In a previous post I wrote that I would be adding SSB and Data capabilities to my recently constructed plastic "ammo case" go-box for operations out in the Big Blue Sky Shack. Those modifications were completed much more quickly than I had anticipated. I am primarily a CW operator and have no immediate intention to … Continue reading Is a 20m Antenna also Resonant at 2.4GHz?
Category: Antennas
A DIY Antenna Launcher – for pennies
There are countless methods of launching a wire antenna into a tree that have been written about online. For example a PVC pipe air pressure machine. Sounds downright dangerous to me. Maybe they work just fine, but what if one of the joints isn't glued properly and the darned thing explodes in your face? Besides, … Continue reading A DIY Antenna Launcher – for pennies
How to Self-Spot Off-Grid for SOTA/POTA Using HF
FT8 - the Marmite Mode Over in the UK grocery stores sell a product called "Marmite". It is a dark, sticky, yeast-based product with a very strong flavor. Aussies have a similar product called "Vegemite". These products are either loved or hated; so when the adjective "Marmite" is attached to something it means people are … Continue reading How to Self-Spot Off-Grid for SOTA/POTA Using HF
Can Just 1 Radial Really Be Better than 8, or More?
If you follow the advice often repeated on Internet forums you will learn that to make a vertical antenna as efficient as possible you will need as many radials as possible. After all, the AM broadcasters can't be wrong - they use hundreds of radials at the base of their towers. That advice may be … Continue reading Can Just 1 Radial Really Be Better than 8, or More?
9:1, 4:1, 1:1 or None:None?
When using a Random Wire antenna (also known as an End-Fed Random Wire - EFRW), the impedance at the feed end of the wire is usually higher than 50 ohms. In order to maintain a good match with a transceiver some form of impedance transformation is required to minimize SWR losses in the antenna system. … Continue reading 9:1, 4:1, 1:1 or None:None?
A 200ft Wire Antenna Up Zero Feet – How Does it Perform?
One of my local stores was offering 100ft reels of 16ga insulated wire on sale for a good price. I have bought this wire before and was very pleased with its flexibility - an important factor for field portable use where the antenna is subjected to constant winding and unwinding. The wire extends 200ft across … Continue reading A 200ft Wire Antenna Up Zero Feet – How Does it Perform?
Ditch That Automatic Tuner!
I was on the brink of pulling the trigger on the purchase of a new automatic antenna tuner for my portable rig recently, when something unexpected happened that slammed the brakes on the acquisition. For a few weeks I have been operating my Yaesu FT-891 with an LDG Z-11 automatic antenna tuner, but there are … Continue reading Ditch That Automatic Tuner!
How Does a Ground Tuning Unit Work?
I have spent many hours in my reclining thinking chair, posting ideas on the back of my eyelids while contemplating this very question. How indeed does a Ground Tuning Unit (GTU, aka Artificial Ground) actually work? I have a fairly reasonable comprehension of the theory behind antenna tuners, but tuning an entire planet? Now that's … Continue reading How Does a Ground Tuning Unit Work?
The NVIS Illusion
I don't think there is any subject that is so misunderstood by hams as NVIS. I hope I can help by sharing some of what I have learned that may dispel some of the myths. NVIS is an abbreviation of Near Vertical Incidence Skywave. There is no such thing as a NVIS antenna. The term … Continue reading The NVIS Illusion
Simplest Way to Guy a Telescopic Fiberglass Antenna Pole
There are a lot of YouTube videos showing different ways to support a fiberglass antenna pole, none of which seemed to meet my needs which are fairly basic: rapid deployment, lightweight and uncomplicated. So I devised my own method that I hope you will find interesting. Some hams pound a long piece of angle iron … Continue reading Simplest Way to Guy a Telescopic Fiberglass Antenna Pole
Ham Radio Outside the Box 