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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.

Wireless Society of Southern Maine Projects, instructions and photos for many ham radio projects and experiments, including antenna construction and modelling, kit building, station setup, restoration and more

This article provides details on building a 6 Meter J-Pole antenna using PVC pipe for an enclosure. This antenna uses flat 450 ohm Window Line for the tuning stub.

This type of antenna is a popular antenna design as the performance is very good across the HF bands and requires little or no tuning. It’s a dipole fed off center with a 4:1 balun at the offset feed point. The antenna shown covers 80, 40, 20 and 10 meters. The formula can also be used to adjust the overall length to cover more or fewer bands and the resulting overall length. 160-10m, 80-10m or 40-10 meters depending on your available space. Other bands will require a tuner.

The ARRL's End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) Antenna Kit is an easy-to-build four-band antenna designed for 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters. Ideal for portable operations, it includes a 49:1 impedance transformer for compatibility with most transceivers. This project, detailed with step-by-step assembly instructions, involves creating a weatherproof enclosure and impedance matching network. The kit simplifies HF operations and supports multiple configurations, making it a versatile tool for amateur radio opertors.

Demonstrates the activities and mission of ARMIC, the Association of Visually Impaired and Disabled Radio Amateurs of Catalonia, operating under the callsign EA3RKR. The organization focuses on making amateur radio accessible to all, particularly those with visual impairments, by providing resources and fostering a supportive community. It highlights their commitment to inclusive radio operation within the amateur radio service. ARMIC's initiatives include an accessible radio school, emphasizing practical construction projects and operational techniques tailored for members. The association actively promotes participation in various amateur radio activities, ensuring that visually impaired operators can engage fully with the hobby. Their work underscores the importance of adaptive technologies and methods to overcome physical barriers in radio communication. This resource reflects ARMIC's dedication to building an accessible radio environment, aligning with the broader goals of the Grupo Social ONCE, a Spanish organization supporting blind and visually impaired individuals.

This PDF document provides a detailed guide on designing an 80m loop antenna. The content covers the construction, setup, and tuning of the loop antenna, offering practical tips and considerations for optimal performance. Whether you are a beginner looking to enhance your radio communication capabilities or an experienced operator seeking to improve your antenna system, this resource serves as a valuable reference for building an effective 80m loop antenna.

Building A Full-Wave Quad Loop Antenna for 6 Meters. This is an easy antenna to build and the materials cost about $15-20. It exhibits 1.8dB gain over a 1/2-wave dipole. Using an open-wire parallel feedline (commonly called ladder line) with an antenna tuner, it tunes up on the 10m band as a 5/8-wave loop as well

This page details my building of a 100 Watt Power Amplifier for the 432 MHz Band based on two Motorola MRF646 transistors taking inspiration by Carlo Gnaccarini VK3PY, formerly VK3BRZ

The map display allows you to select by locator, or clicking on the map, where you want to calculate the probability of Sporadic-E by building a combination EPI, Es Probability Index, based on factors using many of the known parameters which can effect Es. T

Jeri Ellsworthhas started a video series devoted to building a magnetic loop antenna for the 160- and 80-meter bands. The first video, included after the break, is an overview of the rationale behind a magnetic loop

This article describes a multi-band antenna design for amateur radio enthusiasts by G3FEW. The antenna is designed to cover at least five HF bands with low SWR and without the need for an ATU. It is also designed to be easy to construct and adaptable for different locations. The antenna is a full-wave dipole with traps at the quarter-wave points. The traps are used to tune the antenna to different bands. The antenna can be fed with a 4:1 balun. The article includes instructions for building the antenna, as well as information on the theory behind its operation. The author also discusses the results of his tests with the antenna. This multi-band antenna is a well-designed and versatile antenna that can be used by amateur radio enthusiasts on a variety of bands. It is relatively easy to construct and can be adapted for different locations.

Illustrates the fundamental principles of radio repeaters, detailing their role in extending communication range beyond line-of-sight limitations. It begins by defining _simplex communication_ as a direct radio-to-radio link, effective only when no obstructions impede the signal path. The resource then introduces the concept of a repeater (or base station) strategically positioned on elevated terrain, such as a mountain, to overcome geographical barriers. The article clarifies the repeater's operational mechanism: it receives a signal on one frequency and simultaneously re-transmits it on a different frequency, enabling users on opposite sides of an obstruction to communicate. This _duplex operation_ is likened to satellite communication for VHF propagation, but with a fixed terrestrial station. Specific examples of signal paths are provided, showing how a handheld radio transmits up to the repeater, which then relays the message down to another user, effectively bypassing obstacles like hills or large buildings.

The Utah Amateur Radio Club (UARC), holding the callsign _W7SP_, provides a comprehensive resource for amateur radio operators, particularly within Utah. It details club activities such as Field Day, Winter Field Day, and annual social events like the Steak Fry and Christmas Dinner. The site also lists club resources including repeaters, _IRLP_ information, HF remotes, and a lending library. Information on becoming a ham, exam schedules, and a local repeater list are also available, catering to both new and experienced operators in the region. UARC hosts regular meetings on the second Thursday of each month, excluding July and August, at the University of Utah's Warnock Engineering Building, with presentations on topics like weather and _Skywarn_. The club publishes the monthly _Microvolt_ newsletter and maintains a YouTube channel for meeting playback. Additionally, UARC offers a Ham Hotline for questions and provides access to an "Elmer" list for mentorship, supporting the local amateur radio community.

TelExpress provides a wide array of RF and data connectivity products, including various coaxial cables like LMR-series equivalents, fiber optic cables, and Ethernet solutions. Their inventory supports diverse amateur radio and telecommunications requirements, from antenna feedlines to network infrastructure. The site emphasizes bulk cable availability and custom assembly services, catering to both individual hams and larger installations. Key offerings include _low-loss coax_ for HF and VHF/UHF applications, along with a comprehensive selection of RF connectors. They also supply patch panels, Ethernet cables (Cat5e/Cat6), and general wireless and telecom hardware. Customers can find components for building robust station infrastructure, ensuring signal integrity across various frequency bands. The platform facilitates procurement of essential parts for new builds or upgrades, supporting reliable RF system performance.

Building an 80-160 meter antenna in a small garden (9m x 14m) involves creative solutions due to space constraints. This project outlines the construction of a trapped 80-160 meter vertical dipole, utilizing a crank-up tower and an 11-meter fiberglass pole. The design prioritizes minimal visibility, ease of construction, and cost-effectiveness, achieving effective operation despite limited space.

A j-pole antenna plan with drawings and dimensions that can help you on building your own j-pole antenna for the six meters band

This article provides a step-by-step guide for assembling a Raspberry Pi-based Satellite Tracker Interface, designed to work with Green Heron Engineering's RT-21 controllers and MacDoppler software. The guide covers hardware assembly, SD card image installation, and system configuration for satellite tracking.

The Slim-Jim is a bit of a classic - building one is almost certainly a rite of passage and you will be glad that you did: It is easy to make, fairly easy to tune and rolls-up for transportation.

Receiving **GOES-16** and **GOES-17** weather satellite imagery requires a specific hardware and software configuration, detailed in this practical guide. The author outlines the necessary components, including a Raspberry Pi, an RTL-SDR dongle, a suitable LNA with SAW filter for 1.69 GHz, and a parabolic grid antenna. This setup enables direct reception of high-resolution weather data, a fascinating aspect of amateur radio satellite operations. The installation process begins with preparing the Raspberry Pi, followed by updating the system and installing essential dependencies like `git`, `build-essential`, and `cmake`. A critical step involves compiling and installing `librtlsdr` from source, ensuring proper driver setup and blacklisting conflicting DVB drivers. The guide then walks through testing the RTL-SDR dongle to confirm device recognition and troubleshoot common issues like USB power or driver installation problems. Finally, the instructions cover cloning and building `goestools`, a software suite essential for processing the satellite signals. This compilation, while time-consuming on a Raspberry Pi, is crucial for decoding the raw data into usable imagery. The guide concludes with the initial steps for creating the `goesrecv.conf` configuration file, preparing the system for active satellite reception.

This article provides details on building a 6 Meter J-Pole antenna using PVC pipe for an enclosure.

This article shares the author's experience with building antennas. After putting a large magnetic loop project on hold, they decided to try a base-loaded vertical antenna. The author explains how they chose to design a new antenna from scratch, aiming for a frequency of 7 MHz. They describe the calculations needed to find the right coil inductance and how they used 3D-printed parts for the construction. The article wraps up with results from their initial tests, showing good communication on different bands and highlighting the success of their design.

A project for a 5-over-5 stack on 10 meters

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.

This article documents the author's journey in building, modifying, and testing a DIY short vertical antenna for 40, 30, and 20 meters, with potential 80m capability. Initially inspired by Parks On The Air (POTA), the author explores pedestrian mobile operation and details various experiments to enhance antenna performance. The piece highlights challenges, SWR tuning, portability, and practical results, emphasizing a balance between efficiency and size. Ultimately, it showcases the adaptability of DIY antennas for portable ham radio applications.

This page describes an update to a project for a Power and SWR Meter for ham radio operators. The update includes a more powerful microcontroller, increased sampling rate, and improved display options. It explains how to use the new components and provides detailed instructions for building the updated meter. The page also offers alternative display options and includes the full source code for the firmware. Overall, this update enhances the functionality and performance of the Power and SWR Meter project, making it more versatile and user-friendly for hams looking to measure RF power and SWR in their radio setups.

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.

Building an automatic 8ch USB Relay switch using an existing Ameritron RCS-8V Remote Control Coax Switch and an externally mounted 5-way switch.

There are quite a few recipes for building a suitable transformer for an end fed half wave antenna (EFHW), but I was never sure I really understood the main principles. So, I wound a bunch of transformers, made measurements on them using my NanoVNA, learned how to get what I really wanted out of the VNA measurements, and in the process discovered how to build better transformers and be able to predict what they will do

This page by Keith Greiner describes a magnetic loop antenna project, providing step-by-step instructions to create two versions of a system with one large loop and one small loop. It includes details on how to construct the loops using different materials, along with the necessary equipment like antenna analyzers, tuners, and software. The page is divided into five sections covering project discussion, design summary, an improved small loop, construction steps, and radiation pattern analysis. Aimed at hams interested in building their own magnetic loop antennas, the page offers practical guidance and insights into impedance matching for improved performance.

The Squirrel Cannon article humorously recounts the author's struggle with troublesome squirrels and his creative efforts to deal with them. Frustrated by failed attempts using bamboo spears and slingshots, the author ultimately constructs a spud gun—originally intended for launching antennas into trees, but humorously rebranded by his wife as a "squirrel cannon." The article provides step-by-step instructions, a parts list, and a line drawing for building this practical spud gun, making it a useful tool for antenna enthusiasts while serving as an amusing anecdote.

The Shiawassee Amateur Radio Association (SARA), operating under the call sign W8QQQ, serves as a non-profit amateur radio organization in lower central Michigan's Shiawassee County. Its primary objectives include public service, emergency communications, and advancing amateur radio through education and technical excellence. The club maintains a weekly _Skywarn_ 2m net on the N8VDH repeater at 147.02 MHz (+.6 MHz, 100 Hz tone) every Monday at 7:00 PM, actively seeking more local hams to participate. SARA also facilitates VE testing, with upcoming sessions like the one scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 6:30 P.M., requiring pre-registration by April 20. SARA holds monthly meetings at the James P. Capitan Building in Corunna, typically on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM local time, excluding December's social event. They offer Zoom meeting options for members unable to attend in person. Annual dues are $15.00, with a reduced rate for new licensees, making it a very low-cost club. The organization actively seeks more EMCOMM assistance from all Shiawassee County hams, not just club members, to bolster their ARPSC (ARES/RACES) capabilities, noting that only about **10** out of **200+** county hams are currently active in ARES. They also maintain a Google Group, "W8QQQ," for electronic notifications and club communications.

Raspberry Pi Telemetry Station project by Burns Fisher, WB1FJ , Chris Thompson G0KLA/AC2CZ. A step by step guide on Building a Fox-In-A-Box The Easy Way, A Prebuilt SD Card Image or from scratch.

For this project, I decided to try my hand at building a Z-Match tuner from scratch. This type of tuner has been around for a while. While the Z-match can take on several variations, what distinguishes it from other circuits is that it is a resonant circuit that uses a fixed inductor.

The UniBalun is a PCB for building a lightweight antenna transformer (Balun) or impedance converter (UnUn) for low power radios. By soldering jumpers and a toroid core, you can create a 1:1, 1:4 Balun or 1:49, 1:9 UnUn. The latest revision (1.2) includes improved pads and supports both BNC and SMA connectors. Build instructions are available for German speakers.

Learn how to easily build a 10-meter vertical antenna, perfect for DX contacts on the amateur radio bands. This flowerpot or T2LT design is portable, efficient, and ideal for ham radio operators looking to improve their DX performance. With just a few basic tools and materials, you can construct this antenna for portable operations or as a home station setup. Discover how to set up the antenna, improve its performance by raising it higher, and start making contacts with stations around the world. Watch a step-by-step guide on YouTube for building and testing this DIY ham radio antenna.

The building blocks for Amateur Radio, one concept at a time, collected since 2011 in several podcasts episodes you can listen online.

A 3.5–24 MHz regenerative receiver for amateur bands was recently constructed, inspired by a 1934 design. The project was both challenging and rewarding, requiring precise tuning and high-quality components. The receiver successfully captured QSOs from across the globe, such as New Zealand communicating with Panama. The simplicity of the design and the satisfaction of building a functional, compact wooden box with handmade resonant circuits were highlights. This project demonstrates a meaningful way to reconnect with the roots of amateur radio.

This PDF document provides a comprehensive guide on building and using the Moxon Rectangle antenna design for hams. It covers the construction, setup, and tuning of this directional antenna, offering practical advice and tips for amateur radio operators looking to improve their signal reception and transmission capabilities. The guide includes diagrams, measurements, and step-by-step instructions to help hams successfully implement the Moxon Rectangle design for their radio communication needs.

When building antennas for the Wifi band (Like the 8dBi omni), a need for an easy way to check the antennas arose. A Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) meter useable at the 2.4GHz band is however, hard to find.

his article explores the construction of a PL519 tube amplifier, utilizing Ulrich L. Rohde N1UL's insights. Focusing on a modest 25W continuous output, the design ensures robustness with forced air cooling. The detailed breakdown covers input matching, screen grid voltage generation, bias adjustment, anode power supply, heater power supply, and monitoring circuitry, providing valuable guidance for ham radio enthusiasts.

Newsletter article detailing the step-by-step construction of a 2m Hentenna using copper pipes, including user experiences and performance evaluations

For low voltage applications, like cathode bypass capacitors, most vintage types have an axial configuration, which is less common today but still available. Electrolytic power supply caps likely constitute the single worst liability in old audio, radio and test equipment. Rap about Electrolytics, Reforming, Chassis-Mount Replacements, Under-Chassis Installation, Rebuilding Capacitors

This project focuses on testing and comparing various antennas for receiving ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) signals, utilizing software tools like RTL1090 and Virtual Radar with an RTL-SDR dongle. The goal is to evaluate the reception range ("ReceiverRange") and performance of different antenna types when tracking aircraft signals, particularly around the Amersfoort area. The project includes a comprehensive photo album documenting the antenna designs and setup processes, serving as a valuable resource for enthusiasts building ADS-B reception systems

A Magnetic Loop Controller project details the construction and operation of an automatic tuning system for magnetic loop antennas, which are resonant circuits using an oversized inductor and an adjustable capacitor. The system employs a stepper motor to precisely adjust the variable capacitor, maintaining optimal resonance across the HF bands. It integrates with various transceivers, including _Icom_, _Kenwood_, and _Yaesu_ models, by monitoring the VFO frequency and adjusting the loop's tuning accordingly. The project provides comprehensive building instructions, a PowerPoint-style presentation, and the full source code for the controller's firmware, enabling hams to replicate and customize the design. The controller's firmware offers diverse functionality, including automatic frequency tracking, manual tuning, and SWR monitoring, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency of magnetic loop antennas, particularly for QRP and portable operations. The design emphasizes accurate capacitor positioning, crucial for achieving low SWR and maximum radiated power. Comparisons with manual tuning methods highlight the benefits of real-time adjustment, especially when operating across different bands or making frequent QSYs. The project's detailed documentation and available source code facilitate experimentation and modification by advanced builders, allowing for tailored performance characteristics.

The document details the construction and performance of a rotatable flag antenna designed for a small lot. The 7x14 feet flag, built with fiberglass poles and an aluminum hub, shows improved reception compared to the author's previous transmit antenna. Key components include a conventional transformer for impedance matching and a variable resistance termination system to optimize performance. Despite challenges like nearby objects affecting signal patterns, the antenna consistently provides better signal-to-noise ratios, making it a valuable addition for low-band listening in suburban areas.

The article describes how to build a 12V emergency power supply for amateur radio stations. Starting with a basic jump-start system, the author upgraded it using a Group 27 deep-cycle battery and a 45W photovoltaic solar system, adding connectors and outputs for various devices. The system is portable, affordable (under $100), and capable of powering a station for 20 hours. The author emphasizes keeping batteries charged with a float charger and offers assistance to fellow club members interested in building their own power supply.

The Code Practice Oscillator kit, featured at TechFest 2020, provides a straightforward device for Morse Code skill development. It utilizes two 3V coin batteries for power and is designed for ease of construction, making it accessible for hams of various ages. The kit's primary technical substance revolves around generating an audible tone for practicing Morse Code timing and ear training, with a downloadable schematic detailing its electronic configuration. Construction of the oscillator involves soldering, with adult supervision recommended for younger builders. The kit's practical application lies in offering a hands-on method for beginners to learn Morse Code and for experienced operators to refine their sending abilities. Instructions for assembly are available as a downloadable PDF, complementing the schematic to guide users through the building process.

Controlling a rotator via computer can be costly, but a budget-friendly solution exists using an Arduino Nano and free software by Anthony K3NG. This setup allows for easy and enhanced rotator control, including screen and network management. Though initial software setup can be complex, pre-configured versions are available. Building and customizing the hardware interface is required, with comprehensive support provided by K3NG's resources.

This project details the construction of a compact, circularly polarized Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) designed for 146 MHz operation. The antenna features a 1/2λ1/2λ helical design with a 2.6:1 aspect ratio, providing 4.5 dB gain and a spheroid radiation pattern. It is ground plane independent and compatible with both vertical and horizontal polarizations, making it ideal for terrestrial and space communications. The design includes step-by-step instructions for building the antenna using readily available materials like aluminum rods, PVC pipes, and RG-58 coaxial cable. The antenna's performance has been validated through comparisons with commercial omnidirectional antennas, showing superior results.