Ham Radio . Magnum Experimentum
Antennas, experiments, engineering and other articles of interest to radio folks.
Articles using the NEC simulation engine for understanding and designing antenna behavior.
A NEC model that includes the transformer helix helps demystify the end-fed half-wave (EFHW) dipole antenna using the autotransformer as impedance converter.
A 1/4 wavelength of 75 ohm coax inline with a full wavelength of 50 ohm coax is all one needs to make a simple 80m dipole become a wideband dipole antenna.
Can the 10-20 meter five band HF G3TXQ broadband hex beam be used on 6 meters as is?
Hiking, ham radio, hills and a portable collinear J-Pole combine to make the Golden Packet Test a memorable event.
Another 5/8 J-Pole Design arranged as a Collinear… can it justify the complexity and extra materials?
Big HF loop antennas provide great performance, but they can’t do everything. 160 meter full wave loops won’t work well for NVIS when used at 3.8 MHz.
We have looked at the 43 foot antenna available from DX Engineering and Zero Five alongside the BigIR product from SteppIR. In addition, the BigIR was simulated using the optional 80 meter coil.
Both antenna types approach the vertical HF antenna problem with unique solutions.
As we continue our EZNEC simulation research for the 43 foot and BigIR antennas we finally are looking into the 80 meter band.
Continuing our NEC Shootout between the 43 foot vertical available from DX Engineering or Zero Five and the adjustable height BigIR antenna available from SteppIR antennas we now analyze them in the 40 meter band.
Continuing our NEC Shootout between the 43 foot vertical available from DX Engineering or Zero Five and the adjustable height BigIR antenna available from SteppIR antennas we now analyze them in the 20 meter band.
Continuing our NEC Shootout between the 43 foot vertical available from DX Engineering or Zero Five and the adjustable height BigIR antenna available from SteppIR antennas we now analyze them in the 15 meter band.
Myths abound concerning how J-Poles do so well. Here is an EZNEC shootout between a 2 meter J-Pole and a Monopole with radials.
The 43 foot vertical antenna is a popular height being promoted by several antenna manufacturers for 160 to 10 meters. Let’s see why and examine some advantages and pitfalls.