Article based on ROHN engineering specification that will guide on proper guying heights and guy lengths when guying ham radio antenna masts. It will help you determine ahead of time the proper length of guy wires and the distance from the base of the mast to the anchor points

The Offshore radio guide, watery wireless websites, history pictures and sounfiles

Article descrive the different types including coax and open-wire feeder and waveguide.

The page provides information on a simple 50MHz J-Pole Antenna project based on the DK7ZB design. It explains the principle of the Wireman-J-Pole, the feeding process, practical mounting, and simulation results using MMANA GAL. The content aims to guide amateur radio operators in building their own J-Pole antennas for the 6-meter band.

A 20-meter window frame stealth antenna, based on a design by _PD7MAA_, utilizes a single 620cm wire loop for discreet installation. The feeding mechanism employs a _4C65_ toroidal core, where the antenna loop functions as a single-turn secondary, and the feedline wraps twice. Tuning is achieved via a 30cm twisted wire stub, allowing for SWR adjustment within the 20m band. This design is specified for QRP operation, with a maximum power limit of **25 Watts** to prevent core saturation or arcing. Wire selection recommendations include thin, insulated copper wire (0.75mm to 1mm) for blending with architectural elements. The guide focuses on practical construction steps for a low-profile 14MHz antenna.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to constructing a multiband vertical wire antenna. The design features parallel wires for various bands, all connected to a single balun, ensuring ease of assembly and adjustment. Materials required include a fishing rod, PVC tubing, and inexpensive wire. The antenna is lightweight, cost-effective, and suitable for field use or as an additional home setup. Detailed instructions and diagrams are provided to facilitate successful construction and optimal performance across multiple frequencies.

Over 500 different types of high-performance electronic cables are manufactured by Alpha Wire, catering to demanding industrial and commercial applications. Their product lines include the robust _XTRA GUARD_ series, designed for harsh environments, and a range of flexible coaxial cables optimized for signal integrity. These cables are critical components in amateur radio shacks, industrial control systems, and data communication networks, ensuring reliable power and signal transmission. The company provides extensive technical resources, including detailed product specifications, application notes, and RoHS certificates, accessible through their online resource center. Hams often utilize their wire and cable products for antenna construction, station wiring, and various DIY projects requiring durable and reliable conductors. Alpha Wire also offers tools like size guides and competitor cross-references, simplifying product selection. They emphasize continuous uptime solutions, reflecting their focus on quality and durability.

A light portable 2 element Delta beam antenna for 14 MHz. It is basically a two element delta loop wire antenna made for portable usage providing good directivity and a 4.2 dBd gain

This page presents an online calculator tool for determining the dimensions of various HF wire antennas operating between 1.8-30 MHz. Users input their desired resonant frequency to obtain precise measurements for four popular antenna types: standard flat-top dipole, inverted Vee, quad loop, and equilateral delta loop. The calculator provides comprehensive measurements including leg lengths, minimum heights, horizontal spreads, and feedpoint distances. Accompanying the calculator are detailed technical explanations, construction notes, and installation guidelines for each antenna type, making it a practical resource for amateur radio operators building their own antennas.

Building an End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna from a kit, as detailed by Frank Bontenbal, PA2DKW, with process photos by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, offers a practical approach for hams. This specific kit, a collaboration between ARRL and HF Kits, targets 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters, making it a versatile option for HF operations. Unlike a center-fed dipole, the EFHW is a half-wavelength antenna fed at one end, which simplifies deployment, particularly for portable use. The construction guide meticulously outlines the assembly of the 49:1 impedance matching network, crucial for transforming the antenna's high impedance (around 2,500 Ohms) to a transceiver-friendly 50 Ohms. Steps include preparing the enclosure by drilling holes for the coaxial connector and antenna connections, followed by the precise winding of enameled copper wire onto a toroid to create the transformer. The guide emphasizes careful insulation removal and soldering for reliable connections. Final assembly involves integrating a 100 pF capacitor for higher band compensation, soldering the transformer's primary and secondary sides, and conducting SWR tests with a 2K7 resistor or a half-wavelength wire. The document also provides examples of wire lengths for different bands, such as 16 feet for 10 meters or 66 feet for 40 meters, demonstrating the transformer's adaptability for various half-wavelength configurations.

Constructing an effective antenna support system often involves safely elevating wire antennas into trees or over obstacles. This resource details the build process for the WT8WV "Colossus" air cannon antenna launcher, a pneumatic device designed to project a pilot line over elevated structures. It specifies the use of readily available PVC pipe components and standard hardware, outlining the exact materials required and providing step-by-step assembly instructions for a robust, low-cost solution. The article presents a practical alternative to traditional methods like slingshots, emphasizing the launcher's utility for Field Day operations and general antenna deployment. It includes a comprehensive list of parts, such as 2-inch and 1-inch PVC pipe, various fittings, a sprinkler valve, and a bicycle pump valve, detailing their integration into the final assembly. The total cost for materials is estimated at around $40 per unit, making it an accessible project for many radio amateurs. Crucially, the guide incorporates essential safety precautions for operating a pneumatic launcher, covering aspects like pressure management and projectile selection. It also features multiple photographs illustrating the construction phases and the completed device, offering visual clarity to aid builders in replicating the design.

This project outlines the construction of a simple TEFV (Tilted End-Fed Vertical) antenna suitable for backyard or park installations. The design requires basic materials such as 100 feet of coated stranded copper wire, wood stakes, metal ground rods, a non-conductive fiberglass pole, and essential tools like wire cutters and a soldering iron. The antenna is supported by a 20-33 feet tall pole and includes a 9:1 unun for impedance matching and a resistor for tuning. Step-by-step instructions guide the assembly, from preparing the wire and pole to connecting the unun and resistor, ensuring a functional and durable setup for outdoor use.

Presents a detailed construction guide for a 9 dB, 70cm collinear antenna, utilizing readily available _RG58/U_ coaxial cable and PVC pipe for housing. The resource outlines the critical calculations for ½ wavelength sections at 444 MHz, incorporating the coaxial cable's velocity factor of 0.66, which yields a section length of 223 millimeters. It specifies the preparation and soldering of eight such half-wavelength sections, each cut to 231mm to allow for trimming, forming the core of the array. Further instructions detail the integration of a ¼ wave element (169mm #16 solid wire) at the top and a ¼ wave aluminum tube (160mm, 5/16 inch) at the bottom, crimped to the feed point's braid. The guide also addresses RF common mode current suppression by suggesting the use of _FT50-43_ toroids on the feedline. Final assembly steps cover mounting the antenna within ¾" PVC pipe using a wooden dowel, waterproofing connections, and initial SWR checks. The article also discusses scaling the design for different element counts and other VHF/UHF bands.

A DIY cantenna can extend your WiFi range by building a 2.4 GHz high-gain antenna using accessible materials. The design, based on waveguide principles, uses a cylindrical tube to capture WiFi signals and can even connect to access points half a mile away in ideal conditions. While the ideal tube diameter was hard to find, a 4-inch aluminum dryer vent was chosen despite theoretical limitations. The cantenna offers a cost-effective, functional boost for your wireless network.

This comprehensive three-part guide examines baluns (balanced-to-unbalanced devices) and their critical role in ham radio antenna systems. The author explains how baluns prevent common-mode currents on feedlines, which can distort radiation patterns and cause unwanted RF in the shack. Various balun types are analyzed, including coiled coax chokes, ferrite-core designs (W2DU), and toroidal-wound versions (Guanella/Ruthroff). Construction techniques for 1:1, 4:1, 6:1, and 9:1 current baluns are provided with practical guidance on wire selection, winding methods, and ferrite core properties. The article emphasizes that proper balun implementation is essential for optimal antenna performance, especially with directional arrays.

This presentation on antennas is a practical guide for amateur radio operators. The key takeaway is that the best antenna for your station depends on your constraints and goals. There is no magic solution and buying a wire antenna is not recommended as it might be expensive and not as effective. The presentation covers different antenna types including dipoles, verticals, Yagis and loop antennas. Important factors to consider when choosing an antenna include SWR, feeder types, and whether you need a balun. The author emphasizes that ATUs don’t improve a poor antenna and advises against obsessing over SWR readings.

MeshCom 4.0 facilitates off-grid text messaging and data exchange via _LoRa_ radio modules, operating on low-power, low-cost hardware to establish networked communication capabilities. The system transmits messages, GPS positions, sensor values, and telecontrol data over significant distances with minimal power consumption. MeshCom modules can autonomously form a mesh network or integrate into a broader message network through MeshCom gateways, which ideally connect via _HAMNET_ to link disparate radio networks. Recent updates include MCMAP features, support for Lilygo T-Connect-Pro, and new firmware for T-ECHO, enhancing the system's versatility. The project provides basic specifications, detailed protocol information, and installation instructions for MeshCom 4.0, including guides for RAK WisBlock and HELTEC V3 hardware. Firmware and companion Android/iPhone applications are available for download, supporting a range of **10-20 km** line-of-sight communication.

The 4m Slim Jim antenna project provides a construction guide for a low-cost, high-performance aerial designed specifically for the 70 MHz FM band. This design achieves a 1:1 SWR across the 4m FM band with straightforward adjustment of the feed point, utilizing RG-58 coax. Its low angle of radiation contributes to effective signal propagation. Construction involves using plastic knitting needles as spreaders and a telescopic fishing pole for support, with components secured using two-part epoxy. Annealed bare single-core copper wire forms the radiating element. The setup process includes raising the antenna at least 3 meters above ground for tuning, adjusting the RG-58 feed point for optimal SWR, and then soldering connections. Waterproofing is achieved with yacht varnish. The design emphasizes low wind resistance for durability, making it suitable for exposed outdoor installations. A PDF construction diagram is available to supplement the written instructions.

The resource provides a technical installation guide for _MeshCom 4.0_, an amateur radio mesh networking project utilizing LoRa hardware modules. It systematically covers the setup process for several supported devices, including the RAK Wireless LoRa WisBlock Core RAK4631, T-Beam T22 V1.1, T-Lora T3 V1.6.1, HELTEC WiFi ESP32 LoRa 32 (V2 and V3), HELTEC E290, ESP32 / E22 modules, and the T-deck from Lilygo. The guide specifies support for the **EU433** frequency band, ensuring amateur radio compatibility, and details the use of an online flash tool for ESP32 modules and an embedded drive for RAK modules. It further describes accessing the MeshCom 4.0 Dashboard and Map functionalities, crucial for network visualization and management. Firmware configuration for ESP32 modules is meticulously outlined, covering essential parameters such as setting callsigns, country codes, and gateway parameters via a serial console like PuTTY. Commands for activating gateway mode, setting internet IP addresses, and configuring WLAN SSID and password for modules with WLAN capability are provided, enabling modules to function as either clients or gateways within the MeshCom network.