You have taught me so much in the last two weeks that Ive found your channel. God bless from across the pond. Just got my first call sign because of you and hrcc and ham radio for non techies among a few other youtubers. My grandpa always had ham radios when I was a boy and he died before he had a chance to teach me. Ive applied to have his old call sign but for now im K06DFS. Thanks for all you do. Ive really felt like I can walk a bit in his shoes now. I know its going to be a lifetime hobby.
If you want DX, go for a vertical, we use 9.5m sliding pipes ( we got from the local aluminum shop) with a 4:1 balun at the base, this antenna is multi-band when attached to an ATU and doing magic 80m - 10m ( we didn't expect it to do so well on 80, and were gladly found to be wrong with DX list growing ) The metal gutters of the house provided the " radial" component. The antenna footprint is small and I ended up using thin fishing lines to make it stable in the wind, the base ( starting point) of the antenna stats at roof level ( easy setup and helps make the wife happy). I have found out that my vertical antenna was doing much better when compared to a dipole or a doublet that was sitting at the same height when it comes to a DX, yet for local signals, the dipole or doublet was doing better. Since I am more into DX the vertical won the spot at our house making the whole installation easy on the eye.
Thank You. . . Another great antenna video. Living in the city on a small lot these antenna ideas for small spaces fit my need. I have 57 feet straight from house to fence but using a 20 feet pole midway I can squeeze by going up and down again 65 feet wire for halfwave on 40 meters with 49:1 Balun and ATU I am able to tune 10m-80M to some degree ; )
Peter I can remember my first 40mt. The math was right and it was to long. SWR wasn't even in the band. Ended up short it by 9" before it was right. Then I could go any were on 40mts with good SWR it was real happy and so was I. Thanks 73 KQ4CD Paul
Having lived in Alaska, the common wisdom was that the best time to do antenna work was when the temperature got below -30 degrees (your choice of F or C).... - AL7W
Hi Peter, thanks for the video. Antennas are funny things. I have a 20 metre dipole fed by co-ax and a 1:1 balun. It's only 2 metres above ground level oriented roughlyNorth/South. I generally use data modes (FT4, FT8 and JT65). You would think that it wouldn't be much good for DX but I have no problem working the USA and Eastern Europe. I've also worked the Falklands, Brazil, Middle East and Australia, all with about 60 Watts. It's practically impossible to work anywhere in the UK though! Strange things antennas.
Don't forget to put a diam 80 mm high end ferrite on the powercord to eliminate and spikes or QRM! Especially You use a non resonant antenna on the 160M and 80M bands. An uggly "balun" -40 turné on a tube diam 50-75 mm with RG213. Feeding the dipole (symetrical) with 450Ohm ladderline, which requires a balun 4:1 in antenna tuner f ex MFJ969 or MFJ969.- then this cable should be 1/4 wavelength on lowest (1.81 MHz/160M). This should be connected to a earth terminal. If using a loopantenna the 450Ohm You make a DC earth opposite of the feedpoint.
Hi Peter, you mention the random wire scenario and using a counter poise in an upstairs bedroom. But would this not introduce RF in the shack? The problem I have is long wire ground because it runs from upstairs. Perhaps you should also cover the subject of grounding.
It can be complex but the worst case is no counterpoise. Any counterpose tends to significantly reduce RF on the gear - the thing that gives you burns. The only way to avoid RF in the shack is to employ a coax feed with a 9:1 UnUn or 49:1 for end fed half wave.
Peter, I currently live in a block of flats in London and want to buy an HF radio. How should I ground it if I want to operate on 6m or 10m (I will try an inverted V in my balcony)?
Very interesting video, but leaves me with a few questions: If I make it an off center fed doublet, will a balanced tuner (eg Z-match) still work? Won't the antenna become unbalanced? What makes balanced feedline (ladderline) easier to tune than a coax?
Balanced line is what the name says it us. Yes you can feed off centre. It’s not a question of ladder line being easier to match, it is that the losser are lower.
Very good informative video but what about a W3DZZ? I skeptically looked at them for 40 years until I modeled it and realized there was more to it than I originally thought. I have been using a slightly modified one for about 10 years on the pre WARK79 bands and it even loads up fine on 10MHz as well without an ATU but I do tend use either an LDG AT-200P or the inbuilt tuner in the 7300 though it is quite acceptable with out them though somewhat bandwidth limited. Keep up the good work there. Cheers from VK
So I have an ATR-30 with a wire terminal so I thought what the heck I’ll try it as you mentioned it. I have the ATU ground lug hooked up to an 8ft ground rod via a 16 ft ground strap. I used 145 feet. Can’t get any of the bands to tune below 3:1, any thoughts?
I have never used that ATU but the fact that it does bot give a good match on any band is a puzzle. I assume yout VSWR meter is inserted between ATU and transceiver?
The LDG tuners normally only have an SO-239 socket so you must have a balum in order to terminate the ladder line. Frankly it does not matter whether you use 1:1 or 4:1. If you are going to purchase one, go for 4:1 but if you already have 1:1 then use that. 73 Peter.
can u email me the directions to make a trapped dipole for 40,20,15&10 i yave enough on my roof for a inveed v full wave 16.42 ft each leg but thats it . ki rthonk that will worlk on 20 m too with out a tuner so from what i get 468/28.5=16.42 (that's a 1/2 wave for 10 ,16.5' each leg then for 20 m 468/14.175=33.01 (1/2 w each leg)/2(for 1/4 wave)=16.507ft then for 15 m 768/21.275=21.99ft (1/2 wave) then for 40 m 468/7.125=65.22(1/2 wave)/2 =33.61(184 wave . the only place i have to put a invertd v is on my roof it will have aeast west facing i have the room for a windom 80 metr wire but just barly it will be NW ON 1 END (THE long leg)& EAST on the short end . but that may need a tuner & i dont j\have 1 & cant find 1 in my price range so if u could do the math . i want to coil wire in pvc tube . &S i want to direct fedd iy with coax (rRG8X) NO WINDOW /LADDER LINE I know it can be done the old ham tht helped me get on the air did it but hes a silent key it will be te same as a whip & they work(i know i ran a 10 m ham stick for yrs & had A TON OF CONTACTS when i was in my pick up truck.
I love the ethics here. Peter makes his living from selling stuff but time and again shows us how to make them ourselves instead. A real gent.
You have taught me so much in the last two weeks that Ive found your channel. God bless from across the pond. Just got my first call sign because of you and hrcc and ham radio for non techies among a few other youtubers. My grandpa always had ham radios when I was a boy and he died before he had a chance to teach me. Ive applied to have his old call sign but for now im K06DFS. Thanks for all you do. Ive really felt like I can walk a bit in his shoes now. I know its going to be a lifetime hobby.
So glad to hear from you. Glad to help and welcome to the Hobby.
Peter, thanks for another great all fact, no hype antenna presentation, and a bit of motivation before weather in North America worsens😎
Well said! 73 Peter
If you want DX, go for a vertical, we use 9.5m sliding pipes ( we got from the local aluminum shop) with a 4:1 balun at the base, this antenna is multi-band when attached to an ATU and doing magic 80m - 10m ( we didn't expect it to do so well on 80, and were gladly found to be wrong with DX list growing )
The metal gutters of the house provided the " radial" component.
The antenna footprint is small and I ended up using thin fishing lines to make it stable in the wind, the base ( starting point) of the antenna stats at roof level ( easy setup and helps make the wife happy).
I have found out that my vertical antenna was doing much better when compared to a dipole or a doublet that was sitting at the same height when it comes to a DX, yet for local signals, the dipole or doublet was doing better.
Since I am more into DX the vertical won the spot at our house making the whole installation easy on the eye.
Watch my next video on verticals.
Why 4:1 balun? Are you using a single radiator? What is the total length of this vertical element? Thanks?
Thank You. . . Another great antenna video. Living in the city on a small lot these antenna ideas for small spaces fit my need. I have 57 feet straight from house to fence but using a 20 feet pole midway I can squeeze by going up and down again 65 feet wire for halfwave on 40 meters with 49:1 Balun and ATU I am able to tune 10m-80M to some degree ; )
Hi James, that is exactly what I would suggest. Have fun. 73 Peter.
Thanks for sharing your experience & info
My pleasure
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Peter I can remember my first 40mt. The math was right and it was to long. SWR wasn't even in the band. Ended up short it by 9" before it was right. Then I could go any were on 40mts with good SWR it was real happy and so was I. Thanks 73 KQ4CD Paul
Many thanks Paul. 73 Peter
Having lived in Alaska, the common wisdom was that the best time to do antenna work was when the temperature got below -30 degrees (your choice of F or C).... - AL7W
Good summary. I wish you had not mentioned a doughnut radiation pattern. I suddenly got hungry for snacks. HI! 😀
Nice one!
Well Done. Thank you Peter
Many thanks. 73 Peter
Hi Peter, thanks for the video. Antennas are funny things. I have a 20 metre dipole fed by co-ax and a 1:1 balun. It's only 2 metres above ground level oriented roughlyNorth/South. I generally use data modes (FT4, FT8 and JT65). You would think that it wouldn't be much good for DX but I have no problem working the USA and Eastern Europe. I've also worked the Falklands, Brazil, Middle East and Australia, all with about 60 Watts. It's practically impossible to work anywhere in the UK though! Strange things antennas.
Makes sense you can't work UK. Most days the skip distance on 20m will be way outside UK.
Don't forget to put a diam 80 mm high end ferrite on the powercord to eliminate and spikes or QRM! Especially You use a non resonant antenna on the 160M and 80M bands. An uggly "balun" -40 turné on a tube diam 50-75 mm with RG213.
Feeding the dipole (symetrical) with 450Ohm ladderline, which requires a
balun 4:1 in antenna tuner f ex MFJ969
or MFJ969.- then this cable should be 1/4 wavelength on lowest (1.81 MHz/160M).
This should be connected to a earth terminal. If using a loopantenna the 450Ohm You make a DC earth opposite of the feedpoint.
Thanks Peter 👍👍
Thanks. 73 Peter
Hi Peter, you mention the random wire scenario and using a counter poise in an upstairs bedroom. But would this not introduce RF in the shack? The problem I have is long wire ground because it runs from upstairs. Perhaps you should also cover the subject of grounding.
It can be complex but the worst case is no counterpoise. Any counterpose tends to significantly reduce RF on the gear - the thing that gives you burns. The only way to avoid RF in the shack is to employ a coax feed with a 9:1 UnUn or 49:1 for end fed half wave.
Hi Peter, while on the small garden theme, how about a video about MFJ Magnetic loops, if you have not already? Many thanks.
Hi Geof, OK will keep that one in mind. 73 Peter
Is SFB3512/VRC Multi-Band Antenna a good antenna ?
Peter, I currently live in a block of flats in London and want to buy an HF radio. How should I ground it if I want to operate on 6m or 10m (I will try an inverted V in my balcony)?
Great survey! 73'
Many thanks. 73 Peter
Very interesting video, but leaves me with a few questions:
If I make it an off center fed doublet, will a balanced tuner (eg Z-match) still work? Won't the antenna become unbalanced?
What makes balanced feedline (ladderline) easier to tune than a coax?
Balanced line is what the name says it us. Yes you can feed off centre. It’s not a question of ladder line being easier to match, it is that the losser are lower.
Very good informative video but what about a W3DZZ? I skeptically looked at them for 40 years until I modeled it and realized there was more to it than I originally thought. I have been using a slightly modified one for about 10 years on the pre WARK79 bands and it even loads up fine on 10MHz as well without an ATU but I do tend use either an LDG AT-200P or the inbuilt tuner in the 7300 though it is quite acceptable with out them though somewhat bandwidth limited.
Keep up the good work there.
Cheers from VK
I did not mention this one as it is a variation on a trap dipole. Maybe in the future. Thanks for watching. 73 Peter.
So I have an ATR-30 with a wire terminal so I thought what the heck I’ll try it as you mentioned it. I have the ATU ground lug hooked up to an 8ft ground rod via a 16 ft ground strap. I used 145 feet. Can’t get any of the bands to tune below 3:1, any thoughts?
I have never used that ATU but the fact that it does bot give a good match on any band is a puzzle. I assume yout VSWR meter is inserted between ATU and transceiver?
Thanks Peter..multi ladderline ant. Into ldg tuner into 817.
Should there be a 1:1 or 4:1 balun b4 tuner or nothing??
Excuse my confusion!! Thanks 73.
The LDG tuners normally only have an SO-239 socket so you must have a balum in order to terminate the ladder line. Frankly it does not matter whether you use 1:1 or 4:1. If you are going to purchase one, go for 4:1 but if you already have 1:1 then use that. 73 Peter.
I have always used a 9:1
Nice Video.......... 73s
Many thanks!
🥱🥱🥱
first :)
can u email me the directions to make a trapped dipole for 40,20,15&10 i yave enough on my roof for a inveed v full wave 16.42 ft each leg but thats it . ki rthonk that will worlk on 20 m too with out a tuner so from what i get
468/28.5=16.42 (that's a 1/2 wave for 10 ,16.5' each leg
then for 20 m 468/14.175=33.01 (1/2 w each leg)/2(for 1/4 wave)=16.507ft
then for 15 m 768/21.275=21.99ft (1/2 wave)
then for 40 m 468/7.125=65.22(1/2 wave)/2 =33.61(184 wave .
the only place i have to put a invertd v is on my roof it will have aeast west facing i have the room for a windom 80 metr wire but just barly it will be NW ON 1 END (THE long leg)& EAST on the short end . but that may need a tuner & i dont j\have 1 & cant find 1 in my price range
so if u could do the math . i want to coil wire in pvc tube . &S i want to direct fedd iy with coax (rRG8X) NO WINDOW /LADDER LINE I know it can be done
the old ham tht helped me get on the air did it but hes a silent key
it will be te same as a whip & they work(i know i ran a 10 m ham stick for yrs & had A TON OF CONTACTS when i was in my pick up truck.