A top band aerial for small gardens

[@gbh1946]

That was very interesting Ray, thankyou.

[@M0JHN]

Brilliant mix of technical terms and layman terms, veery well understood and informative, thank you.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@glenn7245]

Brilliant. You solidified many things I've been a little confused by. Excellent channel

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, I’m glad you found the video useful. Cheers, Ray.

[@stewartmason3512]

Great informative video Ray. Any antenna is better than no antenna!

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@cabinofmine67]

Glad I found your channel, just got into this hobby at 52,I used to listen to stuff as a boy on a pye radio.subscribed.

[@buckbrown823]

Really excellent "practical" example for, at least, existing on 160 meters. It's a great reminder of making an effective best of what you do have.

[@g4nsj]

Buck Brown thanks!

[@eddyaudio]

A another excellent Video Ray for all the amateurs on 160m a wealth of information mate full marks.

[@g4nsj]

eddyaudio thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Thanks Ray. Very helpful, as I am one of those with almost no room for antennas.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks John, glad you found the video useful. Cheers, Ray.

[@vihaantucker2850]

Instablaster

[@alfsphone]

Im in NZ and sitting my Licence next week. Thank you for your wonderful explanation of your antenna.

[@g4nsj]

Alf Large good luck!

[@CriticalThinker-42]

Hi Ray, what about putting loading coils at the end of your 80/160m antenna to make it Appear longer on 160m, and bring the high current points (or at least some of them) out to the flat top section for improved performance? As shown in your video the high current sections are being tuned out and your just using the high voltage ends on 160m. 73 mike

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mike, that's a good idea. The problem is, loading coils don't work well at the end of aerials, such at the end of the wire, as there's no current flowing through them. It can make a difference, though. So it might be worth trying. 73 Ray.

[@CriticalThinker-42]

@@g4nsj 1) Antenna Guru LB Cebik W4RNL (SK) tested the Inverted U antenna, a dipole where the outer half of each element dropped straight down (basically missing horizontally) , and found that there was only ~0.6 db (~ 1/10th S Unit) drop in its Horizontal signal. 2) 40m end fed antennas are made to work on 80/75m by adding a 110uH coil at their end, I presume giving ~3db (1/2 S Unit) drop over a full size, as half of the antenna is basically missing on 80/75m. 3) Your configuration is similar to base loading the antenna, as the main radiating (high current) section is missing, and we know that base loading is much worse in losses than middle or end loading. That's why Bugcatcher, Hustler resonator, Screwdriver... antennas are much more popular than Base Loaded mobile antennas for HF. 4) A popular Homebrew add on for the Hustler 4-BTV base antenna is to make a metal bracket out of L aluminum mounted just under its 10m trap and mount a 17m Hustler resonator to add 17m. Using LB Cebik's work it should only loose ~0.6 (or less) db over a full size element. So it seems to me that end loading the 80m flattop for 160m would work much better than not doing so. BUT I could be wrong, I have been before and will be again! (wink) 73 mike

[@edwymer6928]

Great show Ray 73 and God Bless.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@timg5tm941]

I love my homebrew doublet. Got a small 30 foot x30 foot garden. Have 44 foot up as an inverted v - tunes 80-10 - I know 80 isn't going to be great but I can work all over the UK using 5w on 80 and its great fun! Also fed with 300 ohm ladder-line and an LDG auto tuner. Thanks Ray - it was your video that got me into constructing a doublet - MUCH quieter than an end fed and better at squeezing out rf too. 73 and thanks - from Yapton, West Sussex. M6JVI.

[@g4nsj]

AMATEUR & 11M RADIO TIM Yapton, just down the road from me! Might hook up on 40 metres sometime. Glad the aerial is doing well. Cheers, Ray.

[@nickjaxe]

Love the 43mt long doublet I have just made...used 450ohm feeder....tunes top band but the power radiated is very very low. I fitted a 1-1 current balun on the end of the feed line just outside the shack window...and from that run 18ins of coax to the ATU inside the shack...so dont have the prob of getting 450 ribbon through the wall or window. Going to try a 4-1 current balun next. But your right Ray...its a quite antenna noise-wise....very pleased with it.

[@g4nsj]

nickjaxe That’s excellent, thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Ray.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Gotta love that blower! And a blackboard! Not even a whiteboard; forget fancy computer graphics. We're clearly both from the same era. Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for making the point about make-do antennas. I've never had conditions for anything else, and nothing is more annoying than asking around about a design and somebody says, "It's rubbish! Nothing like my tower!" Well, Chris on a catwalk, if I could have a tower I wouldn't ask the question, eh lad? Anyway, great job as always Ray. I learned a lot.

[@g4nsj]

Happy days! Back to school!

[@buzz1973]

Another great video Ray I have a 130ft doublet over my house works great.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@msf60khz]

I used to listen to Eric in 1956 on my one valve radio on 80m! 73

[@g4nsj]

I used to chat with Eric most evenings! Happy days!

[@Dan-qp1el]

Fun channel. Hello from Minnesota

[@g4nsj]

Dan N hi!

[@EA7LL]

Thank you Ray for your video, I'm planning something in my small lot for 80/160 m and people like you helps a lot.

[@g4nsj]

EA7LL thanks!

[@RGC198]

Hi Ray, thanks for sharing yet another interesting and informative video. For MW reception, I use a 3 foot box loop in my den, which is actually shown on one of my videos on my KZbin channel. Years ago, when I was younger and fitter, I took a long wire antenna down through the den floor, under the house and along the fence up the back yard. It is a good alternative to the loop antenna. We have a reasonably long back yard and that makes it possible far a reasonable length long wire antenna. I have never attempted listening to 160 metres, though I am not far off it. Australia's MW band extends to 1701kHz at the high end, which I have often checked for DX signals along with the rest of the band. Anyway, take care. Robert.

[@bobajake]

I have a top band Antenna in my yard it is tuned to right around 1.9mhz. It receives better than any antenna I have ever seen however I don't have it quite high enough to get good transmit.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

I echo what others say on this comments section. I sit and listen you you waffling on with great interest. I never tire of what you have to say and it is good that you take the time to explain things in a way that anyone can understand, even if you do get sidetracked every now and then, it all adds to the amusement. I live by this motto "Use what you have got and you will never stick!" One of my fathers wisdom sayings, but in this case it will apply. Use what you can put up, even if it is not in straight lines, it will work better than something that is cut down or a lot better than nothing. Cheeres Ray. Keep them coming.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind comments. More videos coming soon. Cheers, Ray.

[@TheRudydog1]

Hello Ray from Utah, USA. You just have a way about you that keeps me coming back. Thanks for the new Video! I use a Hygain Hy-tower vertical with a 160 meter loading coil and 7000 feet of number 10 stranded copper wire buried under the grass. I also have it connected to two 150 foot copper water lines. With this extensive ground system the vertical works very well on 160 through 10, but without all of the copper in the ground it hardly gets out at all so your remarks on an unbalanced vertical antenna system are right on. My noise level in the winter here in the Western USA runs about S-7 which is rather high but most signals are over S-9 so copy is usually Q-5. I also repair, collect and restore vacuum tube (valve) radios and I have learned much from your excellent videos. 73 and CUL OM.

[@g4nsj]

Hi, glad you like the new video. Wow, your earth system sounds amazing! I don't have enough land for a decent earth, that's why I'm using the doublet. OK on your radio restoration. It's great fun getting some of these old radios working again. Thanks for posting and all the best. Cheers, Ray.

[@dambuster6387]

I have two RX aerials Home made Wellgood 1 Meter diameter active aerial for around the UK and a half size K9ay loop 80/40m bands with 4 switched directions with a W7iuv pre amp used for dx much lower noise than other aerials Check the internet for details.

[@1fanger]

Ray, it`s fellows like you that keep me sitting up in my chair, rather than leaning beck. I relish the information that you impart. I, for the most part, am on 40, as well as 15 and 10 meters. I would love to get on 160. I have plans to get two choke coils to put on my 40 inverted v so I can get on 80. I have a Kenwood TS 140s and homebrew inverted V dipole. No tuner and no amps. Strictly barefoot 100 watts. I would like to talk to you chaps in UK. I am only able to get into Spain. Anyway, thank you for your channel. 73, KC3BXZ Joe

[@g4nsj]

Hi Joe, it's nice to hear from you. It's good that you're getting into Spain. Your aerial must be working pretty well! Hope to hear you on the bands soon! Cheers, Ray.

[@Wyowanderer]

What Joe said. Thanks Ray, for sharing what you know with those of us just coming up in the hobby-it can be pretty tough to get info, and you share it freely. Frank, WY0WDR.

[@g4nsj]

Wyowanderer777 Thanks, I’m pleased that the videos are useful. Cheers, Ray.

[@VickyGeagan]

I am usually on 40 and 20 meters I have had many a chat with one of Rays good mates from way back in his youth when my mate married his wife they moved to Plymouth from Hampton the strange thing is the bbc radio 1 and 4 is still on medium wave in those areas even though the bbc shut down 648 years ago the signal is kinda weak in some areas but readable

[@Dan-qp1el]

Well said

[@AndyWattsSP2]

Thanks so much Ray, your presentation skills are brilliant... Regards, Andy - Salisbury. G7MJV

[@g4nsj]

Andy Watts thanks!

[@michaelaldred6529]

I do like seeing your videos i do not know much about radios but listening to you inspires me into the subject you are talking about. I live right on the east coast of East Anglia so i guess if i had a good radio device I would have a good range?

[@g4nsj]

Definitely a decent radio would be good. Plus a good aerial.

[@charlieoscar09]

Really enjoy your Ham Radio stuff thankyou for the video

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@acree3739]

Great video Ray! Thanks for the info my friend, and cheers from Richmond Va, USA.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks! Nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.

[@G0ogs]

I,m glad someone takes the time to explain things in a way so that people who are just starting out can understand, I play around with doublets and now have a bit of knowledge of what I’m doing so fair play Ray your right there are people out there who don’t know, 73 SK Steve.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks for your feedback, Steve. Good luck with your aerials. Cheers, Ray.

[@G0ogs]

Thanks Ray, It still amazes me how some hams still get confused about doublets, perhaps they should start over and listen to you ha ha, keep up with vids I,m sure lots get enjoyment from them. 73 SK

[@vk6op648]

Thanks Ray. Very relevant to my situation. I have a roll of 300ohm cable here, a balanced tuner under construction and a bunch of poles in the shed....but no idea what antenna to put up. Sounds like the solution to my problem.

[@g4nsj]

VK6OP Excellent, let me know how you get on. Cheers, Ray.

[@risteardofbanu7735]

New apprentice here, just joined your members only group and am looking forward to viewing the training videos. I have an Ekco U319 that I bought a few years ago for my mother (Mammy passed on in October at the age of 91, she was 31 when the radio was new, there's a thought). It was only just making sound and so I brought it home hoping to make it start working again. Here's hoping....

[@g4nsj]

Risteardof Banu Hi and welcome! I hope you enjoy the members’ area. Let me know how you get on with the radio. Cheers, Ray.

[@AlamoCityCello]

Great Vid!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all. Listen, I've got this idea. Here in Texas, we have old telephone lines, set on poles, outside. I'm thinking about placing a 10w MW transmitter at the base of a pole. The antenna would be a 1/4 wave end fed dipole, sloping upwards toward the phone lines. The idea here is to to excite the overhead line sympathetically. Question; could phone lines act as a giant medium-wave antenna?

[@g4nsj]

John Stuart Hi John, that’s a great idea, if the phone line isn’t connected to anything the other end. Give it a try! Cheers, Ray.

[@AlamoCityCello]

@@g4nsj Thanks for the reply Ray. I love your channel!!

[@atman5230]

Very interesting how you have made a mutt (mongrel) aerial.A bit of Marconi T aerial and a bit of a Dublin aerial,etc., the important thing is that it transmits and receives clearly with minimal buzzing,crackling and popping which you say your mongrel aerial does not do S6 on the interference scale.Well done,you are getting the best out of your aerial for your situation.Thanks for the information.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@noncounterproductive4596]

One good way to fit a "doublet" into a space less than half a wavelenth wide is to make a cubical quad, which is a folded dipole that has been stretched open into a square. The impedance if I recall correctly is 400Ω.

[@MirlitronOne]

Nice discussion of a perennial problem, Ray. I've only been on HF for a year but have discovered the Golden Rule of Aerials - JUST TRY IT! I have a 70 foot off-centre-fed dipole resonant at 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 m. Lots of bang for the buck! Not surprisingly, it's hopeless on 80 m, even for the local net. As such, I never bothered to try it on Top Band until our club had a net on Christmas Day. To my astonishment, after tweaking the ATU I got good reports all round and even a clear signal return from a Web SDR receiver 30 miles away - more than sufficient for a local net. Keep up the good work, Ray - HNY 2018!

[@g4nsj]

Excellent, I'm pleased you're doing well. happy new year!

[@timg5tm941]

Hi ray your original video on doublets inspired me to try a 44 foot one for my tiny garden. Tunes 40-10m and works well on 40! Thanks again for a great vid here too. 73 de M6JVI, Yapton, West Sussex.

[@g4nsj]

CT 2116 Tim brilliant, well done! Might hear you on the air some time. Cheers, Ray.

[@Tonyv1951]

Hi Ray. Did you ever try your 80 meter doublet at longer than local range as a transmitting antenna? The video is about 3 years old now, so maybe you had a chance to get some reports. 1933khz has some regulars on from around 2300 hrs most nights. Get some reports on your short doublet and give us an update... :)) Cheers.

[@g4nsj]

Tonyv1951 I used to be on the 1933 net. I’ll give it a go and see what happens.

[@DickieBird888]

Love your videos Ray and your humour too. Might stuggle with this antenna at my location due to space but my 66 ft wire and 9 to 1 with earth spike doing a great job on all the bands... ha ha..

[@G0USL]

Great videos Ray, being a hanger of wire myself, I favour horizontal loops fed with 300ohm slotted feeder. You have inspired me to try a doublet. 73 de GØUSL

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mark, thanks for commenting. Have a go with a doublet, you won't be disappointed. Cheers, Ray.

[@robertroche4220]

Hi Ray, I'm really enjoying your videos, keep up the excellent and informative work. I took my RAE in 1986, but didn't have a chance to do much relating to amateur radio in the intervening 33 years. I have just reapplied to have my licence reinstated (G1VXD) and am waiting to hear from OFCOM. I also have a small garden and neighbours who would be difficult and object to the slightest structure in the garden, this would ruin any enjoyment I could get, so I will have to go the route of discreet antennae, e.g. I have an initial notion about wrapping some wire parallel to our washing lines to see if I can pick anything up. I have a shed which is quite large and 2.5m high so I may be able to do something around the outer edges etc. I will need to experiment and probably restrict any activity to the optimum bands for my situation. I have also watched your video on SWR and ATU's and you mention a balanced ATU. I know I will need to invest in an ATU, so I'd be grateful to know if there are any you'd recommend? Very grateful for any comments / pointers. 73's.

[@g4nsj]

Robert Roche Hi Robert, get the type of washing line made of wire with a plastic coating. That should work well! Cheers, Ray.

[@hensley560]

Loving your videos from Canada! 73 de va7lm

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Doug.

[@RingwayManchester]

really informative Ray cheers

[@JEFF-Elliott]

People are very fickle so you have no need to explain yourself things with antennas to my mind are relative. You’re doing a very good job how are you explain everything. Do you know anything about Delta Loop antennas for example would I have to use a Balun or could it go straight into ladder line. Regards

[@g4nsj]

Thanks! I'm not sure about the Delta Loop. If I discover anything, I'll let you know. Cheers, Ray.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great video and thought inspiring as well. I’ve been working on my attic mag loop antenna now for three months (trying to avoid the wrath of my local HOA). But I’ve never heard a discouraging word about dipoles, even low mounted dipoles.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks for replying, John. Good luck with your aerial. Cheers, Ray./

[@robertjohnson5126]

As always, an interesting bar-room styley yarn, Ray : ) Thems of us with courtyard gardens are stuck with shortie centre loaded verticals (Remember, a vertical radiates equally badly in all directions). With limited opportunity for radials, a 4' earth spike at the base makes a big difference. Likewise, getting creative by running a discreet "master" radial through the QTH & out through the front door to the boundary. Making the best of a bad situation, but can't help thinking F G Rayer will be turning in his grave!

[@g4nsj]

Hi Robert, sorry for the delay in replying. Making the best of a bad situation is all we can do. Cheers, Ray.

[@LeeLocke]

Nice one Ray! Learnt something here on watching this. Thank you for putting this out there for us who are new to the hobby of shortwave Dxing like myself, 73's ! Lee

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Lee. It's nice to get positive feedback. Cheers, Ray.

[@grahamrdyer6322]

Have you tried a magnetic loop ray, I find ...no noise and superb reception.

[@g4nsj]

Graham R Dyer I did try one years ago. I must try one agin as it was very good.

[@coltronex]

Keep up the good work Ray,good practical stuff,Colin G1PGI

[@TonyLing]

Thank heavens Southwick is being closed down, It is the nemesis of every Xiegu operator.

[@g4nsj]

I didn't know they were closing it down.

[@TonyLing]

@@g4nsj Yes, Absolute has gone. The BEEB are pulling out of MW. It will no doubt make the smaller sites untenable for the rest.

[@DL6UK]

Hi , we are also advised to stay in here in Germany. As the last storm damaged my HF vertical I have now time to BUILD and put up a ZS6BKW junior antenna. The horizontal length is 14.2m. I´m not sure if what I found out about the vertical feeding line. I read that it is 12,2m. To me it seems to be far too long. Do you have any information about the dimensions? Otherwise I´d go for a half size g5rv antenna. Thanks!

[@g4nsj]

DL6UK I’m afraid I don’t have any info. If I were you, I’d use a doublet... forget the coax.

[@billhoskins8194]

Nice one Ray, I copied your original doublet, the 100 foot one, so now I'll try adding some extra wire across my garden. When are you going to do a video about your balanced ATU? Regards, Bill G8SND

[@g4nsj]

Hi Bill, I haven't forgotten about the ATU video. Coming soon! Cheers, Ray.

[@MrBrian8749]

Ray many of your followers are SWL and I might add this antenna works well for shortwave listening. Also Ray if you wrap foil around that latter line in your attic you might be surprised how much it reduces the AC line noises.

[@g4nsj]

Signal Hunter The problem is the foil would upset the balance. Properly balanced line won’t pick up local interference.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Wally, that's all very interesting. I love experimenting with aerials. In fact, I get more fun playing with aerials than I do chatting on the air. Thanks for the input. Cheers, Ray.

[@g4nsj]

wally crail For those who have contacted me, I want to clear up a point. The attenuation caused by the surrounding trees and buildings isn’t altered by the type of aerial. A vertical radiates more ground wave than a horizontal, the attenuation from the surrounding area is the same. It’s just that the effect of the attenuation is less as there is more signal. Broadcast stations use vertical aerials because they have a far lower angle of radiation. In other words, they radiate more signal closer to the ground, ground wave, which is perfect for local reception. Several people have said they were confused so to clear this up... There isn’t less attenuation of the ground wave from a vertical aerial. There is more ground wave radiated from a vertical. A vertical aerial doesn’t attenuate the ground wave less than a horizontal aerial. It radiates more ground wave.

[@Scotscan]

I shall listen out for you on my Wellbrook loop works very well albeit RX only.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@michaelm1keyhardy865]

hi ray, great film on di-pole wire antenna i can fit in my garden 100ft on each side only will this work top band ? mike m1key

[@g4nsj]

Yes, it should be good on top band.

[@Tonyv1951]

Have you tried adding loading coils to your doublet? They work very well and make the thing far easier to load up.

[@john-kk4hb]

hi your advise about this one please SIGMA EURO-COMM Magitenna 40 6m Multiband HF Wire Antenna HAM RADIO Aerial . if you get a good atu you can get 60m and 80m . i brought ht lw 40 . silly . wont fit in my garden . hi have a 40ft x 30ft rear garden hight to the chemmey is appx 23ft the front garden is longer 55ft . the whole lenght is appx 90ft

[@g4nsj]

john sorry, I don’t know the Euro-Comm Magitenna. I’ll try to find out about it.

[@s57rw]

Can you make a video about your balanced ATU please. I'm planning to make one. 73!

[@g4nsj]

Yes, I'll add that idea to my list.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

Thank you so much for explaining things for those of us who are new to radio; i am retired, mid sixties and interested in amateur radio, but i cannot see investing a thousand dollars for a radio without at least some basic knowledge. I am trying to get an old receiver i have wired up again and i want to use one of these antennas you have here. I am far out in the country, good sized patch of dirt here to deal with, and i need to be able to construct a proper dipole or doublet like you have here. I remain uncertain as to how i should attach to the back of the radio with that ladder line. Do i attach one side to the positive and the other to the negative on the back of the radio where the antenna connection screws are? Or do they both go to the positive side or just how is it best to hook this sort of antenna to my radio? thanks

[@g4nsj]

Hi Jeff, You will need a properly balanced ATU between the ladder line and the radio. If you can't do that, then connect one to pos and one to neg. Cheers, Ray.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

@@g4nsj The radio business is all acronyms it would seem. ATU must mean something like antenna tuning unit? And one must have this to listen with this type antenna on a receiver too? I have a simple piece of wire now that i rolled out there and hooked it to some structure and then a fence and finally a tree or two and it works pretty decent but i bet not as good as yours. Any particular type of antenna tuner you figure i should purchase?

[@g4nsj]

Jeff Crane hi Jeff, ideally you will need an aerial tuning unit that is advertised as balanced. They are not cheap.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

@@g4nsj Hello Ray; I want to tell you i have spent adequate time studying the tuners and as best i can tell, they are for trancievers/transmitters; I am hooking this antenna to a receiver only. The simple reason is i want to listen and learn for a while. I hope to become at least reasonably capable are reading CW , and practice with a key and tone generator (think that is what they call it anyway) and so my question is, do i hook the twin lead/ladder line to the positive and negative antenna connections on my old receiver or will the ATU still be required. (PS) i found out there is a reasonable kit put out by MFJ that would build an ATU just about like what you have built yourself too. thanks and i found another video you made on how you built your ATU years ago.

[@g4nsj]

Jeff Crane hi Jeff, they work on receivers as well as transceivers. Just connect the ladder line to positive and negative and try it.

[@paulbillingham4594]

Hi Ray, Another smashing video and I like the way you present what is basic radio. I have a steady stream of radio amateurs in my shack who although have been in the hobby years have not tried out HF/MF radio at all and dont realise how simple it is and what results you can achieve. Please keep them coming you have a good presenting style. By the way had a letter in Octobers RSGN Radcom over the need to get the message across about simple aerials and simple radio and what can be achieved. 73 Paul M0KIA

[@g4nsj]

Hi Paul, that's good about Radcom. Well done! Glad you like the videos, thanks for your kind comments. Cheers, Ray.

[@johntimken9842]

We've all learned certain golden rules, and one of them is that an 80-6 doublet won't work on top band (except as a marconi "T" as you say). With a smug grin on my face I decided to prove the folly of your claims and just tried to tune up my 80m doublet on 160m. It tuned up easily, 1.0 SWR. My smug grin was wiped off my face, particularly after I worked a Belgium station on FT8 a couple of minutes later. G0OQX.

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Glad you gave it a try. Thanks for letting me know. Cheers, Ray.

[@indiana146]

Very interesting pal cheers

[@beeline717171]

Great vids, thankyou. Can you recommend a good multiband antenna for general FM reception, Air band and SBS recieving? thanks

[@g4nsj]

neil beeline hi, sorry I’m not early up on FM antennas. I think a Discone might be worth looking at.

[@beeline717171]

@@g4nsj Thanks , I was thinking about a discone.

[@ChadsHobies]

I like your channel. Keep up the good work. I'm saddened by what the Europeans are trying to do with my eme band(2meter). Maybe you can give those people an earful for me. Best regards de KE8DZE Lapeer MI.

[@g4nsj]

Chad Jones I’ll certainly give them an earful. Cheers, Ray.

[@David-rc8us]

Hi ! Thanks for the information on top band . I am looking to build a doublet . I have had my M6 for a few years and always thought HF top band was impossible with a small garden. Thanks again David m6dfl

[@g4nsj]

Hi David, Good luck with the doublet. Let me know how you get on. Cheers, Ray.

[@fredbissnette3104]

I Like this guy

[@freedomvigilant1234]

Fascinating video. I am definitely considering becoming a member of my local Ham Radio Club. As you have been involved in radio/TV repair, can I ask if you have worked on Sinclair Radionics products or built any of Sinclair's kits? Do you happen to have any thoughts on Sir Clive Sinclair's products?

[@g4nsj]

Hi, I've never had any dealings with Sinclair stuff. Sorry. Cheers, Ray.

[@robertjohnson5126]

Sinclair got busted a few times for bigging up his products. The Micromatic personal receiver kit had little chance of working as it was supplied with reject transistors. Sometimes the learning curve is too sharp!

[@edwymer6928]

Another great show Ray 73 Kc3ghc

[@ningis21]

Hi Ray...Do you have any thoughts on a sort of "horizontal inverted V" ....Pole at the end of the short garden as the centre of the dipole/doublet and then returning to the house...? Just to get the necessary length in.

[@g4nsj]

Just make the dipole or doublet as long as you can and as high as you can and it should be great.

[@ado75]

Great as usual Ray. 73 Adrian.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@ado75]

Happy New Year! Adrian

[@g4nsj]

Happy New Year!

[@andylinton2798]

Hi Ray, interesting - and your workshop looks to have some interesting gear on the shelves! I want to get something up for 160m, I have a long garden but I can't put much of a pole at the end as I have a miserable neighbour! I think I'll just put up as much as I can, maybe put some loading coils at the end of the doublet arms. My question is, why do you use 300R ribbon for the feeder? Surely the impedance at the centre of a dipole is closer to 70R? Oh, and what sort of ATU circuit do you use for this? 73 Andy EI2HH.

[@g4nsj]

Andy Linton you’ll need a balanced ATU when using 300 ohm feeder. The feed point impedance is complicated. You’re right about a dipole being 72 ohms but search the net for an in-depth explanation. Get up as much wire as possible and it should work reasonably well. Cheers, Ray.

[@chilledoutpaul]

Hi Ray, Just wondering what do your neighbours think about your wires and aerials etc? lol

[@g4nsj]

Lord Paul Brace one of them actually helped me put an aerial up! I have great neighbours. Just as well!

[@chilledoutpaul]

@@g4nsj Thats nice when you have neighbours like that, I have always had good neighbours too but I think it goes a long way when they can always come knocking holding a radio that needs fixing "mind you with me its radios, Laptops, cell phones, tablets and the occasional lcd tv ha ha

[@Team-fabulous]

Another cracking video..

[@joshrogan99]

Interesting that you say current maximum is always at the centre, I thought that was only true for a half wave?

[@g4nsj]

That’s right.

[@warplanner8852]

I love you English! All is determined by the size of one's garden! Thanks for the great video, mate! de k6whp dit dit

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@Peterjames3535]

Is a dipole directional and can a closed dipole be used.

[@g4nsj]

Yes, a dipole is directional. A closed one could be used, yes.

[@TommyBrownIII]

Ray, another great video my friend. I run a 160 meter dipole myself. I run top band and I also run 40 meters with that 160 meter antenna. Would like to chat with you and ask afew questions..

[@g4nsj]

I'll help if I can. Hope to hear you on top band one day.

[@boxingday11]

Just goes to say, just try what you can get up !

[@timsmith428]

Call CQ on CW...then check the Reverse Beacon Network..go to "spot search", put your call in, and see where you are being heard..any band...give it a try... de VE6PG..

[@g4nsj]

Tim Smith thanks, I’ll give it a go.

[@TommyBrownIII]

Ray, I forgot to mention if you are on Facebook look me up. Would be glad to connect with you . I have recently formed a group on Facebook dedicated to 40 Meters. So far we have over 40 members. You are most welcome to join and share your knowledge.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Tommy. OK, all noted. I'll take a look at your Facebook page when I get a minute. Cheers, Ray.

[@shaneweightman]

Good vid Ray and Happy 2018 to u and urs Shane uk

[@g4nsj]

Thanks, Shane. Happy new year! Cheers, Ray.

[@jakemichael8586]

how do you think wd1a military field telephone wire would work as a feed line on hf for transmit? the us military field antenna book shows how to use is as a antenna and transmission line on hf and vhf low. thanks for your videos 73 good dx from the USA.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Jake, if it's twin line, it will work as a balanced 75 ohm feeder. However, it will be rather like coax inasmuch as you will only be able to use the dipole on one band. So, if the dipole is cut for 80 metres, then you will only be able to use the aerial on that band. Use 300 ohm feeder, and it can be used on other bands too.

[@jakemichael8586]

thanks for the reply. I am going to use it on a resonant dipole. how do you think it would work on 10m with regards to loss? well take care 73 good dx from the USA.

[@g4nsj]

jake michael it should be fine on 10m.

[@lb5sh]

I live in a housing co, do you have any recommendations for stealth aerials for 20m+40m?

[@g4nsj]

For 20 metres you could use something like this... www.g4nsj.co.uk/vert.shtml

[@ChatGPT1111]

Anyone know if Ray is OK? I certainly hope so. Haven’t heard from him in quite awhile!

[@g4nsj]

I'm still here! Been rather busy with work but more videos coming soon. Cheers, Ray.

[@kenhancock8931]

thats great to hear ray ;-)

[@Pioneer936]

It's a quarter wave on top band, why wouldn't work well

[@johnnymac26]

hiya ray just wondering what you know about sdr radio scanners i just bought one and need a bit of info? cheers!

[@g4nsj]

johnny mac Hi, sorry I don’t know anything about them. I only work on 1940s radios. Sorry about that.

[@johnnymac26]

no worries

[@sabeehwahyly9725]

Im love station hf radio non chae in iraqi divases hf thank you oll.

[@rambo1152]

Ray, this is very timely because I am building a doublet half the size of yours for 40m and below. (much less space than you have). Rhetorical question: Which ATUs are truly balanced? Hint: All the so-called balanced ATUs commercially available seem to be unbalanced with an internal balun, NOT THE SAME THING. A truly balanced ATU as a spaced link-coil over the centre of the main coil, but such ATUs do not seem to be made anymore, so I made my own. Best thing is that it's only cost me the price of the antique 500pF variables I got of Ebay for £10 the pair.

[@g4nsj]

rambo1152 The best ATU I’ve ever has is the KW 107. Its worth getting one, if you can.

[@octavmandru9219]

Have you ever tried a square loop antenna? (I know this is an old video)

[@g4nsj]

No, I haven’t. I’ll have to give it a go one day.

[@dambuster6387]

@@g4nsj Hi re noise issue on 160 m I found on the web the circuit for the Wellbrook loop it goes under the guise of the Wellgood loop I have built it an works very well the loop is 1 meter diameter made from rg 213 the pre amp is push pull broad banded from medium wave to 30 mhz works very well on 160 m . Tried it indoors but best kept away from the house.

[@g4nsj]

Dambuster thanks, I’ll look into that.

[@dambuster6387]

@@g4nsj The loop works from 12 volts a little trick I used to get the 12 volts I connected a 12 ohm- ish res 2 watt in series from my 13.8 psu. the cost of the loop is about £40 -ish I brought the P.C.B board,s from the author because the components layout are printed on the board makes life easy. 73 G4LMZ.

[@g4nsj]

Dambuster ok, thanks.

[@robvanderweijden5391]

Hello (nice video!) have looked at you again, I have become curious? how does your A.T.U. look like? friendly greetings from The Netherlands! Rob.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Rob, I'll make a video about my ATU if I get time. Cheers, Ray.

[@MM0IMC]

I've been thinking about a doublelet for a while now, but am unsure if the ladder line can be fed through a brick wall? 🤔 Any thoughts? Also, what's the balanced ATU you are using, is it a Made From Junk variety or something better?

[@g4nsj]

MM0IMC Amateur Radio Channel Yes, it can go through a brick wall. I use a KW107 or a CAP. CO. ATU.

[@MM0IMC]

Radio Workshop I've got terrible plasma, TV QRM from the next door's TV. It's next to one end of my inverted V dipole. A MFJ-1026 and bhi noise cancelling DSP speaker fail to kill it, do you think a doublelet would help? 🤔

[@g4nsj]

Possibly, it’s certainly worth trying.

[@dambuster6387]

The ladder line through walls , that depends how close the brick wall comes to the ladder line it will affect it due to the capacitance effect of the brick , remember balanced line has to have consistant spacing between the conductors , 450 ohm is about 2 to 3 inch spacing so I think you would need say 4 inch clearance around the ladder line. I use a home brew balanced matcher , simple parallel tune circuit tap the feeder on to the coil, wind a 6 turn coil around the center of the coil and series tune with a cap about 500 pf this is for your 50 ohm match.

[@VickyGeagan]

Ray here's one for you which I am sure you are very much aware off Those offshore pirates of Caroline are back using a very highly direction rombic formerly used by bbc radio 1 at orfordness pointed at eastern europe with ground radials that were mysteriously added to the 5 aerial towers to be able to broadcast into europe on 200 watts from the transmitter at 1,000 watts erp even though their broadcast license is only for upper sussex and essex counties their on 648 khz double sideband medium Wave still pirates

[@g4nsj]

Thanks for that, Vicky. I'll check it out later when I'm in the radio room. Happy Christmas! Cheers, Ray.

[@ningis21]

Good stuff Ray...as usual. I was just pondering on coiling the ends of the doublet instead if letting them droop or sending them off at a different angle. Any thoughts?

[@g4nsj]

The trouble is that using loading coils at the ends of the wires won't have much affect. You're better off taking the wires off at angles, if you can. Let me know how you get on. Cheers, Ray.

[@mikethees6434]

Great video de KD2RVW

[@g4nsj]

MIKE THEES thanks, Mike.

[@Mudsuitable]

Hi Ray Great Vid! I do lots of off road driving lots of low branches and tight trails in general I often use my cb radio in my trail rig but the vertical aerial gets damaged or ripped off completely is there any other options I can try besides a vert aerial? ? Any advice greatly appreciated Gypsy Rover~ Out

[@g4nsj]

I don't think there are any other options. Horizontal wouldn't be any good so I don't know what to suggest. Sorry about that. Cheers, Ray.

[@JimNicholsMotorManiaGarage]

I love your channel good Sir!! 73 ke0eyh

[@Isszarya]

Just got an sem tranz match any comment's regarding tuning a doublet oh by the way £31 in perfect condition

[@g4nsj]

Isszarya excellent price!

[@nlo114]

What sorcery is this? You tell of lands further north than Scotland? Past the end of the earth where the great waterfall will end all life? Next you will tell us there is land south of the barren wasteland that is Gaul!

[@jackofalltrades3727]

Hi ray keep up the good work I never hear you talk about baluns do you ever use them

[@g4nsj]

Hi Garry, I try not to use baluns or coax. With a decent ATU and a balanced aerial, baluns aren't necessary. Cheers, Ray.

[@glenwoofit]

Do you go on the 1.933 NET?

[@g4nsj]

I used to but I've not been there for a while. I'm usually on 1980 kHz these days.

[@glenwoofit]

Radio Workshop I'll listen out for you. I can't TX though I get more reflected power than forward power on my long wire.... :(

[@carlburgess9635]

Thanks for the videos. de N6NZX

[@johnm0jfe]

High pal I live near Blacpool if you want to do some tests on hf send me an email is good on qrz.com Like you I experiment and come up with a vertical that really kicks ass with very low noise floor. DE M0JFE

[@g4nsj]

John Earnshaw OK, thanks! 😃