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Ham radio VHF UHF antennas, aircraft, scanners, marine vhf antennas

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

RSGB article for beginners. How to build a dipole antenna, construction tips and correct setup of inverted-ve dipole antennas

Presents _Beam Quest_, the official Japanese distributor for _SteppIR_ antennas, detailing their product lineup and services. The site showcases various _SteppIR_ Yagi models, including the _Dream Beam_ series (DB42, DB36, DB18E, DB11) with configurations from two to four elements, alongside the _Big IR_ and _Small IR_ vertical antennas. It also lists accessories such as TX/RX and PC interfaces, essential for integrating these advanced antenna systems into a ham shack. Operators often seek out _SteppIR_ antennas for their dynamically adjustable element lengths, which allow for optimization across multiple bands, a significant advantage for DXing and contesting. This adaptability contrasts sharply with fixed-element Yagis, providing a distinct edge in varying band conditions. The resource provides contact information, including email and phone numbers, for inquiries and support regarding _SteppIR_ products within Japan, serving as a direct point of contact for sales and technical assistance.

NEC models are used to explore the GR5V and ZS8BKW optimizations. A third optimization is also rediscovered. The effect of fixed lengths of 75 ohm coax are explored. A link to the NEC model is provided.

A free Labview antenna calculator program. This interesting calculator for small loop antennas can be ran on most recent Windows versions using the Labview runtime.

An home made remote antenna tuner project that with a 6 meter random wire and two radials of about the same length, can tune from 40 to 10 meters without any issue.

This DIY vertical multi-band Windom antenna offers a practical and effective solution for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking a versatile and compact antenna for HF communications. Its simplicity of construction, multi-band capability, and favorable performance make it a valuable addition to any radio shack. The article provides detailed instructions on constructing the antenna and balun, along with diagrams and component specifications. Field tests demonstrated successful contacts with stations across Europe and North America on 14, 18, and 28 MHz. The antenna exhibited comparable performance to a W3DZZ dipole and outperformed a Cobweb antenna on 18 MHz. Low noise levels were observed, effectively suppressing background noise.

A home made portable vertical antenna, that with a single 1/4 wave counterpoise wire is possible to achieve less than 1.5:1 SWR on 40, 30, and 20 meter bands. It is basically a center load, shortened ground plain vertical antenna.

Article on 50 Mhz Yagi Antennas stacking by OH1ZAA/NN0Y

A 3.2m EME dish project that provides a better performance on 1296 MHz (10+dB sun noise vs. 6dB with my 432 array) and an even better performance on 2304 MHz

Online HB9CV antenna calculator, accept as input the desired resonating frequency and provides dimensions for spacing and length of each element, including boom and radiator diameter.

Antenna may be made practically from any wire (strand, solid) having a reasonable diameter 0.5 2.0 mm (24- 12 AWG). Antenna may be installed at any balcony of 3 to 6 meter length.

The antenna described in this article is for 50 MHz, but the design can be scaled for any band, including VHF, UHF, or even the higher HF bands. The antenna is nothing more than a square loop of wire, approximately 30" (or ~76cm) per side. The loop is fed in the middle of one side, and the opposite side to the feed point has a gap in it.

The calculator designs the Yagi-Uda antenna based on the DL6WU model with boom correction, following the G3SEK-DL6WU method. It optimizes the antenna for maximum gain and allows adjustment of passive elements without affecting SWR. DL6WU antennas are known for their high gain, minimal sensitivity to nearby objects, and stable performance in various weather conditions.

Accurate meteorological data is crucial for optimizing antenna performance, predicting propagation, and ensuring safe tower work. This resource provides a curated inventory of weather stations, including models like the _AcuRite Atlas_ with lightning detection and the _Ambient Weather WS-2902_ WiFi Smart Weather Station, which offer real-time data on environmental factors. The product listings detail specific features such as direct-to-Wi-Fi connectivity, rainfall tracking, and temperature insights, enabling informed decision-making for various amateur radio operations. The platform categorizes products by application, featuring weather stations tailored for home and backyard use, as well as more robust systems for farm and agriculture, which can be critical for field day operations or remote station monitoring. It also highlights _Made in USA_ options, emphasizing local manufacturing and support. Beyond weather instruments, the site also presents related surveillance technology, such as the _Waggle solar CCTV camera_, designed for outdoor reliability with an IP65 weatherproof rating. This integration allows for comprehensive monitoring of remote ham radio shacks or antenna sites, combining environmental data with visual oversight.

Sort of similar to the one of the 6m omni. Instead of using twin-lead, this design makes use of a more or less regular double bazooka antenna (coaxial dipole). Your attention shall be drawn to the available standart literature, such as Rothammel. In order to "compute" the dimension, Karl Rothammel mentioned that the total length of the dipole shall be 95% of the free-space wavelength. The short-circuit bridges (closing the folded dipole) are to be placed at a distance-fraction being equal to the velocity factor of the coax cable used, which will be 66% using RG-58 or RG174.

An home made antenna switch with a Dummy Load selector. If you forget the radio is connected to the open or grounded side of the switch and you try to transmit, it is very easy to damage the finals of your transceiver.

Showcasing innovative RF solutions, Hofi Hochfrequenztechnik manufactures high-quality _antennas_ and RF switches. Their products, including the **versatower** and **fritzel** brands, cater to both casual operators and serious DXers. With a commitment to performance, Hofi's offerings enable operators to achieve optimal signal gain and reliability in various conditions. The company's expertise in antenna design ensures that users can effectively communicate across _HF_ bands, enhancing their overall operating experience. Whether setting up a new station or upgrading existing equipment, Hofi provides essential tools for successful ham radio operations.

Founded in 1990, Nearson, Inc. has been providing our customers with exceptional value with the products and services we offer. VHF, UHF mobile radios, Cellular, PCS equipments as well as ISM band wireless data and WLAN applications.

When a broadcast antenna is to be placed on top of a building, there are special problems of feeding and grounding. The radiator is usually electrically short, that is, much less than one-quarter wavelength high.

You can shorten a vertical antenna by using a loading coil. This online calculator tells you how the amout of inductance your loading coil will need to have.

A loop antenna for 80 and 40 meters band, the main loop is based by a crossed line using aluminium strip lines. The main loop diameter is 150 cm.

The wire antenna described in this page provides much stronger signal strength while staying within the concept of a dummy load antenna.

A modified Hairpin antenna for a wider bandwidth an mounted on a grounded metalic mast

Measuring noise fiugre on the W2IMU horn and the dual-dipole-feed

This antenna is an off-center fed spiral dipole for 40 meters. The spiral dipole is very compact, making it well-suited for limited space (like an apartment patio), while the off-center feed gives the antenna some multiband capability.

Times Technologies Vector Impedance Analyzer Review

Designing and constructing a two-element receiving loop antenna array for HF operation involves specific considerations for achieving high directivity and noise reduction. This resource details a homebrew system comprising two 30-inch diamond-shaped loops, spaced 20 feet apart, which are fed through mast-mounted preamplifiers and passive signal combiners. The operational principle relies on adjusting phase delays between elements via precise _Belden 8241_ coaxial cable lengths, optimized for specific bands from 160m to 20m. Performance data, derived from _EZ-NEC_ modeling, illustrates consistent 90° azimuth-plane beamwidth and low take-off angles across the target bands, with _Receiving Directivity Factor_ (RDF) values comparable to a 300-foot Beverage antenna. The article presents detailed elevation and azimuth plots for 20m, 30m, 40m, 80m, and 160m, demonstrating the array's ability to provide strong response at low DX angles while also supporting _NVIS_ signals. Key components like the _DX Engineering RPA-1_ preamplifier and _DXE RSC-2_ signal combiner are discussed, alongside the importance of impedance matching to preserve antenna patterns. The construction emphasizes self-contained elements that do not require ground radials, offering a compact solution suitable for suburban environments and stealth installations, with a focus on optimizing receive performance independently from transmit antennas.

A home made magnetic loop for HF Bands. This small and compact loop is designed to support small power transmissions on HF bands, from 7 MHz to 21 MHz

The Magloop Antenna Calculator was developed to predict the characteritics of a small-loop (aka magloop) antenna, given physical dimensions entered via slider widgets. This magnetic loop antenna calculator works also on most mobile devices, adjusting sliders and calculating dimensions in real time.

An article describing basic concepts of antenna radiation, and in particular directional antennas like Yagi antennas or Quad antennas and how they determine the direction or signals.

Why build antennas out of copper and not aluminum or stainless steel. Selecting the best metals for antennas evaluating the conductivity factor.

Useful tips on building cobweb antennas. Since I've done so many posts on the Cobweb antennas I thought it best to separate them on a different page so that potential Cobweb builders can see all the posts together. Hopefully this will make planning and building easier.

A 70 cm yagi antenna design by YU7EF includes tables with antenna elements dimension and spacing. This UHF Yagi antenna plan provides a maximum gain of 17.93 db

Have you measured the SWR at the antenna?

Cubical Quad Antenna On-line Calculator helps on defining the size of each element and spreader. Simply give the resonating frequency and it will calculate size of each element.

A home made cobweb antenna project made with easy to find parts 2-14 AWG speaker cables which are cut to 1/2 wavelength for each band and junction box with 4:1 Balun

Over 100 distinct RF connector types are available from AIR802, including popular UHF series PL-259 plugs and SO-239 sockets, designed for a wide array of coaxial cable dimensions. The company specializes in producing connectors compatible with common amateur radio cables like RG-8, RG-213, and RG-58, ensuring reliable signal integrity for antenna systems and shack interconnections. Their product line extends to various coaxial cable types and pre-made antenna cable assemblies, offering ready-to-deploy solutions for hams. AIR802 also provides custom cable assemblies and pigtails, catering to specific installation requirements for transceivers, tuners, and amplifiers. These pre-fabricated options simplify station setup, reducing the need for field termination of connectors. Michael Bryant is the contact for inquiries regarding their range of RF components, which are essential for building robust and efficient amateur radio stations.

An experimental antenna for HF reception. It consists of a single loop element mounted on the ground. It is stealthy, small, and quiet. EZ-NEC plots and on-air test results are included.

Benefits of stacking two HF antennas vertically

_AT Auto_ is an automatic antenna tuner designed for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking efficient and reliable tuning solutions. This device automates the tuning process, allowing operators to focus on communication rather than manual adjustments. The tuner is compatible with a range of transceivers, enhancing its versatility in different shack setups. Its design incorporates advanced circuitry to ensure optimal performance across various bands. The _AT Auto_ tuner is particularly useful for those operating in HF bands, providing seamless transitions between frequencies. Its integration capabilities with other shack automation products make it a valuable component for modern amateur radio stations. The tuner supports multiple modes, including _SSB_ and _CW_, catering to diverse operating preferences. Its robust construction and user-friendly interface contribute to its appeal among both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby. Kessler Engineering's focus on innovation and quality is evident in the _AT Auto_'s design. The tuner is part of a broader product line that includes shack automation solutions, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing amateur radio operations. Despite the website redesign, the tuner remains a key offering in their product portfolio.

This is a standard calculation method that can help you while tuning dipole antennas, by adjusting wire lengths. This method can be used also when you need to add lenght to your wires, and can be additionally used to quarter waves vertical antennas

The OCFD Off-Center-Fed Dipole Antenna is an excellent multiband antenna that is relatively simple to construct, yet gets quite decent performance.

A fand dipole antenna home made for the 7,14,50 MHz. This article descbribes how to homebrew the antenna, hot to setup and some SWR measurements.

This Guide helps you to build the 1:2 BalUn 600 Watts DIY kit step by step. If a delta-loop or quad-loop antenna is powered with a coax cable from the transceiver it is necessary to use a 1:2 BalUn. This 1:2 BalUn uses a symmetrical 1:2 impedance transformer.

Constructing an End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna offers a practical solution for HF operators seeking a multiband wire antenna without the need for extensive radial systems. This design typically employs a high-impedance transformer at the feed point, matching the antenna's inherent high impedance to a 50-ohm coaxial feedline. The article specifically details a 2012 approach, focusing on a transformer with a 49:1 turns ratio, which is a common configuration for EFHW antennas. The resource outlines the construction of a wire element cut for a half-wavelength on the lowest desired band, with specific coil arrangements enabling operation on harmonically related bands such as 40m, 20m, and 10m. It discusses the physical dimensions and winding details for the matching transformer, often utilizing a ferrite toroid core to achieve the necessary impedance transformation. The content provides insights into the operational principles and practical considerations for deploying such an antenna, including methods for tuning and optimizing performance across multiple amateur radio bands. While acknowledging that the presented information from 2012 may be superseded by newer insights, it serves as a foundational reference for understanding EFHW antenna theory and construction.

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.

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

Modifying an MFJ-259B Antenna Analyzer to operate on 630 meters