This week, we’re looking at a few items that touch on improving reception, particularly on the lower bands, which often presents challenges for those of us with limited real estate. There’s a good piece comparing various low-band receive antennas, including the K9AY and Shared Apex Loop Array, offering some practical alternatives to the traditional Beverage. Speaking of which, we also have a detailed look at constructing a Beverage antenna using a simple wire on the ground—something that comes up often when trying to pull out weak signals. For 160 meters, there’s a compact counterpoise design for smaller lots, a clever solution for getting on the top band without needing acres of wire. And for the experimenters, a pocket-sized 20M QRP SSB transceiver project, along with a critical reminder on RF safety and antenna installation risks. Always worth revisiting those fundamentals.
This resource compares various low-band receive antennas, such as the K9AY loop and Shared Apex Loop Array. It helps hams with limited space understand their options beyond traditional Beverage antennas, discussing concepts like Relative Directivity Factor (RDF).
This article details building a Beverage antenna using a 60-meter wire on the ground. It provides practical information for amateur radio operators on setting up and optimizing this type of antenna for improved reception.
This article introduces the Folded Counterpoise (FCP), a compact 160-meter counterpoise designed for small lots. It offers a practical solution for hams operating on the 160-meter band with limited space.
This guide provides instructions for building a portable 160-meter receiving loop antenna. It details construction using coaxial cable and a wooden frame, benefiting hams looking for a compact receive solution for the top band.
This article describes the design and construction of a compact 20-meter QRP SSB transceiver. It's a project for experimenters interested in building a small, portable rig for field operations.
This page discusses potential risks and safety concerns associated with antenna installations. It emphasizes adherence to electrical codes and regulations, offering valuable insights for all amateur radio operators to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
