Ham Radio . Magnum Experimentum
Antennas, experiments, engineering and other articles of interest to radio folks.
Articles discussing vertical antennas for amateur radio.
I took the asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole to Hatteras beach to activate NA-067. I wasn’t very successful, but made a couple QSOs. Despite mixed results, the setting was spectacular. The vertical dipole worked.
The asymmetrical hatted vertical dipole (AHVD) provides a quick setup HF antenna at Hatteras lighthouse.
We re-introduce the theory and origins of Cebik’s (W4RNL) Asymmetrical Hatted Vertical Dipole (AHVD) antenna with the hope to facilitate a vertical polarization portable 20-10m aerial for portable operations.
Here is a step by step approach for an amateur radio vertical antenna mount using only a hole, gravel and a piece of plumbing pipe. Included is a story about know-it-all relatives.
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.
In a previous post we promised to analyze the merits of the 43 foot tall tuner-required antenna vs. the adjustable BigIR vertical from SteppIR. We did and here are the results.
Considering a vertical? Among all the dipoles, beams and other types of antennas, the lowly vertical has regained some popularity thanks, in part, to the BigIR SteppIR and, more recently, the 43 foot vertical offered by DX Engineering and Zero Five antennas.
Can a 2 meter J-Pole antenna work well on a child’s playset? Read and find out.
Furthering the discussion of the 43 foot vertical antenna I wanted to report a concern I have with this antenna and the use of any relay based coax switch.
If you install a 43 foot vertical in your back yard, route the coax through a switch and handle the tuning inside your ham shack, you need to ensure you do not exceed the voltage or current limits of the relays in the switch.
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.
With the upcoming solar cycle pushing operations on the HF bands towards success on 20 meters to 10 meters you might be wondering if a vertical antenna may be the right choice for making the most of this time.
Well, to be honest you may well have just as much success with a simple horizontal dipole strung up.
Dipoles are pretty easy to build and don’t cost too much if you would rather purchase one from Alpha-Delta or the Wireman.
However, if you…
The BigIR antenna from Fluid Motion looks like a winner, but there are some concerns about the 80 meter option.