This guy knows what he is talking about and doesn't blow wind for 2 hours to present 15 minutes of useful information like all the other videos and podcasts that I zone out during the first 5 minutes. This guy is cool and doesn't make us hams look like dorky idiots like everyone else...
Dave, If you have time for a question - Which is a better choice and how does the house impact the antenna. 1) Place antenna at 15-20 feet between trees. Kinda normal or 2) Place the antenna on the roof line of my house (40 feet). Say 6 inches above the roof a. How does the roof impact the antenna? b. Does this count as a height of 6 inches from the roof or is it 40 feet in the air? and is (or how much is) the signal degraded? Thanks!
Dave thanks so much this was extremely helpful. I am a newly minted Tech, KC3PZX but hope to go after my General soon. For the moment I am working strictly handheld on VHF/UHF so the antenna is not an issue but with a general I want to get into HF. I have two questions, I had been contemplating and attic antenna, but realized I may have a problem, we have solar on our roof, I am assuming the metal casing of the panels is going to negatively impact that. Since it is producing fairly high voltage DC I also wonder if that might also generate QRN, I have no idea how well shielded the cables are. Your second guest, Dick Schultz KD0ESN, was what I had been wondering about and that was a Dipole along the north side above the gutters or perhaps a V shaped making the turn at the corner if I try to go for a longer antenna. I have considered going with an automatic antenna tuner mounted essentially at the connection point to reduce the line loss. between the antenna and the shack. I do face a unique challenge as I am the HOA President so am mindful of those restrictions as I am often called to enforce them. Again thanks this has made me feel better about the chances of getting a good signal out and in.
"Spousal rejection" concerns almost everything I do in and around the house. I'm considering getting a license, but living in an apartment in the city with only a balcony to set up an antenna, I don't think I can realize something useful. I would have to be able to set it up and take it down after use. I thought of getting a small vertical antenna (HF-P1), but the radials are a problem. Does anyone have an idea? Btw, I'm really only interested in CW. Maybe there is a solution?
Hi Dave. The good old conundrum of antennas. Where do I fit them in ?. Well your video here just about covered that one. The Hams in the Housing Org areas certainly found ways to get some wire up without it showing . The house that I am living in now. I would have all on to put up a 20 meter full wave loop but I just might give it a try all around the front and rear garden and over the roof and back down to a nice tree in the rear garden. We shall just have to work on it. Wish I was still serving in the army. If we needed an antenna up it went up and as long as it was not going in the way of any choppers, it went as high as we could get it Thank you for another interesting video. 73 de John - G0WXU.
Very important topic which was not covered in this video: "RFI" (Radio Frequency Interference) that your transmitter is causing to surrounding neighbors. If your antennas are visible, fussy neighbors will always point at you as the culprit to any little problems that their electronic devices have, whether the problems are real or imaginary. If your antennas are not visible, any RFI you cause to neighbors will remain a mystery as to their source, as long as you do not let those neighbors know you are a Ham radio operator. Standard response from Hams in the old days (when neighbors had a sense of respect for radio and community) was for the Ham to help the neighbor eliminate his RFI problem by installing chokes and other filters for him on his electrical devices. In today's world of selfish entitled narcissists, it's probably better to never divulge your identity as a Ham radio operator. If there is talk in the neighborhood about strange electronic noises and interference to their TVs, stereos, computers and devices. it's best to agree with them and say that you too have the problem, and " you've heard that the city recently installed some new cell towers or communications link aimed through your neighborhood." I sound cynical, but I have gone through years of complaints from neighbors in many locations, and fought with homeowners' boards, and even been taken to court. I even resorted to raising my antennas only in darkness and operating at night, then taking down all the antennas before the sun came up. It still didn't help the RFI complaint problem. By the way, I won in court, however I lost the war with ignorant neighbors and the HOA who decided not only were my antennas violating the HOA rules, , but that I was ruining their TV, stereo and computer reception, and worst of all that I was beaming " harmful radiation" through their homes, that was endangering the health the very lives of their children. This all sounds ridiculous, to anyone reading this for the first time, but mine is only one of thousands of horror stories that Hams across the globe have had to deal with from angry, upset and self-righteous ignorant neighbors. We Hams envy those amateurs who have the luxury of owning several acres in the middle of nowhere, where they can erect towers and run full legal power. Unfortunately in today's digital age of I-Phones and social media, Hams are considered by many people to be " something akin to relics of a bygone era". Modern people have no antennas on their roofs, and are fed everything via cable. They use little radio gadgets like I-Phones, and laptops, and they are perfectly fine living in a landscape of unsightly cell phone towers, because those towers feed their compulsive lifestyle of cell phone addiction. But once the power goes out, and there is a natural disaster, and an emergency situation in the neighborhood, with no communications available for any of the neighbors or the general public....all of a sudden, those ugly antennas that they hated so much on the roof of that Ham radio operator living down the street, become not so ugly after all, knowing that he will volunteer to communicate with people during the emergency to help his neighbors. It's best to keep your ham radio involvement known to Hams, friends and family, but discretely hidden from your neighbors if you live in crowded situations or have to deal with an HOA. '73
Agree, your point is so valid. Nobody likes anyone enjoying life or a hobby these days. Couch potatoes are especially envious. I am particularly worried about my very large retirement apartment that I plan to move to in several years. Esp the radiation affecting health bit. Dont know if I will have to end up buying a very expensive commercial vertical or maybe I could try a cobweb !
Excellent video Dave! Where theory meets reality ... the place where most of us live! I am in a mobile home park and settled for an off center fed 20' vertical that allows me to get on 6 - 80 meters and does not have the need for radials. It looks like a flagpole. Thanks again for giving targeted material without rambling. 73, KF6IF
Dave: I've just discovered you on TH-cam and am really learning/enjoying your instructional videos. I am a huge fan of Vertical Antennas and thought I would throw this out to you. I own a Gap Challenger multiband Antenna. I mention this because, the Gap only uses three 25 foot long radials, and according to the folks at Gap, these radials are only required for use on the 40 meter Band. I live in an HOA environment and needed a stealthy antenna. My 32 foot tall Challenger is sandwiched between two large ficus trees and only about 5 feet away from a block wall. My antenna works 10 through 80 with the exception of one of the WARC Bands. I have worked on 100 watts, the south Pole from my Tampa QTH and Japan from my Phoenix, AZ qth, not to mention many European countries. I would love for you to mention the Gap Challenger or the Gap Titian in future Videos as a possible one size fits all multiband HF antenna. My justification for this is: These antennas are trapless, require no tuning, they work right out of the box! I can verify this as a proud Challenger owner, and my particular antenna was one of the prototype antennas, meaning one of the first 100 ever made and I paid only five dollars for it at a garage sale in Brandon, Fl; the find of the century! One other thing I should mention, the Gap Titian makes use of a raised counterpoise, however, you can eliminate this raised counterpoise by adding only two radials. If my memory serves right, one is around ten to twelve feet and the other is around 41 feet. This information was garnered directly from Gap Technical support. Yes, the antennas start in price @ $399, but they will last you 20 or more years. My antenna was perhaps around 20 years old when I had to replace the coax harness which lives inside the antenna, but spending $110 to overhaul my antenna to new performance was a small price to pay. Now that I live in Arizona, I suspect my coax harness will last much longer due to low humidity, my original harness had started to corrode. The Gap Challenger is a Vertical Dipole true multiband antenna which if assembled properly, will perform as advertised right out of the box. My SWR's on most bands are 1.3 to 1 or lower and this is across the entire portion of each band except 80 meters of course. Like any other 80 meter Vertical, you will see around 100 to 150 kc's of acceptable bandwidth. With Gap, you chose which portion of the 80 meter band you want to operate on by selecting the value of a capacitor which is inserted into the coax harness. By the way . . . the exact explanation of just how this antenna works is a carefully guarded secret, perhaps Dave you can elaborate ;) These antennas have something like 35 to 45 feet of folded coax living inside them, so I believe this coax is used as a portion of the vertical dipole on some or perhaps all the bands. Again, the folks at Gap tell me that on the Challenger model, the three radials are only used on the 40 meter band. So again, I just thought I would throw this out there Dave, I have no vested interest in Gap Antennas, but am a satisfied customer and user for over 15 years, you would be hard-pressed to find a better multiband solution for those who are HOA bound. Many thanks for all you are doing to promote our wonderful hobby and 73, de KM2U Michael ;)
An extremely well planned, executed and produced video. Great background of the material for newbies and excellent explanations. One can only guess how much time goes into putting all of this information together. Especially interviews with other operators at other locations.
Thanks Dave for this & all your videos. I'm getting back into the hobby after a 25-year hiatus, and your videos make the task a good deal less daunting. 73s de KA1RSA
Modelling software is good for ballpark calcs but nearby objects etc will have an effect. Also depends on how well the software works? Nothing will be better than actually doing a field strength plot. The G5RV must be good as it is still around and loved immensely!!! Twas my first antenna ….. and I want to build another!!! Great videos….. cheers VK2AOE
ZS5MK Martin lives in a high building complex 13 levels up, he uses a fishing pole out the window with a compromised antenna, and he works long path USA every afternoon when the bigger USA stations are on, he works what he can (amazing). Fun to listen to him get excited as he works a new one! hf is fun.
What's your impression of say a 24" flag poll antenna. They seem quite pricey and require no radials. Would be perfect where I live in an HOA environment...KQ1K
Search for space restricted HF antenna, found inverted v, 1/4 wave verticals, full wave loops, moxons, etc, etc for "small" houses with yard. My version of restricted space: balcony made of well grounded steel/aluminum with 1.5m tall / 4m wide opening
Hi Dave good morning. My lot is very small. I live in a mobile home. Am using an end fed dipole, 9:1 balun. As a sloppier dipole. When I run the insulator end up to a tree, ( can only go up about 20 feet). Will height make a difference? I’m not getting in any strong stations.
I just moved from a non-restrictive neighborhood, to an active adult community with HOA restrictions. They are forced to accept flagpoles and I know you can hide a vertical in one, but that's more work and expense than I want to deal with at the moment. My 20ft vertical was atop a 50 ft tower before, and while SWR was GREAT on ALL bands, it's effectiveness at receiving wasn't near as good as a long wire I had winding around in trees. I am thinking an (several) attic antenna would be my best option for now. I can put in a dipole ok I am sure. I have 10 foot ceilings and the vertical is 20 feet. The bedroom where my Ham Shack is located, is closer to the edge of the house than the roof peak. Is it possible to put the vertical at an angle from the closet floor on up into the attic peak and run it "less than vertical" at an angle? Issues? Also, I loved my G5RV I had a few years back, and since you can let wires dangle at the end, is there a limit on how much can dangle?
Hello! In a octagonal antenna which the diameter is 60” the loop suppose to be 1/5 come to be 12” .. but this loop of 12” look small compare of the loop that I see on the internet. Could you comment please. GxdeC
Hlo Dave i heard about the Isotron BILAL Antenna that have a large inductor in the middle with sheet meyal flanged as the main ant structure but with no ant Legs or any radiating members, how does this work and i view this as a radiating TANK circuit since i see no rods or wires just simple capacitive and inductive physical parts please give feed back TNX de n6mmq
Hey my xyl says I can put up a mast when we have our new garage built, because of the distance from the shack it means I can put up up to 135 ft end fed. A dipole won't fit. I can also produce a good ground.
Thanks for the info. I’m interested in ham radio. I do not have a radio and not licensed yet but I’m studying antenna options for my end unit townhouse here in Louisiana. This has given me a few ideas for my challenges.
Great video. I enjoyed hearing your Montrose neighbors speak. My aunt and uncle have lived in Montrose for 60 years on Spruce Street. Dave N7NRE- Prescott Valley, Az.
Hi Dave! What could I do if I want to install a HF antena but recently notice that my neighbour put also a HF antena? Is there anything that I can do to protect my radio from their transmitions?
What are you thoughts on using what is called a ridge vent for an antenna? These are starting to be use in place of the traditional roof vents in house where practical. I live in a split-level rectangle with a simple roof which uses one of these ridge vents to ventilate my attic. I am considering this over a gutter antenna.
I had one of the g 5 rvs it got hit with lightning . it knocked the latter line. off the g 5 rv I was lucky i had my radios were unhooked. it wiped out my drake receiver and it fried a free play radio setting there. it went to the front room and i had just got a new smart t.v. it missed that and went on to destroy the mate computer.
Hi Dave, I continue to be blessed with your excellent videos. As a new Technician Class operator, I have a lot to learn and your explanations are clear and concise. Great help! Thanks! - Jack in Durango
I live on the bottom floor of an apartment building, and my lease simply does not allow me to erect an antenna _at all._ If I wanted to get on the air on HF, I would have to do it in the field.
@@davecasler That's sort of what I'm angling toward now, although I'm not sure if the city I live in would allow such ad hoc installations in its municipal parks, although I would be very careful not to leave a trace after taking everything down at the end of my operation. 73 VE7NDE
Scubasky There are lots and lots of antenna possibilities. I didn't cover Yagis or any multi-band antennas. Magnetic loops can make great antennas but I think they're a more advanced topic. Some are available commercially. They're usually very high Q and rather finicky to tune. In general, they're quite a bit smaller than wire antennas.
First of all, great video. Keep going. Now let's see, vertical antennas are not efficient. Coil loaded antennas are even worse. Short verticals are terrible. I am using a Falcon Outback 2000 mobile vertical multiband antenna mounted to the gutter of my flat. Cost about $30 second hand. Somehow i am in an ideal situaltion because, check my log on eQSL or QRZ, I work the world with it on 6-20m, specially 10-15m works great. No amps here, i would burn the antenna if i blew more than 150W into it. Below 20m it gets complicated making contacts, but as you said, better a bad antenna than no antenna. Check my antenna setup on www.qrz.com/db/ea3hoe
hi dave, my names Nem (call sign:) VA6MHZ and lives here in Edmonton AB, Canada. im new to HF. I just discovered your video and learned a lot. MY problem is the same with Dick. I have a very limited lot space for my antenna. I am actually inspired to push myself to find a way how to set up my antenna ( 10 - 80 m) when i saw KD0ESZ video. I would like to ask dick if he can somehow show more details (picture of video maybe) as to how exactly he set up his 40 m dipole. would greatly help me picture out how i would do mine. Thank you and more power to you guys.
I think Dick Schultz - KD0ESZ @ 19:24 who has a dipole 8 inches from his rain gutter has reinvented the NVIS antenna which works just swell on 200 mile or so paths.
I had a similar issue with a dipole element being too close to other metal. One hunting trip I was staying in a school bus and had one leg hanging slack running along-side the windows. I got it tuned and went outside to make the legs taut. After that my tune was way off. I slackened the legs back up and my tune came back. Turned out when I tightened the legs one of them ran right next to the metal body of the bus. When it hung slack next to the windows it had enough distance from the body that it didnt effect my tune. Fun lesson to learn!
This is great. I'm a new ham and this has been invaluable. Fortunately my wife and I bought a house that's not in an HOA but my lot is pretty compact and space is limited. I could eventually do a chimney-mounted mast but am also considering loops and the Buddipole which are portable just to get started.
Hey there. Good videos you do. I've learned a lot. I only have an AM CB but I am starting to tinker with getting a Ham license and a 10 meter radio. My question is about power lines. I have power lines in the ally behind my house. There are 2 lines coming to my house and garage. Both above ground. How much interference (static ect.) can I expect? I also live in Co. Old Aurora/Stapleton. Greetings, thanks.
I got my start in single sideband CB radios back in the mid 70's. I used to modify SSB radios to go above channel 40 and below channel 1 by reprogramming the PLL chip with +5 volts (high) and 0 volts (low) and unlock the clarifier with 8 volts on one side of the pot and the other side to ground. Now the only Ham radio I have is the Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band, 2 meter radio I got for passing my Technician exam. I'd like to hook up an Astatic D-104 mic to my HT but cannot find a schematic on it since it isn't made anymore. While waiting on my call sign I constructed a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna I made out of a piece of romex house wire I cut apart. Only way to check my SWR is to use my old CB radio SWR meter which I found out could be used on VHF if you hook it up right. First you set the meter in the forward position and then unhook it and hook it up backwards leaving it in the forward position. Then key the transmitter and it will give a very close SWR reading for the VHF band. Don't think it will work the same for UHF. I got the ground plane up in the air about 20 feet by using my old CB radio antenna mast pole. Using the old RG-58U CB radio coax on my 2 meter HT and the cable in the front door. So far wife's been tolerating the cable coming in through a crack in the door but we'll see when it starts getting colder.
Dave, I used a G5-RV Antenna up about 20’ at our old residence and I found that I could operate Everything EXCEPT 160meters. I’m going to run some 14g wire (From or friends at DX Engineering) to run from a Palm Tree up around 200’, running to a tree in my Backyard! IF everything goes to “Plan” I HOPE to be able to run ALL of the Amateur Bands! I’ll let you know how things work out, hopefully sometime Very Soon! Thanks for ALL of your presentations! I only Wish “Someone” would have done what You’re doing 25 years ago, when I got my Ticket! -73- Bill N6FFC
I will be taking the test for my General license the middle of next month -- Oct. 19, 2020. Am saving for a 15 foot piece of 1 inch PVC pipe to get the antenna in the air a little higher. Thinking of trying some 75 ohm TV coax for the 4 element yagi as I have a lot of 75 ohm coax. For HF I guess I'll be sticking to the 11 meter (CB) band since I've got several CB single sideband radios and will be using one (with a reprogrammed PLL chip) for 10 meters.
Dave, thanks for the great video and excellent briefing. Due to very bad HOA restrictions, I use a Ciro Mazzoni Stealth antenna in my attic. Not a cheap option, but covers from 6.6 - 29.8 MHz and works quite well, especially considering the poor propagation we are all having to endure these days. I am looking forward to our next and final move when hopefully I can move this or another HF antenna outside.
Hello Dave just got my first real radio (starter) . It's a radioddity Qb 25 pro quad. Today I'm climbing a row of trees about twenty feet from my room. Can I leave the insulation on the wire and zip the the wire to the branches? Taking a 100 foot extension cord and usi the green and or black wire for up in the trees. For camouflage purposes. Lol will I need more than one set of wires to stay at all efficient? Thanks again. Is there a formula I can use for this? (Length vs frequency? Ps zip ties will be only for holding in place loose enough for windage. Thanks.
Are you planning to transmit? You'll need to be running coax to a proper, tuned antenna. Note that one of the transmit bands on this radio is not a US ham band.
David Casler yes the 300 mhz of band. I'm hoping to take the test on the 18th. I would like to go for both tech and general. Seems that the general is more suited to the two years in electronics tech classes, I'm studying hArd. Is my father was a senior design engineer, still remember much of what he taught me long ago. He was a ham . Really like the SDR's especially. Because I'm disabled and on an extremely limited budget. Joined the local Saratoga county radio club here in New york. My first visit is the one where I take my test. Glad to hear you're feeling better. I now have a Sr 94hpc stryker 10/11meter. And the quad. Bought a astron rs-20amp supply. Came with a Vega IP-223. With the tech manual and wires. Hope it's enough to get started. The quad requires a laptop with Windows 7 or 10. Should that computer be ok for the SDR-RTL system? I know your very busy so answer when convenient. I wish my dad was still around buy hopefully I can find an Elmer in this club I'm joined. We all appreciate your videos, but your health is more important go me as well as the rest of your followers. Thanks again for all your help. Have a great day . Thanks Dave for all I've learned from you. .. Robert Lackey .
Hi Dave, Have watched your videos for a few years , and they have helped me to study & pass the Big Exam with Honors, thanks so much for that help. Would it be possible for you to help us with metal roof structures with advice on setting up Dipole antennas? I am trying to make an antenna layout plan, and have got some ideas for NVIS 80 meters separately from a 20/40 meter in the yard ,of course the shed & the house have metal roofs & that poses some challenge. Some advice on avoiding coupling would be really appreciated. The situations that a lot of folks have overcome are with shingled or tar roofs, They have great ideas, what is some ways to get above the problem same as they but with metal roofs. Any advice please, would be appreciated. & many thanks for your videos, which were most instrumental in helping me to understand the concepts to get an Honors pass, haven't got a grade like that in over 40 years or more. Good thing there was no exam Q on metal roofs Thanks, Mike 73 VE9MWB
I love your videos. I am restricted by an HOA. Could I use a quad loop antenna that is affixed to the eaves of my house ? That would put the loop approximately 25 feet off the ground.
I like the way this guy presents his videos. He obviously knows the biz, however, he makes his presentations in terms easy for a beginner to understand. I'm thankful to have come upon his videos and have subscribed. I'm new to ham and have recently installed my HF system. I bought and put up a multi-band OCF dipole but have not made any contacts yet. Therefore, I am digging in to learn what I can about antennas so I can determine what my problem(s) are, and if in fact, I do have a problem. It may very well turn out propagation conditions just aren't right. In any case, I shall allow Dave to instruct me and guide me through this process so that I can get on the waves. Thanks, Dave.
What a great help you've given to folks mentioning Mastrant rope. It is significantly cheaper than Phillystran and much easier to work with. I am not affiliated with the company but I consider it a superior product. Mastrant is mostly polyester. -Don KW4UP
Dave, I use a vertical of 7 meters (21 feet) with a Kenwood KAT-1 tuner and it works very well 3 meters (10 feet) off the ground. You get some brilliant tuners in the market.
I’m in a even tougher situation then most small lot power lines it’s a mess . I have narrowed my search to two different antennas and would love your opinion First is a cobra ultralight jr (73 foot ) or the dxtreme by ultimax 53 ft version the cobra is more of a ladder line fed dipole and the dxtreme is an end fed Any way any help would be greatly appreciated 73
Excellent video for new Hams or those challenged with HOA restrictions such as I am. Thanks for covering these various antenna options. I can only dream of ever having a 1/2 wave 80m dipole antenna so, I make due with a garage attic mounted 37ft. OCF Dipole for 6m-40m configured in a sideways "L" shape. I also use a 7ft., 40m or 80m MFJ Ham-tenna, mag mounted on my van roof in my driveway. None of these antennas are extremely effective, but at least I am on the air with mostly stealth antennas and therefore no HOA violations. Working POTA is my best opportunity to string up a long end-fed for better results. As mentioned, "Don't give up!" Experiment until you find something that works!
I have built a Mast-mounted single band vertical antenna with just one radial the same length as the vertical element. This unit does rest on a substantial metal platform. I seem to be getting acceptable performance. What limitations can I expect?
My Chameleon Mag Loop has allowed me to work Japan, Costa Rica, Russia, Spain, Puerto Rico, Canada and other countries with just 20 watts from Wash State! The loop sits on my semi enclosed patio, 2 feet off the ground. That solved my HOA restrictions and I can move it inside when I'm done. 73/KG7VCL....
+TheMojo1963 Sounds like you have a great solution for your problem. I wouldn't normally suggest a magnetic loop for a new ham because they can be difficult to tune and have a very narrow passband, but magnet antennas certainly do work! And, as you point out, they don't need to be high in the air. 73, Dave
I live in a small apartment (downstairs) where no outside antennas are allowed. I want to get back into ham radio. What kind of antenna would you suggest?
Hi, one suggestion is a end fed antenna on a telescoping fiberglass mast, it ca be brought down so the HOA does not see it during the day...or the nosy neighbors LOL.
Dave, thank-you for your very informative video on antennas. I am recently getting back into amateur radio after a 25 year hiatus. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. 73 - VO1VC
Dave ... am a new guy. Technician and General passed in 4 weeks. Have an ICOM IC-7100, an LDG Electronics IT-100 tuner, and a MFJ-226 graphic antenna analyzer. Live on in a rural place with room. Could easily go out one end of my house at about 15 feet with a dipole in a V shape. 60+ feet for each side would not be a problem. Question: how to use such an antenna for 40, 20, and 10 meter as well as 80 meter? In addition, how about lightning suppression? Can I use a MFJ-272 Lightning Surge Protector to good effect. If not, please recommend a good one! Thank you! Mike KE8GIR
Take a look at off-center-fed dipoles, available from several manufacturers or you can make it yourself. They're popular right now and with a wide-range tuner can cover all bands. Good luck with your on-the-air experience! 73
Due to HOA and XYL restrictions, all my HF antennas (4) are in the attic...a rectangular, tuned wire loop for 80m (8ft H x 23ft L, #14 THHN wire- I use a Z-match network to tune/match that one), a linear-loaded 40m dipole (45ft. long- no loading inductors), a tuned "magnetic" loop for 20 - 15m, and an 8ft. tall, 20m vertical dipole that's center-fed and end-loaded with 16 ft. horizontal wires at top and bottom. All of the antenna are homebrewed and they work very well for me. I've worked DX all over W. and E. Europe, W. Asia, S. Pacific, Australia, and more. All the feedlines are RG58/U that come to a mechanical coax switch (an old B&W) mounted upside down on a bracket, immediately above a hall closet. The extended shaft from the switch comes down through a hall closet ceiling to a knob, just behind the wall above the door. The closet door is about 7 feet from the shack. The common feedline from the switch comes down inside of the closet front corner and through the floor, and then up through the floor in the shack. Common mode chokes are installed at each antenna feedpoint and are made from Fair-Rite brand #31 and #43 mix ferrite cores (Mouser Electronics). I wouldn't dream of buying a commercial HF antenna for my attic location.
Hello Dave awesome job , I bought a Hustler 5-BTV almost 10 months ago and for some weird reason cant get this antenna to work on 10 mtrs , I took this antenna down 4 times and reassemble it and still cant get a good SWR , I am looking at a Kenwood AT-230 or the MFJ-926B what is the best choice thanks
+danny blackhorse Hi Danny, I wish I had a simple answer. To start with, given that the 5-BTV is a trapped vertical, the only section that is supposed to radiate on ten meters is the bottom section. Perhaps the antenna is located so that the bottom section is down inside the fence or something like that? Also, if the bottom trap (the 10-meter trap) is failed closed, the antenna will work on the other bands, but to your ten meter signal, it looks like a 15-meter antenna. I haven't used a trapped vertical in many years, so can't make many suggestions, other than to consult your local ham club to see if someone can take a look at that trap. Note that the traps are not interchangeable. Now, here's the radical other suggestion: given the current sunspot cycle, not much is happening on ten meters. I've been pretty much just on 20 meters during the day and early evening, and 40 meters at night. So set ten meters aside for the time being, and enjoy 20 and 40 for awhile! My current vertical antenna simply won't tune on 15, 12, and 10. I have a plan to fix that, but all things considered would rather spend my time operating. Regarding purchasing an antenna tuner, if you really want to get on ten, you may want to put together a simple ten-meter dipole and use that--it'll be less expensive than a tuner. A ten meter dipole is only ~5 meters (15 feet-ish) long and can be put up most anywhere. I'm just thinking you might want to hold off on the tuner for awhile if you're getting good results on 80, 40, and 20. Hope that helps and doesn't muddy the waters too much. 73, Dave, KEØOG
Great video again, Dave! For home use, I've got an Inverted-V that is 20' up at the apex and is anchored to my privacy fence on both sides of my yard at a height of 6'. I used 4 army surplus aluminum camo net poles and have a wireless weather station at the top. Away from home I use a 6 - 40m end-fed that I can raise 28' into the aid by means of a telescoping fiberglass windsock pole or also with a painter's pole. With the two of these I've worked contacts as far west (from Fort Worth) as Japan, as far east as Rostov, Russia and south to Chile. Necessity is certainly the mother of invention! 73 from KF5RHI
Hey, Dave, thanks for the great videos. I don't suppose you've ever done, or plan to do a video on antennas for the LF / MF range for WSPR? I'm intrigued and interested to try these frequencies, but I've heard / read that setting up an antenna for 0.136 and 0.472 can be really challenging.
Thanks for great 👍 interviews of other ham solutions. Question #1 on your 80 meter loop. Given earlier comments on connection at a side versus a corner for different polarization, (horizontal versus vertical), does one versus the other improve your coverage or does your height limit either to similar NVIS Mileage range distance? Q2. Would you recommend one connection over the other for a loop antenna or is it really just what is convenient? Q3 I have an OCF for multi band. Woukd you rate as equal to, more, or less desirable than a loop for 10-40 meters, given similar height? Thanks for your work and sharing. Steve
I took down the 80m loop a couple years ago. I fed it at a corner. A horizontal loop can have strange radiation patterns, especially on higher frequencies. Connect wherever's convenient, usually at a corner. If you can get that OCFD well up into the air, it'll perform on par with the loop.
Thank you Dave. Your video inspired me to try an antenna in a very difficult location. I am in an apartment on the 9th floor. (one minor plus). Our building manager had a very bad experience with a CB'er who's antenna fell off his balcony and damaged the superintendents vehicle. Hence a very negative view of hams or CB'ers. We can't even put up an external UHF antenna. But your video inspired me to try some in door solutions. As it happens my window in the spare room is just big enough that I can put a Diamond x-50 in on about a 45 degree angle. Being on the 9th floor it preforms very well. But I wanted to get on HF. So I strung a wire antenna with white hook up were long the top of the ceiling. I cut it as suggested for a wire antenna strung between two polls, but found that inside attached to the wall the antenna need to be cut shorter.In fact I removed about 15" from each end. This make my antenna quite small and with the white on white almost, invisible. I have used a program called psk reported to see how well it is preforming. To my surprise I have being heard quite well. I have only to track down and eliminate a very strong noise source (turned out to be a power brick for my laptop.) Now evey wne the band is not so good I can work stations using JT-65 HF. You are right , were there's a will there's a way. Best RegardsDave - VE3HTB
+Dave Borland Thanks for sharing your experience. As you have discovered, the most important ingredient in a good antenna is persistence. 73, Dave, KEØOG
This guy knows what he is talking about and doesn't blow wind for 2 hours to present 15 minutes of useful information like all the other videos and podcasts that I zone out during the first 5 minutes. This guy is cool and doesn't make us hams look like dorky idiots like everyone else...
Dave, If you have time for a question - Which is a better choice and how does the house impact the antenna.
1) Place antenna at 15-20 feet between trees.
Kinda normal
or
2) Place the antenna on the roof line of my house (40 feet). Say 6 inches above the roof
a. How does the roof impact the antenna?
b. Does this count as a height of 6 inches from the roof or is it 40 feet in the air?
and is (or how much is) the signal degraded?
Thanks!
Dave thanks so much this was extremely helpful. I am a newly minted Tech, KC3PZX but hope to go after my General soon. For the moment I am working strictly handheld on VHF/UHF so the antenna is not an issue but with a general I want to get into HF. I have two questions, I had been contemplating and attic antenna, but realized I may have a problem, we have solar on our roof, I am assuming the metal casing of the panels is going to negatively impact that. Since it is producing fairly high voltage DC I also wonder if that might also generate QRN, I have no idea how well shielded the cables are. Your second guest, Dick Schultz KD0ESN, was what I had been wondering about and that was a Dipole along the north side above the gutters or perhaps a V shaped making the turn at the corner if I try to go for a longer antenna. I have considered going with an automatic antenna tuner mounted essentially at the connection point to reduce the line loss. between the antenna and the shack. I do face a unique challenge as I am the HOA President so am mindful of those restrictions as I am often called to enforce them. Again thanks this has made me feel better about the chances of getting a good signal out and in.
"Spousal rejection" concerns almost everything I do in and around the house. I'm considering getting a license, but living in an apartment in the city with only a balcony to set up an antenna, I don't think I can realize something useful. I would have to be able to set it up and take it down after use. I thought of getting a small vertical antenna (HF-P1), but the radials are a problem. Does anyone have an idea? Btw, I'm really only interested in CW. Maybe there is a solution?
Spousal objections and HOA covenants hahaha I died
Hi Dave. The good old conundrum of antennas. Where do I fit them in ?. Well your video here just about covered that one. The Hams in the Housing Org areas certainly found ways to get some wire up without it showing . The house that I am living in now. I would have all on to put up a 20 meter full wave loop but I just might give it a try all around the front and rear garden and over the roof and back down to a nice tree in the rear garden. We shall just have to work on it. Wish I was still serving in the army. If we needed an antenna up it went up and as long as it was not going in the way of any choppers, it went as high as we could get it Thank you for another interesting video. 73 de John - G0WXU.
Very important topic which was not covered in this video: "RFI" (Radio Frequency Interference) that your transmitter is causing to surrounding neighbors. If your antennas are visible, fussy neighbors will always point at you as the culprit to any little problems that their electronic devices have, whether the problems are real or imaginary. If your antennas are not visible, any RFI you cause to neighbors will remain a mystery as to their source, as long as you do not let those neighbors know you are a Ham radio operator. Standard response
from Hams in the old days (when neighbors had a sense of respect for radio and community) was for the Ham to help the neighbor eliminate his RFI problem by installing chokes and other filters for him on his electrical devices.
In today's world of selfish entitled narcissists, it's probably better to never divulge your identity as a Ham radio operator. If there is talk in the neighborhood about strange electronic noises and interference to their TVs, stereos, computers and devices. it's best to agree with them and say that you too have the problem, and " you've heard that the city recently installed some new cell towers or communications link aimed through your neighborhood."
I sound cynical, but I have gone through years of complaints from neighbors in many locations, and fought with homeowners' boards, and even been taken to court. I even resorted to raising my antennas only in darkness and operating at night, then taking down all the antennas before the sun came up. It still didn't help the RFI complaint problem.
By the way, I won in court, however I lost the war with ignorant neighbors and the HOA who decided not only were my antennas violating the HOA rules, , but that I was ruining their TV, stereo and computer reception, and worst of all that I was beaming " harmful radiation" through their homes, that was endangering the health the very lives of their children.
This all sounds ridiculous, to anyone reading this for the first time, but mine is only one of thousands of horror stories that Hams across the globe have had to deal with from angry, upset and self-righteous ignorant neighbors. We Hams envy those amateurs who have the luxury of owning several acres in the middle of nowhere, where they can erect towers and run full legal power.
Unfortunately in today's digital age of I-Phones and social media, Hams are considered by many people to be " something akin to relics of a bygone era". Modern people have no antennas on their roofs, and are fed everything via cable. They use little radio gadgets like I-Phones, and laptops, and they are perfectly fine living in a landscape of unsightly cell phone towers, because those towers feed their compulsive lifestyle of cell phone addiction.
But once the power goes out, and there is a natural disaster, and an emergency situation in the neighborhood, with no communications available for any of the neighbors or the general public....all of a sudden, those ugly antennas that they hated so much on the roof of that Ham radio operator living down the street, become not so ugly after all, knowing that he will volunteer to communicate with people during the emergency to help his neighbors. It's best to keep your ham radio involvement known to Hams, friends and family, but discretely hidden from your neighbors if you live in crowded situations or have to deal with an HOA. '73
Agree, your point is so valid. Nobody likes anyone enjoying life or a hobby these days. Couch potatoes are especially envious. I am particularly worried about my very large retirement apartment that I plan to move to in several years. Esp the radiation affecting health bit. Dont know if I will have to end up buying a very expensive commercial vertical or maybe I could try a cobweb !
This is why I'm into magnetic loops so much. :-)
I have a Magnetic Loop on the wall next to me. 15 to 40 @ 40 watts KG7IRJ Ohio Extra.
Excellent video Dave! Where theory meets reality ... the place where most of us live! I am in a mobile home park and settled for an off center fed 20' vertical that allows me to get on 6 - 80 meters and does not have the need for radials. It looks like a flagpole.
Thanks again for giving targeted material without rambling.
73, KF6IF
Spot on for my needs (_today's_ needs), Dave. That's a great presentation.
Dave: I've just discovered you on TH-cam and am really learning/enjoying your instructional videos. I am a huge fan of Vertical Antennas and thought I would throw this out to you. I own a Gap Challenger multiband Antenna. I mention this because, the Gap only uses three 25 foot long radials, and according to the folks at Gap, these radials are only required for use on the 40 meter Band. I live in an HOA environment and needed a stealthy antenna. My 32 foot tall Challenger is sandwiched between two large ficus trees and only about 5 feet away from a block wall. My antenna works 10 through 80 with the exception of one of the WARC Bands. I have worked on 100 watts, the south Pole from my Tampa QTH and Japan from my Phoenix, AZ qth, not to mention many European countries. I would love for you to mention the Gap Challenger or the Gap Titian in future Videos as a possible one size fits all multiband HF antenna. My justification for this is: These antennas are trapless, require no tuning, they work right out of the box! I can verify this as a proud Challenger owner, and my particular antenna was one of the prototype antennas, meaning one of the first 100 ever made and I paid only five dollars for it at a garage sale in Brandon, Fl; the find of the century! One other thing I should mention, the Gap Titian makes use of a raised counterpoise, however, you can eliminate this raised counterpoise by adding only two radials. If my memory serves right, one is around ten to twelve feet and the other is around 41 feet. This information was garnered directly from Gap Technical support. Yes, the antennas start in price @ $399, but they will last you 20 or more years. My antenna was perhaps around 20 years old when I had to replace the coax harness which lives inside the antenna, but spending $110 to overhaul my antenna to new performance was a small price to pay. Now that I live in Arizona, I suspect my coax harness will last much longer due to low humidity, my original harness had started to corrode. The Gap Challenger is a Vertical Dipole true multiband antenna which if assembled properly, will perform as advertised right out of the box. My SWR's on most bands are 1.3 to 1 or lower and this is across the entire portion of each band except 80 meters of course. Like any other 80 meter Vertical, you will see around 100 to 150 kc's of acceptable bandwidth. With Gap, you chose which portion of the 80 meter band you want to operate on by selecting the value of a capacitor which is inserted into the coax harness. By the way . . . the exact explanation of just how this antenna works is a carefully guarded secret, perhaps Dave you can elaborate ;) These antennas have something like 35 to 45 feet of folded coax living inside them, so I believe this coax is used as a portion of the vertical dipole on some or perhaps all the bands. Again, the folks at Gap tell me that on the Challenger model, the three radials are only used on the 40 meter band. So again, I just thought I would throw this out there Dave, I have no vested interest in Gap Antennas, but am a satisfied customer and user for over 15 years, you would be hard-pressed to find a better multiband solution for those who are HOA bound. Many thanks for all you are doing to promote our wonderful hobby and 73, de KM2U Michael ;)
Hi
Excellent video about antennas and HF Bands!!!
The cost of the chain link fence top rail has gone up considerably no thanks to the Biden economy.
Nonono, its russia, trump and manbearpig's fault!
An extremely well planned, executed and produced video. Great background of the material for newbies and excellent explanations. One can only guess how much time goes into putting all of this information together. Especially interviews with other operators at other locations.
The best TH-cam Ham channel. To the point and no beating around the Bush or personal inflection. I really enjoy the technical bit.
Great video, but I got dizzy watching Dave wave his arms on every single spoken syllable.
Yeah, I film while sitting down now. Really helps control the flapping arms.
ya but he'll never get off the ground
Dave, you are absolutely spectacular, Sir! Thanks for all you do and share! kc - K9SPY
+kc koellein Thank you!
Thanks Dave for this & all your videos. I'm getting back into the hobby after a 25-year hiatus, and your videos make the task a good deal less daunting. 73s de KA1RSA
Incredibly informative. What a wonderful teacher. Thanks so much, Dave.
Modelling software is good for ballpark calcs but nearby objects etc will have an effect. Also depends on how well the software works? Nothing will be better than actually doing a field strength plot. The G5RV must be good as it is still around and loved immensely!!! Twas my first antenna ….. and I want to build another!!! Great videos….. cheers VK2AOE
ZS5MK Martin lives in a high building complex 13 levels up, he uses a fishing pole out the window with a compromised antenna, and he works long path USA every afternoon when the bigger USA stations are on, he works what he can (amazing). Fun to listen to him get excited as he works a new one! hf is fun.
What's your impression of say a 24" flag poll antenna. They seem quite pricey and require no radials. Would be perfect where I live in an HOA environment...KQ1K
Search for space restricted HF antenna, found inverted v, 1/4 wave verticals, full wave loops, moxons, etc, etc for "small" houses with yard.
My version of restricted space: balcony made of well grounded steel/aluminum with 1.5m tall / 4m wide opening
Hi Dave good morning. My lot is very small. I live in a mobile home. Am using an end fed dipole, 9:1 balun. As a sloppier dipole. When I run the insulator end up to a tree, ( can only go up about 20 feet). Will height make a difference? I’m not getting in any strong stations.
I just moved from a non-restrictive neighborhood, to an active adult community with HOA restrictions. They are forced to accept flagpoles and I know you can hide a vertical in one, but that's more work and expense than I want to deal with at the moment. My 20ft vertical was atop a 50 ft tower before, and while SWR was GREAT on ALL bands, it's effectiveness at receiving wasn't near as good as a long wire I had winding around in trees. I am thinking an (several) attic antenna would be my best option for now. I can put in a dipole ok I am sure. I have 10 foot ceilings and the vertical is 20 feet. The bedroom where my Ham Shack is located, is closer to the edge of the house than the roof peak. Is it possible to put the vertical at an angle from the closet floor on up into the attic peak and run it "less than vertical" at an angle? Issues? Also, I loved my G5RV I had a few years back, and since you can let wires dangle at the end, is there a limit on how much can dangle?
Hello! In a octagonal antenna which the diameter is 60” the loop suppose to be 1/5 come to be 12” .. but this loop of 12” look small compare of the loop that I see on the internet. Could you comment please.
GxdeC
Hlo Dave i heard about the Isotron BILAL Antenna that have a large inductor in the middle with sheet meyal flanged as the main ant structure but with no ant Legs or any radiating members, how does this work and i view this as a radiating TANK circuit since i see no rods or wires just simple capacitive and inductive physical parts please give feed back TNX de n6mmq
Hey my xyl says I can put up a mast when we have our new garage built, because of the distance from the shack it means I can put up up to 135 ft end fed. A dipole won't fit. I can also produce a good ground.
So what's the best all band indoor antenna .just string up copper wire or indoor dipole or loop? Recieve only not transmitting
Any ideas. Thanks
Thanks for the info. I’m interested in ham radio. I do not have a radio and not licensed yet but I’m studying antenna options for my end unit townhouse here in Louisiana. This has given me a few ideas for my challenges.
Dave: Please:- in all the antenna Formulaes but where is the formulae forn getting the correct antenna height ????
One of the best Ham TH-cam videos ever
Great video. I enjoyed hearing your Montrose neighbors speak. My aunt and uncle have lived in Montrose for 60 years on Spruce Street.
Dave N7NRE- Prescott Valley, Az.
Hi Dave! What could I do if I want to install a HF antena but recently notice that my neighbour put also a HF antena? Is there anything that I can do to protect my radio from their transmitions?
Nice video Dave - picked up where the other antenna video left off. Thankyou.
What are you thoughts on using what is called a ridge vent for an antenna? These are starting to be use in place of the traditional roof vents in house where practical. I live in a split-level rectangle with a simple roof which uses one of these ridge vents to ventilate my attic. I am considering this over a gutter antenna.
I had one of the g 5 rvs it got hit with lightning . it knocked the latter line. off the g 5 rv I was lucky i had my radios were unhooked. it wiped out my drake receiver and it fried a free play radio setting there. it went to the front room and i had just got a new smart t.v. it missed that and went on to destroy the mate computer.
are there any good performing vertical polarization antennas local cb] , with low angle radiation for a hoa situation
Hi Dave, I continue to be blessed with your excellent videos. As a new Technician Class operator, I have a lot to learn and your explanations are clear and concise. Great help! Thanks! - Jack in Durango
For the very beginner, he doesn't define many terms he uses. Could be confusing.
I live on the bottom floor of an apartment building, and my lease simply does not allow me to erect an antenna _at all._ If I wanted to get on the air on HF, I would have to do it in the field.
An additional thought is that sometimes folks in your situation will put an HF mobile station in their vehicle, and then operate from a local park.
@@davecasler That's sort of what I'm angling toward now, although I'm not sure if the city I live in would allow such ad hoc installations in its municipal parks, although I would be very careful not to leave a trace after taking everything down at the end of my operation.
73 VE7NDE
Great video, the only thing you could have said was a few things about magnetic loops.
Scubasky There are lots and lots of antenna possibilities. I didn't cover Yagis or any multi-band antennas. Magnetic loops can make great antennas but I think they're a more advanced topic. Some are available commercially. They're usually very high Q and rather finicky to tune. In general, they're quite a bit smaller than wire antennas.
How many watts of power are being used on these types of compromised antennas?
These videos are great info. Thank you KE0OG.
absolutely awesome video, hams on youtube are the coolest.
First of all, great video. Keep going. Now let's see, vertical antennas are not efficient. Coil loaded antennas are even worse. Short verticals are terrible. I am using a Falcon Outback 2000 mobile vertical multiband antenna mounted to the gutter of my flat. Cost about $30 second hand. Somehow i am in an ideal situaltion because, check my log on eQSL or QRZ, I work the world with it on 6-20m, specially 10-15m works great. No amps here, i would burn the antenna if i blew more than 150W into it. Below 20m it gets complicated making contacts, but as you said, better a bad antenna than no antenna. Check my antenna setup on www.qrz.com/db/ea3hoe
Ton Machielsen Ton, you are proof positive that compromise antennas work! 73, Dave
I think antennas are one of the most fascinating parts of ham radio!
Wow. This is a great video. Extremely helpful. Thanks.
hi dave,
my names Nem (call sign:) VA6MHZ and lives here in Edmonton AB, Canada. im new to HF. I just discovered your video and learned a lot. MY problem is the same with Dick. I have a very limited lot space for my antenna. I am actually inspired to push myself to find a way how to set up my antenna ( 10 - 80 m) when i saw KD0ESZ video. I would like to ask dick if he can somehow show more details (picture of video maybe) as to how exactly he set up his 40 m dipole. would greatly help me picture out how i would do mine. Thank you and more power to you guys.
Dick has his 40m antenna in his attic.
Thanks Dave. Love the positivity..
Outstanding video
W4SEX
I think Dick Schultz - KD0ESZ @ 19:24 who has a dipole 8 inches from his rain gutter has reinvented the NVIS antenna which works just swell on 200 mile or so paths.
I had a similar issue with a dipole element being too close to other metal. One hunting trip I was staying in a school bus and had one leg hanging slack running along-side the windows. I got it tuned and went outside to make the legs taut. After that my tune was way off. I slackened the legs back up and my tune came back. Turned out when I tightened the legs one of them ran right next to the metal body of the bus. When it hung slack next to the windows it had enough distance from the body that it didnt effect my tune. Fun lesson to learn!
This is great. I'm a new ham and this has been invaluable. Fortunately my wife and I bought a house that's not in an HOA but my lot is pretty compact and space is limited. I could eventually do a chimney-mounted mast but am also considering loops and the Buddipole which are portable just to get started.
Hey there. Good videos you do. I've learned a lot. I only have an AM CB but I am starting to tinker with getting a Ham license and a 10 meter radio. My question is about power lines. I have power lines in the ally behind my house. There are 2 lines coming to my house and garage. Both above ground. How much interference (static ect.) can I expect? I also live in Co. Old Aurora/Stapleton. Greetings, thanks.
Can the smaller sized 2"-3' sized satellite dishes be useful in any way to amateur radio?
Yes, at microwave frequencies. Look at 902 MHz and above.
I got my start in single sideband CB radios back in the mid 70's. I used to modify SSB radios to go above channel 40 and below channel 1 by reprogramming the PLL chip with +5 volts (high) and 0 volts (low) and unlock the clarifier with 8 volts on one side of the pot and the other side to ground. Now the only Ham radio I have is the Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band, 2 meter radio I got for passing my Technician exam. I'd like to hook up an Astatic D-104 mic to my HT but cannot find a schematic on it since it isn't made anymore. While waiting on my call sign I constructed a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna I made out of a piece of romex house wire I cut apart. Only way to check my SWR is to use my old CB radio SWR meter which I found out could be used on VHF if you hook it up right. First you set the meter in the forward position and then unhook it and hook it up backwards leaving it in the forward position. Then key the transmitter and it will give a very close SWR reading for the VHF band. Don't think it will work the same for UHF. I got the ground plane up in the air about 20 feet by using my old CB radio antenna mast pole. Using the old RG-58U CB radio coax on my 2 meter HT and the cable in the front door. So far wife's been tolerating the cable coming in through a crack in the door but we'll see when it starts getting colder.
Dave,
I used a G5-RV Antenna up about 20’ at our old residence and I found that I could operate Everything EXCEPT 160meters.
I’m going to run some 14g wire (From or friends at DX Engineering) to run from a Palm Tree up around 200’, running to a tree in my Backyard!
IF everything goes to “Plan” I HOPE to be able to run ALL of the Amateur Bands!
I’ll let you know how things work out, hopefully sometime Very Soon!
Thanks for ALL of your presentations! I only Wish “Someone” would have done what You’re doing 25 years ago, when I got my Ticket!
-73-
Bill
N6FFC
I have a concrete home (roof also concrete), can a dipole wire be ran in contact with the roof or there needs to be a separeation?
Your roof and walls are full of re bar which makes the act like ground. You'll need to get your antenna's radiation elements up off the roof.
I will be taking the test for my General license the middle of next month -- Oct. 19, 2020. Am saving for a 15 foot piece of 1 inch PVC pipe to get the antenna in the air a little higher. Thinking of trying some 75 ohm TV coax for the 4 element yagi as I have a lot of 75 ohm coax. For HF I guess I'll be sticking to the 11 meter (CB) band since I've got several CB single sideband radios and will be using one (with a reprogrammed PLL chip) for 10 meters.
Dave, thanks for the great video and excellent briefing. Due to very bad HOA restrictions, I use a Ciro Mazzoni Stealth antenna in my attic. Not a cheap option, but covers from 6.6 - 29.8 MHz and works quite well, especially considering the poor propagation we are all having to endure these days. I am looking forward to our next and final move when hopefully I can move this or another HF antenna outside.
Hello Dave just got my first real radio (starter) . It's a radioddity Qb 25 pro quad. Today I'm climbing a row of trees about twenty feet from my room. Can I leave the insulation on the wire and zip the the wire to the branches? Taking a 100 foot extension cord and usi the green and or black wire for up in the trees. For camouflage purposes. Lol will I need more than one set of wires to stay at all efficient? Thanks again. Is there a formula I can use for this? (Length vs frequency? Ps zip ties will be only for holding in place loose enough for windage. Thanks.
Are you planning to transmit? You'll need to be running coax to a proper, tuned antenna. Note that one of the transmit bands on this radio is not a US ham band.
David Casler yes the 300 mhz of band. I'm hoping to take the test on the 18th. I would like to go for both tech and general. Seems that the general is more suited to the two years in electronics tech classes, I'm studying hArd. Is my father was a senior design engineer, still remember much of what he taught me long ago. He was a ham . Really like the SDR's especially. Because I'm disabled and on an extremely limited budget. Joined the local Saratoga county radio club here in New york. My first visit is the one where I take my test. Glad to hear you're feeling better. I now have a Sr 94hpc stryker 10/11meter. And the quad. Bought a astron rs-20amp supply. Came with a Vega IP-223. With the tech manual and wires. Hope it's enough to get started. The quad requires a laptop with Windows 7 or 10. Should that computer be ok for the SDR-RTL system? I know your very busy so answer when convenient. I wish my dad was still around buy hopefully I can find an Elmer in this club I'm joined. We all appreciate your videos, but your health is more important go me as well as the rest of your followers. Thanks again for all your help. Have a great day . Thanks Dave for all I've learned from you. .. Robert Lackey .
Hi Dave,
Have watched your videos for a few years , and they have helped me to study & pass the Big Exam with Honors, thanks so much for that help. Would it be possible for you to help us with metal roof structures with advice on setting up Dipole antennas? I am trying to make an antenna layout plan, and have got some ideas for NVIS 80 meters separately from a 20/40 meter in the yard ,of course the shed & the house have metal roofs & that poses some challenge.
Some advice on avoiding coupling would be really appreciated. The situations that a lot of folks have overcome are with shingled or tar roofs, They have great ideas, what is some ways to get above the problem same as they but with metal roofs. Any advice please, would be appreciated.
& many thanks for your videos,
which were most instrumental in helping me to understand the concepts to get an Honors pass, haven't got a grade like that in over 40 years or more.
Good thing there was no exam Q on metal roofs
Thanks, Mike 73 VE9MWB
I love your videos. I am restricted by an HOA. Could I use a quad loop antenna that is affixed to the eaves of my house ? That would put the loop approximately 25 feet off the ground.
I know a ham who does just that. You'll need a wide-range tuner.
@@davecasler Thank you.
I like the way this guy presents his videos. He obviously knows the biz, however, he makes his presentations in terms easy for a beginner to understand. I'm thankful to have come upon his videos and have subscribed. I'm new to ham and have recently installed my HF system. I bought and put up a multi-band OCF dipole but have not made any contacts yet. Therefore, I am digging in to learn what I can about antennas so I can determine what my problem(s) are, and if in fact, I do have a problem. It may very well turn out propagation conditions just aren't right. In any case, I shall allow Dave to instruct me and guide me through this process so that I can get on the waves. Thanks, Dave.
What a great help you've given to folks mentioning Mastrant rope. It is significantly cheaper than Phillystran and much easier to work with. I am not affiliated with the company but I consider it a superior product. Mastrant is mostly polyester. -Don KW4UP
Dave have you checked out the mfj1622 yet? Just blew up my Stryker and power supply!Any suggested power supply?
HOA's in Colorado cant tell you no any more.
True, and that is great progress, but it isn't a case of putting anything up without permission. There are caveats.
Dave, I use a vertical of 7 meters (21 feet) with a Kenwood KAT-1 tuner and it works very well 3 meters (10 feet) off the ground. You get some brilliant tuners in the market.
As a new ham trying to understand basic antenna design of all types, this was helpful. Thank you! -KI5LYX in Texas.
Ol lady, hoa, same same xD
This video has done so much to encourage the continuing search for antenna solutions on my own somewhat small townhouse property. Thanks DE N2NLQ
I’m in a even tougher situation then most small lot power lines it’s a mess . I have narrowed my search to two different antennas and would love your opinion First is a cobra ultralight jr (73 foot ) or the dxtreme by ultimax 53 ft version the cobra is more of a ladder line fed dipole and the dxtreme is an end fed Any way any help would be greatly appreciated 73
Fixed my dads long wire wind took it down, 87 he was well chuffed. Had lot over the years, there's alway an antenna for any space big or small.
Excellent video for new Hams or those challenged with HOA restrictions such as I am. Thanks for covering these various antenna options. I can only dream of ever having a 1/2 wave 80m dipole antenna so, I make due with a garage attic mounted 37ft. OCF Dipole for 6m-40m configured in a sideways "L" shape. I also use a 7ft., 40m or 80m MFJ Ham-tenna, mag mounted on my van roof in my driveway. None of these antennas are extremely effective, but at least I am on the air with mostly stealth antennas and therefore no HOA violations. Working POTA is my best opportunity to string up a long end-fed for better results. As mentioned, "Don't give up!" Experiment until you find something that works!
hallo dave je uitleg is fantastisch,ben fan geworden.greatings from holland europa
DAVE question i have a dipole antenn
as for 2m and 70 cms can i connect them together and still get 2m and 70 cms rx
I have built a Mast-mounted single band vertical antenna with just one radial the same length as the vertical element. This unit does rest on a substantial metal platform. I seem to be getting acceptable performance. What limitations can I expect?
My Chameleon Mag Loop has allowed me to work Japan, Costa Rica, Russia, Spain, Puerto Rico, Canada and other countries with just 20 watts from Wash State! The loop sits on my semi enclosed patio, 2 feet off the ground. That solved my HOA restrictions and I can move it inside when I'm done. 73/KG7VCL....
+TheMojo1963 Sounds like you have a great solution for your problem. I wouldn't normally suggest a magnetic loop for a new ham because they can be difficult to tune and have a very narrow passband, but magnet antennas certainly do work! And, as you point out, they don't need to be high in the air. 73, Dave
I live in a small apartment (downstairs) where no outside antennas are
allowed. I want to get back into ham radio. What kind of antenna would
you suggest?
Hi, one suggestion is a end fed antenna on a telescoping fiberglass mast, it ca be brought down so the HOA does not see it during the day...or the nosy neighbors LOL.
THANKS DAVE
,Thanks to you i held on to my vintage MFJ wire tuner 160-10-ST BOB AF2DX
information like this is invaluable when you are first starting out.
THANK YOU
Great video. What would you suggest for someone who can't have any permanent antenna setup?
A lot of useful information here. Thanks. Glen N0QFT
All that was achieved when I Earthed my mast was ruining my plot for VSWR. From close to 1:1 to about 1.5:1.
That's still not too bad.
Excellent video Dave. Appreciate you and 73.
Joe Lalumia W1XWX
i would need a video of how to install a flag pole antenna step by step if possible what material is best steel /aluminum/ or pvc pipe?
Can radio frequencies cause structures to vibrate?
Generally not.
great video.thank you for taking the time.VA6ERO 73,s
I love Molas and the Durango Silverton area. Plan to move there sooner than later. At least for summers.
Dave, thank-you for your very informative video on antennas. I am recently getting back into amateur radio after a 25 year hiatus. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. 73 - VO1VC
Dave ... am a new guy. Technician and General passed in 4 weeks. Have an ICOM IC-7100, an LDG Electronics IT-100 tuner, and a MFJ-226 graphic antenna analyzer. Live on in a rural place with room. Could easily go out one end of my house at about 15 feet with a dipole in a V shape. 60+ feet for each side would not be a problem. Question: how to use such an antenna for 40, 20, and 10 meter as well as 80 meter? In addition, how about lightning suppression? Can I use a MFJ-272 Lightning Surge Protector to good effect. If not, please recommend a good one! Thank you! Mike KE8GIR
Take a look at off-center-fed dipoles, available from several manufacturers or you can make it yourself. They're popular right now and with a wide-range tuner can cover all bands. Good luck with your on-the-air experience! 73
Due to HOA and XYL restrictions, all my HF antennas (4) are in the attic...a rectangular, tuned wire loop for 80m (8ft H x 23ft L, #14 THHN wire- I use a Z-match network to tune/match that one), a linear-loaded 40m dipole (45ft. long- no loading inductors), a tuned "magnetic" loop for 20 - 15m, and an 8ft. tall, 20m vertical dipole that's center-fed and end-loaded with 16 ft. horizontal wires at top and bottom. All of the antenna are homebrewed and they work very well for me. I've worked DX all over W. and E. Europe, W. Asia, S. Pacific, Australia, and more. All the feedlines are RG58/U that come to a mechanical coax switch (an old B&W) mounted upside down on a bracket, immediately above a hall closet. The extended shaft from the switch comes down through a hall closet ceiling to a knob, just behind the wall above the door. The closet door is about 7 feet from the shack. The common feedline from the switch comes down inside of the closet front corner and through the floor, and then up through the floor in the shack. Common mode chokes are installed at each antenna feedpoint and are made from Fair-Rite brand #31 and #43 mix ferrite cores (Mouser Electronics). I wouldn't dream of buying a commercial HF antenna for my attic location.
You've got a great setup there!
Nice pad
Very informative. I think I'll try an inverted dipole next.
Hello Dave awesome job , I bought a Hustler 5-BTV almost 10 months ago and for some weird reason cant get this antenna to work on 10 mtrs , I took this antenna down 4 times and reassemble it and still cant get a good SWR , I am looking at a Kenwood AT-230 or the MFJ-926B what is the best choice thanks
+danny blackhorse Hi Danny, I wish I had a simple answer. To start with, given that the 5-BTV is a trapped vertical, the only section that is supposed to radiate on ten meters is the bottom section. Perhaps the antenna is located so that the bottom section is down inside the fence or something like that? Also, if the bottom trap (the 10-meter trap) is failed closed, the antenna will work on the other bands, but to your ten meter signal, it looks like a 15-meter antenna. I haven't used a trapped vertical in many years, so can't make many suggestions, other than to consult your local ham club to see if someone can take a look at that trap. Note that the traps are not interchangeable. Now, here's the radical other suggestion: given the current sunspot cycle, not much is happening on ten meters. I've been pretty much just on 20 meters during the day and early evening, and 40 meters at night. So set ten meters aside for the time being, and enjoy 20 and 40 for awhile! My current vertical antenna simply won't tune on 15, 12, and 10. I have a plan to fix that, but all things considered would rather spend my time operating. Regarding purchasing an antenna tuner, if you really want to get on ten, you may want to put together a simple ten-meter dipole and use that--it'll be less expensive than a tuner. A ten meter dipole is only ~5 meters (15 feet-ish) long and can be put up most anywhere. I'm just thinking you might want to hold off on the tuner for awhile if you're getting good results on 80, 40, and 20. Hope that helps and doesn't muddy the waters too much. 73, Dave, KEØOG
Great video again, Dave! For home use, I've got an Inverted-V that is 20' up at the apex and is anchored to my privacy fence on both sides of my yard at a height of 6'. I used 4 army surplus aluminum camo net poles and have a wireless weather station at the top. Away from home I use a 6 - 40m end-fed that I can raise 28' into the aid by means of a telescoping fiberglass windsock pole or also with a painter's pole. With the two of these I've worked contacts as far west (from Fort Worth) as Japan, as far east as Rostov, Russia and south to Chile. Necessity is certainly the mother of invention!
73 from KF5RHI
Richard Slusher Hi Richard, thanks for sharing the details of your antenna. Sounds like you have a winner! 73, Dave, KEØOG
Hey, Dave, thanks for the great videos. I don't suppose you've ever done, or plan to do a video on antennas for the LF / MF range for WSPR? I'm intrigued and interested to try these frequencies, but I've heard / read that setting up an antenna for 0.136 and 0.472 can be really challenging.
I have heard the same. There have been some articles in QST and on the Internet.
Thanks for great 👍 interviews of other ham solutions. Question #1 on your 80 meter loop. Given earlier comments on connection at a side versus a corner for different polarization, (horizontal versus vertical), does one versus the other improve your coverage or does your height limit either to similar NVIS Mileage range distance? Q2. Would you recommend one connection over the other for a loop antenna or is it really just what is convenient? Q3 I have an OCF for multi band. Woukd you rate as equal to, more, or less desirable than a loop for 10-40 meters, given similar height? Thanks for your work and sharing. Steve
I took down the 80m loop a couple years ago. I fed it at a corner. A horizontal loop can have strange radiation patterns, especially on higher frequencies. Connect wherever's convenient, usually at a corner. If you can get that OCFD well up into the air, it'll perform on par with the loop.
Thank you Dave. Your video inspired me to try an antenna in a very difficult location. I am in an apartment on the 9th floor. (one minor plus). Our building manager had a very bad experience with a CB'er who's antenna fell off his balcony and damaged the superintendents vehicle. Hence a very negative view of hams or CB'ers. We can't even put up an external UHF antenna. But your video inspired me to try some in door solutions. As it happens my window in the spare room is just big enough that I can put a Diamond x-50 in on about a 45 degree angle. Being on the 9th floor it preforms very well. But I wanted to get on HF. So I strung a wire antenna with white hook up were long the top of the ceiling. I cut it as suggested for a wire antenna strung between two polls, but found that inside attached to the wall the antenna need to be cut shorter.In fact I removed about 15" from each end. This make my antenna quite small and with the white on white almost, invisible. I have used a program called psk reported to see how well it is preforming. To my surprise I have being heard quite well. I have only to track down and eliminate a very strong noise source (turned out to be a power brick for my laptop.) Now evey wne the band is not so good I can work stations using JT-65 HF. You are right , were there's a will there's a way. Best RegardsDave - VE3HTB
+Dave Borland Thanks for sharing your experience. As you have discovered, the most important ingredient in a good antenna is persistence. 73, Dave, KEØOG