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Query: 20m
Links: 208 | Categories: 1
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JJ0DRC's HF multi-band delta loop antenna project, initially conceived during the waning peak of Cycle 23, addresses the common challenge of achieving effective DX operation from a small residential lot in Japan. Dissatisfied with a ground plane antenna's performance in SSB pile-ups, the author sought a beam-like solution without a tower, drawing inspiration from a JJ1VKL article in CQ Ham Radio Sep. 2000. The antenna, constructed in October 2000, employs two 7.2-meter fishing rods (37% carbon fiber, reinforced with cyano-acrylate glue and aluminum tape) and 1mm enameled wire, fed by an Icom AH-4 external antenna tuner. While the exact beam pattern remains unmeasured, JJ0DRC observed a significantly higher callback rate compared to dipole antennas, particularly on higher bands. The system's circumference length of 15-20m is crucial for maintaining a good beam pattern across HF bands, though performance on lower bands like 80m, 40m, and 30m becomes less directional as the length deviates from a full wavelength. Ongoing maintenance addressed degradation issues, including aluminum tape cracking and wire breakage at connection points due to strong winds (often exceeding 10-15m/s in winter). The author reinforced rod connections with IRECTOR PIPE SYSTEM components and INSU-ROCK ties, and improved wire attachment methods using Cremona rope and epoxy bond to enhance durability.
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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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Demonstrates the construction of a base-loaded quarter-wave vertical whip antenna, suitable for both mobile and portable HF operations. This design utilizes a vehicle body as a ground plane for mobile use or a counterpoise for field deployment. The article details the selection of materials, such as a _glass fibre tubing_ former and 24 s.w.g enamelled copper wire for the loading coil, with specific turn counts suggested for 20m (around **30 turns**) and 40m (around **50-60 turns**). It outlines a practical tuning method using an SWR bridge and even an audible signal approach, emphasizing careful adjustment of coil turn spacing or whip length to achieve optimal SWR. The resource also mentions the use of an antenna analyzer for more precise tuning, contrasting it with the SWR method.
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The 20m monoband 4-1000 amplifier, by Jelmer (pa5r), Herman (pa0ten) and Frans (pa5ca)
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The ZS6BKW wire antenna, a variant of the G5RV, utilizes a specific 13m (42.6 ft) length of 450-ohm window line as its matching section, feeding a 28.5m (93.5 ft) flat-top element. This design aims for lower SWR on 40m, 20m, 17m, 12m, and 10m compared to a standard G5RV, often achieving SWR values below 1.5:1 on these bands without an antenna tuner. The feedpoint impedance transformation provided by the window line allows for direct connection to 50-ohm coax on multiple bands. F4FHH's experience involved constructing the ZS6BKW and evaluating its performance against an _OCF dipole_ (Off-Center Fed) on various HF frequencies. The article includes observations on SWR readings and operational effectiveness, highlighting the ZS6BKW's suitability for multi-band operation. The antenna's overall length, including the flat-top and window line, is approximately **41.5 meters** (136 feet), making it a significant wire antenna for fixed station use. Comparative analysis with the OCF dipole provided practical insights into the ZS6BKW's advantages and limitations, particularly concerning bandwidth and tuner requirements.
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Demonstrates the iterative design and construction of a **tapped HF/VHF mobile vertical antenna** by K0EMT, detailing four generations of development. The antenna supports operation on 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m, and 2m bands. Initial designs, like Generation 1, featured a 3/8" x 24TPI bolt in a PVC end cap with a 1" aluminum tubing mast, resulting in a 9'9" overall length and resonance around 6.9 MHz with the full coil. Subsequent generations refined the mast and coil forms, transitioning from aluminum to copper tubing (Generation 3, found too weak) and eventually fiberglass for the coil form (Generation 4, in progress). Coil tapping points were adjusted to achieve resonance without an external tuner in Generation 2. The project outlines material costs, totaling approximately $25, and mentions a successful 28 MHz QSO with EA3XA using an ICOM IC-706 mk II at 100 Watts. For 80m operation, an external wire with the maximum coil setting is used, or a 56" extender below the coil for stationary use.
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A 20-meter Moxon antenna design provides a compact directional solution for the 14 MHz band, achieving approximately **5.5 dBi** of forward gain and a front-to-back ratio exceeding 20 dB. This rectangular wire array, consisting of a driven element and a reflector, offers a smaller footprint than a traditional 2-element Yagi, making it suitable for space-constrained installations. Construction details focus on specific dimensions for the wire elements, fed with 50-ohm coaxial cable. The _Moxon rectangle_ inherently delivers wide bandwidth and a clean radiation pattern, simplifying tuning with a relatively low SWR across the entire 20-meter band. Its robust performance makes it a practical choice for both fixed stations with limited tower space and portable _DXing_ operations. The design's characteristics are particularly beneficial for contesting and long-haul communications on 20 meters.
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A monoband end-fed half wave for 10m, 20m or any other HF band, includes a PDF with detailed information to build your own monoband or multiband antenna
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A simple beam antenna offering good performances on 3 bands by 9m2mso
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IC-2720H it will receive fine on 220MHz amateur band, but will NOT transmit there
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QRZCQ.com provides a centralized online platform for amateur radio operators, integrating a global callsign database with DX Cluster functionality. The service features real-time DX spotting, filtering capabilities for specific bands (e.g., 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m), and specialized filters for awards like IOTA, SOTA, WWFF, and QRP activity. It also includes a logbook, QSL manager lookup, contest calendar, and various ham radio articles and news feeds, supporting a wide range of operating activities and information retrieval. The platform aggregates data from multiple sources, offering a dynamic view of on-air activity and callsign information. Users can register for free to access additional services, including a personal logbook, buddy lists, and chat features, fostering community interaction among over 198,600 registered users. The DX Cluster displays recent spots with frequency, DX call, spotter, and remarks, covering bands from VLF to VHF. Beyond DX spotting, the site provides resources such as repeater directories, propagation information, and a swapmeet, making it a multi-faceted tool for both casual browsing and serious DXing or contesting. The service also highlights active users, latest news, articles, and videos, keeping the content fresh and relevant.
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Constructing an effective mobile antenna system for HF bands often presents challenges in achieving multi-band operation with a compact footprint. This project details the assembly of a versatile mobile antenna utilizing a standard _Hamstick_ base, enabling operation across 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The design incorporates a 102-inch whip and a custom-fabricated coil, allowing for quick band changes by adjusting the coil tap point. The document provides a parts list, step-by-step assembly instructions, and tuning considerations for optimizing SWR on each band. It emphasizes practical construction techniques for the coil and mounting hardware, ensuring mechanical integrity for mobile use. The antenna's performance is discussed in the context of typical mobile operating environments, highlighting its adaptability for various HF frequencies. Final adjustments involve precise trimming of the whip and coil taps to achieve resonance, with a focus on minimizing losses and maximizing radiation efficiency.
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OM International sideband society incorporated nets 75M, 40M, and 20M Nets begin one hour earlier during Daylight Savings Time
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JIM, N0UQZ TS-2000 review
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A simple 7 bands off-center dipole wire antenna designed to work on 80 meters band and that can cover also 40m 30m 20m 15m 12m 10m with acceptable SWR
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Demonstrates the product line of _LZ Antenna Ltd._, a Bulgarian manufacturer specializing in amateur radio antennas and custom electronic devices. The company focuses on robust, high-quality HF multiband Yagi and vertical antennas, leveraging over 20 years of experience from founder Georgi Georgiev in radio amateur development. Featured models include the LZA 8-4, LZA-10-3, and the LZA-7-3A WRTC 2022, alongside various rotary dipoles like the LZA1 40/30m. Provides specifications for several Yagi antennas, such as the LZA-9-5, LZA-13-7, and LZA-6-3 (a 6-element, 3-band design). The company emphasizes applying "leading edge technology" to high-frequency communication equipment production, with products designed for durability and performance. The LZA-10-5 Yagi offers **12.5 dBi** gain on 10m, while the LZA-13-7 provides **13.2 dBi** on 20m, showcasing competitive gain figures for DXing and contesting.
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An antenna originally planned in the sixties, a two element beam antenna tunable on several band, in french
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A Half wave antenna has a high impedance feed point. This can be matched using a 1/4 wave stub matching section and converts the 40m vertical into an L-shaped 20m J-Pole antenna. The 300 ohm feeder used for this purpose must be kept away from the ground.
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A 20-meter vertical _Moxon_ antenna, designed for portable operation, is detailed with specific dimensions for its driven and reflector elements. The project outlines the construction process, including the use of PVC pipe for the frame and #14 AWG insulated wire for the elements. The antenna's compact size and directional characteristics make it suitable for field day operations or limited space environments, offering a gain of approximately 5.5 dBi and a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB. Testing revealed a 1.2:1 SWR at 14.250 MHz, demonstrating good impedance matching across the target frequency range. The _Moxon rectangle_ design provides a clean radiation pattern with minimal side lobes, which is advantageous for reducing QRM from unwanted directions. This build offers a practical solution for hams seeking a lightweight, easily deployable directional antenna for 20 meters without the complexity of a full-sized Yagi.
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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.
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Demonstrates the design and construction of a compact, portable multi-band mini-delta loop antenna, specifically optimized for /P (portable) operations from remote locations like Scottish islands. The resource covers the theoretical underpinnings of half-wave loops, contrasting closed and open configurations, and then details the application of a folded dipole principle to achieve a 50-ohm match for direct coax feed. It presents empirical formulas for calculating element lengths, considering the velocity factor of common wire types, and provides a detailed example for a 20m (14.175 MHz) version. The article includes a comprehensive table of dimensions and allowances for a five-band (20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m) mini-delta beam, along with construction hints for the central support and balun. It specifies a 1:1 trifilar balun wound on a ferrite rod and describes the antenna adjustment process using an _MFJ-259B Antenna Analyser_. Initial test results indicate an SWR of 1:1 at resonance and a bandwidth of approximately 240 kHz on 20m, even at a low height of five feet above ground. The distinctive utility lies in its focus on a practical, easily deployable beam antenna for portable DXing, offering a viable alternative to more complex or larger arrays.
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The Vee Beam antenna project presents a versatile solution for hams, enabling operation across all eight High Frequency bands (80m to 10m) with significant gain on 20m to 10m. This easy-to-construct antenna utilizes two long wires at an angle, enhancing directional performance and minimizing ground losses. With a low visual profile, it is discreet and effective for various applications. The design allows for optimal leg lengths and included angles, ensuring robust performance while maintaining simplicity in construction and operation. The V Beam antenna is an aerial that you can use on all eight High Frequency amateur bands (80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m) with an antenna tuner, and which gives significant gain on the five bands from 20 to 10 meters band.
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GW4ALG's _136 kHz Pages_ document the evolution of vertical antennas for the 2200m band, starting with a prototype mounted on a house wall. This initial design, despite achieving the first **395 km** GM-GW QSO, suffered from significant insulation breakdown, high RF losses due to proximity to the house, and difficult tuning adjustments. The author details the challenges of maintaining resonance and matching with a variometer in the loft, noting that adding three earth spikes offered no measurable improvement over a simple water tap connection. The subsequent experimental 12m vertical, relocated away from the house, significantly reduced dielectric losses and proved far more effective. This antenna enabled GW4ALG to set a world DX record on 136 kHz with a **1916 km** QSO to OH1TN, and an intra-UK record of **703 km** to GM3YXM/P. The resource further explores the use of helium-filled balloons to extend the vertical radiator, achieving heights up to 27m, typically 20m, for enhanced low-band performance. Practical advice on balloon types, inflation, and critical insulation between the wire and balloon is provided, emphasizing safety and avoiding arcing.
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Construction details and tests about a 2 elements cubical quad antenna for HF Bands (20,17,15,12 and 10m band).
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An end-fed halfwave antenna for 20 meters band with balun pictures and description by PD7MAA
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Calculate EH Antenna, 20m 40 80m. Fotos, Original eh antenna building.
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How to operate on 10 and 20 meters in limited space with this trapped dipole.
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A DIY project details the construction of a modular QRP CW transceiver specifically designed for the **20-meter band**. The design is segmented into three distinct modules—VFO, Receiver, and Transmitter—allowing for phased construction and independent testing. The VFO circuit, capable of operating as a conversion VFO or a free oscillator, provides a frequency span of approximately _70 KHz_ (2.433 to 2.510 MHz) with a 4V pp output level, utilizing a Colpitts FET oscillator and buffer. The receiver employs a classic superheterodyne architecture with MOSFETs in the front end and mixer for improved overload immunity, incorporating a 4-crystal ladder filter with a 600 Hz bandpass and an LM386 audio power amplifier delivering about 1W into an 8-ohm load. The transmitter section uses frequency conversion with an NE602 mixer to achieve 14 MHz operation, featuring a power broadband stage capable of 4-5W output into a dummy load, and includes a double Pi filter for signal cleanliness. The resource provides detailed component lists, tuning instructions for each module, and 1:1 scale PCB layouts for single-sided boards.
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If you have space constraint at your QTH for a HF antenna, you can try contructing this HF magnetic loop antenna for 40-20 meters bands
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Homebrew a compact yagi antenna for 14 Mhz suitable for those with small plots based on a design by AB4GX
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This max size magnetic loop antenna for 14 MHz with a totall circumference of 6m is designed to attach to a wall
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An end fed 20 meter half wave antenna
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This article describes a simple Inverted L antenna for the HF bands designed to work on 80m, 40m, 30m and 20m
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A bazooka antenna design in German with dimensions for 20m and 40m band with RG174 coax cable stronger than the common RG58
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CO2KK exposes some myths about using 75-ohm feedline with 50-ohm rigs and show how to build a cotanget transformer
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An off centre fed dipole, with 10 feet of vertical radiator. It needs no tuner on 40m, 20m and 10m by M0UKD
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The Micro24 is a ultra compact microsize QRP SSB transceiver for the 20 meters amateur radio band. This transceiver is so small that it fits into one hand.
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An homemade fan dipole antenna for 20 30 40 meter bands, setup in a 15 meter wide garden. The longest leg for 40 meter is folded to fit in the 7.5 m
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Operating an 80/40/20M fan dipole for DX is analyzed through EZNEC modeling, focusing on the antenna's performance in a real-world, low-height installation. The resource details the physical construction and SWR measurements of the fan dipole, comparing them against EZNEC simulations. It also incorporates High Frequency Terrain Analysis (HFTA) data to illustrate typical DX elevation angles for various regions from New England, providing a crucial context for evaluating antenna patterns. The analysis presents EZNEC-generated azimuth and elevation patterns for each band (80M, 40M, 20M) at specific frequencies, showing gain figures at different elevation angles relevant to DX propagation. It compares the modeled SWR with measured SWR, attributing discrepancies to coax attenuation. The study concludes with observations on the antenna's azimuth performance (omnidirectional within ±1.5 dB) and its less optimal elevation gain at desired DX angles, highlighting the impact of low antenna height on DX capabilities.
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Demonstrates the construction and implementation of a **two-element phased vertical array** for 40 meters, utilizing _Christman phasing_ techniques. The author, W4NFR, details the process from building individual 1/4-wave aluminum verticals to integrating them into a phased system. The resource covers antenna spacing of 32 feet, elevated radial design, and the critical steps for tuning each vertical to achieve a 1.1:1 SWR before combining them. It also provides insights into calculating precise coax lengths for feedlines and the phasing delay line, emphasizing the use of an MFJ-269 Antenna Analyzer for verification. The finished system exhibits good front-to-back nulls, with an overall SWR ranging from 1.6:1 to 2.2:1, which is managed by an antenna tuner. The project includes detailed photos of the relay box, showing 12 VDC relays capable of handling 5KV, and the control box in the shack for switching between three different antenna pattern configurations. Static bleed-off chokes are incorporated for protection, and the construction emphasizes robust weatherproofing for outdoor elements.
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This is a SSB and CW transceiver for the 80m and 20m bands. It produces 25 Watts out and uses a digital frequency display.
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An efficient monoband end-fed half wave for 10m, 20m or any other HF band
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A simple low-power broadcast-type circuit, using a crystal oscillator integrated circuit and an a collector modulated AM oscillator
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Demonstrates the _SQUIRL Field Day Logger_, a specialized software tool designed for efficient contact logging during the annual ARRL Field Day event. The resource details its core functionality, which includes real-time logging to easily readable text files, with filenames structured by callsign, band, and mode (e.g., K8DAA-20M-SSB.txt). It highlights features such as a real-time history grid of previous contacts, a dynamic USA and Canada map displaying contact locations, and a duplicate checker that provides audio notifications and pre-fills class/section data for previously worked stations. The software also includes an ADIF export function, enabling users to transfer logs to other general-purpose logging programs. The software's design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, allowing for rapid on-the-spot training, as noted by users like W4CMB. It supports various operating systems, including Windows 98 through 8, and has been successfully run on Linux via _Wine_. Key usability enhancements include a "double-size" feature for improved readability and a "Space Mode" for quick field navigation. The version history indicates continuous development from 2001 to 2013, with significant additions like the real-time Field Day Map in 2003 and ADIF export in 2004, which allows for seamless integration with other logging platforms.
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