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Antennas and homebrew ancilliary equipment

Illustrates the construction of a compact _Moxon_ beam antenna specifically tailored for the 40-meter band (7 MHz). The resource details a homebrew project by W7XA, emphasizing its design for limited space while maintaining good bandwidth and directivity characteristics. It highlights the practical application of the _Moxon_ rectangle model to achieve performance on a lower HF band. The primary content is a downloadable PDF document titled "40-Meter-Mini-MOXON-Beam-Antenna.pdf," which provides comprehensive illustrations and technical specifications for replicating the antenna. This includes dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions, making it a practical guide for radio amateurs interested in directional antennas for HF. The project demonstrates how a relatively small footprint can yield a directional antenna suitable for DXing or contesting on 40 meters, a band typically requiring much larger arrays for similar gain and front-to-back ratios. The documentation supports hands-on construction.

This project outlines the construction of a 3-element reversible quad antenna specifically designed for the 40-meter band. The materials required include pushup towers, pressure-treated posts, insulated wire, and various electrical components such as relays and a balun. The construction process is straightforward, beginning with the installation of the posts in a straight line, followed by the assembly of the antenna elements and their elevation to the desired height. The antenna's design allows for directional signal reception, making it ideal for operators looking to enhance their communication capabilities on the 40-meter band. The project includes detailed instructions on tuning the antenna for optimal performance, ensuring that operators can achieve the lowest SWR possible. Additionally, the design can be adapted for other bands by extrapolating dimensions, providing versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts. Overall, this reversible quad antenna project is suitable for both beginners and experienced operators, offering a practical solution for improving signal strength and directionality in 40-meter communications.

Illustrates the specific wiring and configuration steps required to interface an SGC-230 Smartuner with an Icom IC-706 HF/VHF/UHF transceiver. The document details the necessary connections for power, control, and RF signal paths between the two devices, ensuring proper impedance matching and automatic antenna tuning functionality. It specifies the pin assignments for the IC-706's ACC socket and the SGC-230's control port, crucial for successful integration. Outlines the operational considerations for the combined system, including initial setup procedures and potential troubleshooting tips for common connectivity issues. The resource presents a clear, diagrammatic representation of the interconnections, which aids in visual comprehension of the required cable fabrication or modification. Covers the specific settings within the IC-706 menu that need adjustment to enable external tuner control, such as the 'TUNER' function and other relevant parameters. This ensures the transceiver correctly communicates with the SGC-230 for efficient antenna tuning across various amateur bands.

The Q-signal **QRP** signifies a request to reduce power, and in amateur radio, it defines operating with 5 watts or less for CW and 10 watts or less for SSB. This article addresses common inquiries from new hams regarding the practice, its benefits, and implementation methods. It explains how a 5-watt QRP signal, compared to a 100-watt signal, typically results in only a 13dB drop in signal strength, equating to about two S-units, still providing solid copy under most conditions. Hams choose QRP for various reasons, including seeking a greater challenge in DXing or contesting, reducing band interference, or enabling portable field operations with lightweight, battery-efficient equipment. A modern single-band CW transceiver, key, and antenna can fit into a pocket, offering receiver performance comparable to commercial rigs and extended operation on a small battery. This portability facilitates operations in remote locations where higher-power setups are impractical. Operating QRP can involve simply reducing power on an existing commercial HF rig or building a dedicated QRP transceiver from a kit, such as the **Wilderness Radio SST** with its 2-watt output and 15mA receive current draw. While SSB is viable, CW remains the most popular and efficient mode for QRP due to its superior signal-to-noise ratio. The article lists common QRP calling frequencies across 160m through 10m bands for both CW and SSB, and highlights organizations like QRP ARCI and NorCal that support the QRP community.

The following are the opinions expressed by various amateurs

An amateur observatory using a 4 GHz TVRO antenna.

Presents the detailed construction of the _FLA25HV_ antenna, a specialized array optimized for Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communications on the 2-meter band. This resource provides schematics and practical insights into building a high-gain antenna system capable of reflecting signals off the lunar surface, a challenging but rewarding aspect of amateur radio. It covers the mechanical and electrical considerations essential for achieving the precise pointing and signal strength required for successful moonbounce contacts, often yielding **20 dB** or more gain. Amateur radio operators pursuing EME operations require robust antenna systems and precise tracking capabilities. The FLA25HV design addresses these needs by focusing on element spacing, impedance matching, and structural integrity to withstand environmental factors while maintaining critical alignment for lunar reflections. Such systems are crucial for making contacts over distances exceeding **768,000 km**. This personal page serves as a practical guide for hams interested in constructing their own EME arrays, offering a glimpse into the technical dedication involved in pushing the boundaries of VHF/UHF propagation.

An interesting article on building a 4 elements yagi antenna with gamma match for the 2 meter band. This article include two videos demonstrating assembling procedure by KG0ZZ

Unique and Hard-to-Find accessories for Amateur Radio. Featuring Plasti Dip products, DK9SQ Masts, Wire Antennas, AEA Antenna Analyzers and RF Connectors too!

Yagi Calculator is a free Windows program that also runs well on Linux, Ubuntu 8.10 under Wine, to produce dimensions for a DL6WU style long Yagi antenna. Long yagis are commonly used from the 144MHz amateur band to the 2.4GHz band.

Over **10 million** antennas and flags have been sold worldwide by Firestik Antenna Company, a veteran-owned manufacturer specializing in both CB and amateur radio communication products. Their offerings include a range of antennas, mounting accessories, and coaxial cables, designed for various mobile and fixed applications. The company provides technical support and maintains a network of dealers for product availability. Firestik products are known for their fiberglass construction, which is evident in their _Firestik_ and _Firefly_ antenna lines. The company also produces unique items like the "342 mile per hour Firestik flag," highlighting their diverse manufacturing capabilities beyond just radio antennas. They emphasize their commitment to quality and customer service, including direct technical assistance. The company is located in Tempe, Arizona, and operates under the registered trademark of _Pal International Corporation_. They actively protect their brand, including variations like Firestick and Firestix, ensuring proper representation of their products in the market.

HD Communications Corp specializes in **RF and microwave amplifiers** engineered for demanding communication, defense, and industrial applications. Their product line includes precision-built, high-power solutions, along with RF connectors, filters, HF cables, and various accessories. The company also supplies tower hardware, valves, and tubes, catering to a broad spectrum of radio frequency infrastructure needs. Beyond amplifiers, HD Communications offers a range of **RF filters**, including low-pass filters, antenna filters, and solutions for RFI/TVI mitigation. Their inventory encompasses essential components like coaxial cable and various connector types, supporting both amateur radio and professional installations. The company operates as a manufacturer and vendor, providing direct sales of its specialized RF products.

A folded wire antenna for 160 meters as appeared on 73 amateur radio magazine june 1997

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

Cal-av labs, inc. (formerly california avionics laboratories, inc.) manufactures electronic instruments and systems for research and industry. we specialize in radio communications and research/electronic test products. Amateur radio yagi antennas, rotary dipoles, baluns, morse keys.

Plans and drawings of common amateur radio antennas, like jpoles, copper cactus, super jpole, omnidirectionals and quads

The PDF document, titled "J-Poles," presents various J-pole antenna designs covering the 50 MHz to 450 MHz frequency range. It includes construction details for several specific bands, such as a 6-meter J-pole, a 2-meter J-pole, and a 70-centimeter J-pole. The content outlines the fundamental principles of J-pole operation, including the quarter-wave radiator and half-wave matching stub. Each design features specific dimensions for elements like the radiator length, stub length, and spacing, often expressed in inches. The document also discusses feeding arrangements and impedance matching considerations inherent to J-pole antennas. It provides practical guidance for homebrewing these antennas using common materials like copper pipe or wire elements. The resource offers insights into the advantages of J-poles, such as their omnidirectional pattern and ease of construction, making it a practical reference for radio amateurs interested in VHF/UHF antenna projects.

A simple delta loop antenna antenna for the six metre amateur radio band

For radio amateurs seeking compact and efficient antenna solutions, particularly for restricted spaces or noise reduction, HF loop antennas present a viable option. This resource compiles several articles from the ARRL, detailing the theory, design considerations, and practical construction of various loop configurations. Topics include small transmitting loops, receiving loops, and multi-band designs, often emphasizing their performance characteristics such as directivity, bandwidth, and impedance matching. The collected articles provide insights into the comparative performance of different loop geometries, such as circular versus square loops, and discuss the impact of conductor size and tuning methods on efficiency. Practical applications are explored, including their use in portable operations, stealth installations, and urban environments where noise mitigation is critical. The content often includes construction diagrams, parts lists, and performance data derived from modeling or field tests, enabling hams to replicate or adapt the designs for their specific operating conditions.

VHF UHF Amateur radio antenna and antenna parts, accessories for homebrewers, antenna kits, tubes, antenna masts, antenna tripores, insulators, power amplifier mosfet, power splitters by I0JXX

A Moxon rectangle antenna design for the 11-meter band is presented, offering a compact and lightweight solution for directional HF DX operation. This two-element parasitic array, popular among amateur radio enthusiasts, provides considerable directional gain and lower noise on horizontal polarization. The design is suitable for both 27 MHz Citizens Band (CB) and the lower portion of the 28 MHz amateur radio band, making it versatile for operators interested in either service. Construction can utilize materials like bamboo, squid poles with wire elements, or aluminum tubing on a central boom. The article includes a plan view diagram with specific dimensions (A-E) in centimeters and inches for building the antenna, such as a 392.09 cm (154 3/8 inch) driven element. The Moxon configuration inherently presents a 50 Ohm load to the transceiver, often eliminating the need for an external matching unit or balun. Performance data for an antenna mounted at approximately 30 feet indicates a gain of 10-11 dBi and a frequency range of 27.300 MHz to 28.300 MHz. The design is noted for its excellent front-to-back rejection, with tested signal drop-offs from S5-S7 to S2 when turned, demonstrating effective suppression of unwanted signals.

G0KYA's Amateur Radio Blog, make a 2m Slim Jim antenna out of 300 Ohm ribbon cable.

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.

Original article published on February 1992 on 73 Amateur Radio Today about the 2m and 70 cm copper cactus J-pole antenna

With over 20 years of experience, Proyecto 4 operates as a specialized ham radio retailer in Madrid, Spain, providing a diverse inventory of transceivers, antennas, and related accessories. The store features popular models like the _ICOM IC-705_ and _ICOM IC-7300MK2_, alongside Yaesu transceivers such as the _FTX-1 Optima_, which delivers 100W on HF and 50W on V/UHF bands. The product range includes mobile and portable antennas, such as the D-Original DX-NR770HB, offering 3 dB gain on 144 MHz and 5.5 dB on 430 MHz, and the Diamond RH-770 with a BNC connector. CB radio enthusiasts can find the Anytone CB SMART II AM/FM transceptor and the Telecom LS145 mobile antenna, rated for 500W and 4 dB gain on 26-30 MHz. Proyecto 4 emphasizes its in-house technical service, inviting customers to visit their laboratory for repairs and technical consultations via sergio@proyecto4.com. The store also highlights customer reviews and offers promotions like Yaesu Cashback, providing savings up to 100€.

The **HFRadioSales.au** resource provides a commercial outlet for amateur and commercial radio operators seeking HF SSB equipment and related services. It focuses on the Australian market, offering new and refurbished transceivers, antennas, tuners, and a wide array of spare parts for brands like Codan, Barrett, and Qmac. The site details its role as a licensed dealer for new Barrett Communications and Codan radio and antenna systems, including specific models such as the Barrett 4050, 2050, and 950, and Codan Envoy and NGT series. This platform supports various applications, including vehicle, 4WD, outback, marine, and base station setups, catering to networks like HF Radio Club, VKS737, and RFDS. It also features commercial-grade antennas from Bushcomm, such as the BBA100C and SWC100, available for fast shipping from their Queensland warehouse. The site includes an FAQ section with general information on mobile HF communications in Australia and timelines for specific transceiver models.

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.

Amateur radio products including Tarheel Antennas and ginpoles

Amateur Radio Station owned by Matt Strelow. The station is designed for competition in the multi-operator multi-transmitter category of high-frequency DX contests. Running with 7 towers 6 rotators, 8 beverage listening antennas, and 4 spotting verticals

A 2m Moxon antenna project, designed for the 145 MHz amateur radio band, provides a compact, directional solution for VHF communications. This resource details the construction process, specifying materials like PVC pipe for the frame, copper wire for elements, and a SO-239 connector for the feedpoint. The design emphasizes ease of build for hams seeking a gain antenna with good front-to-back ratio for local ragchewing or contesting. The project outlines precise element lengths and spacing, crucial for achieving the desired impedance and radiation pattern. It includes a visual representation of the antenna's dimensions and assembly, allowing for straightforward replication. The Moxon's inherent characteristics offer a practical alternative to larger Yagi arrays, particularly for portable operations or restricted spaces, while still delivering effective directivity and gain.

The document provides a detailed guide on modifying an inverted-L antenna to include the 160 meters band. This enhancement allows amateur radio operators to utilize the lower frequency effectively, which is crucial for long-distance communication, especially during the night. The inverted-L design is popular due to its compact size and ease of installation, making it suitable for various environments. By adding top band capabilities, operators can engage in DXing and contesting on 160m, expanding their operational range and opportunities. The guide includes practical tips and considerations for construction, ensuring that the antenna maintains its performance across the extended frequency range. It discusses the necessary adjustments and materials required for the modification, along with potential challenges and solutions. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this project can enhance your station's capabilities, allowing for more versatile operations and improved signal quality on the 160m band.

Calculate EH Antenna, 20m 40 80m. Fotos, Original eh antenna building.

Choosing a vertical antenna. Buying guide to amateur radio HF vertical antennas by Bencher inc

Over 1,000 stations in approximately 60 countries were worked using this modified twin-lead folded dipole, demonstrating its effectiveness with just 4 watts on 20 meters. This design, adapted from an ARRL Handbook concept, eliminates the shorting strap found in traditional folded dipoles, simplifying construction while maintaining performance. It utilizes readily available 300-ohm TV antenna feeder ribbon, making it a cost-effective solution for radio amateurs. The antenna's robust construction allows it to handle up to 100 watts without issues, even without a **balun**. The inclusion of a variable trimmer capacitor at the stub provides flexibility for tuning across different frequencies within a band, a practical feature for operators using transceivers like the Icom 735. Formulas are provided to calculate the precise dimensions for any desired operating frequency, enabling customization for various **HF bands**.

Alan yates vk2zay's ham radio website, homebrew construction, general electronics, high voltage experiments, amateur rocketry, and general geek stuff

High End isopole VHF & UHF antennas for Amateur, Commercial and Military applications.

Notes on Axial-Mode Helical Antennas in Amateur Service. Helix Basics, Modeling Issues, and Short Helical Antennas Over Perfect Ground

The resource details the historical development of the Morgain antenna, tracing its origins to Virginia in the 1960s and its subsequent global adoption among radio amateurs. It describes the Morgain as a dual-band wire antenna known for its reduced footprint and modest gain characteristics. The content includes discussions on various homebrew projects and design variations available online, providing context for its continued relevance in amateur radio. The article presents a historical overview rather than specific construction plans, focusing on the antenna's evolution and general design principles. It highlights the antenna's enduring appeal due to its performance attributes and compact size, making it suitable for various operating environments.

This 40 meter Inverted V antenna was tested and tuned at a height of 35 feet and proved excellent results. The ends of the antenna are about 11 feet above the ground. Article and video available

If you are a ham and live in a modern urban or suburban development, putting up a highly visible antenna may make it difficult to stay friends with your neighbours.

This document details the design and construction of a Vinecom 6N4 dual-band Yagi antenna for the 50MHz (6-meter) and 70MHz (4-meter) amateur radio bands. The antenna features 9 total elements (4 elements for 50MHz, 5 elements for 70MHz) on a 4.236-meter aluminum boom. Computer simulations using MMANA software predict 7.21 dBd gain on both bands with front-to-back ratios of 16.01dB (6m) and 15.37dB (4m). The design uses 12.7mm diameter elements mounted on a 32mm square boom, weighing 5.7kg total. Practical measurements with an MFJ-269 analyzer confirmed good SWR performance across both bands after element length adjustments.

Specialists in shortwave radio, scanners, amateur radio, FRS (family radio), CB radio, antennas, accessories and publications since 1995.

Why twinlead isn't necessarily a low loss feed line.

Mobile antenna placement presents unique challenges for the amateur radio operator, often requiring compromises between RF performance and mechanical considerations. This resource from KV5R.COM offers practical insights into achieving effective installations, drawing on real-world experience with different vehicle types. It details how factors like ground plane availability, proximity to vehicle structures, and antenna type (e.g., **HF mobile**, **VHF/UHF mobile**) influence signal radiation patterns and overall system efficiency. The author discusses common scenarios, from sedans and SUVs to trucks and RVs, highlighting the impact of mounting locations such as the trunk lip, fender, or roof. Specific attention is given to minimizing RF interference and maximizing radiated power, crucial for reliable mobile communications. Understanding the interaction between the antenna and the vehicle's metallic body is key to a successful mobile setup, and this content provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions.

Dedicated to State-of-the-Art lightweight portable radio. Sotabeams produces and sells amateur radio products dedicated to ham radio portable operations. Antennas, supports and masts, filters, wires and more accessories for amateur radio.

A DIY project of a WiFi 10 elements Yagi antenna

Canadian dealer, specializes in supply and installation of free-standing towers for commercial and amateur radio use. We also supply ham transceivers, antennas, rotors and accessories.

The Folded Dipole is not used much amongst Radio amateurs, probably due to the fact that this antenna uses twice as much wire as a single-wire dipole.

RFAC Solutions specializes in providing a range of RF components, including various connector types, cable assemblies, attenuators, and filters. Their product line features common connector standards such as SMA, BNC, TNC, N-Type, MCX, and MMCX, essential for reliable RF signal paths in amateur radio and commercial applications. The company also offers high-power VHF amplifiers, catering to needs for signal boosting in specific frequency ranges. Their offerings extend to dust caps and adapters, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity and versatility of RF systems. The focus on supplying components from South Korea suggests a commitment to specific manufacturing standards and supply chain practices. This resource details a vendor's product scope, useful for hams sourcing specific parts for shack builds or antenna projects. Jeff is listed as a contact for inquiries.