Ham Radio Antennas for Beginners - Build Your Own Today!

[@daniell8387]

One of my favorite things about the ham radio community is that all of the youtube channels lift each other up. You don't see a lot of cutthroat competition and people talking trash about each other, everyone is enthusiastic about the same general stuff and everyone works together to celebrate the hobby.

[@HR4NT]

I think you nailed it. The ham community for the most part is very supportive and that is one of the things that attracted me to the hobby and keeps me here today. Hams helping Hams! Thanks for watching. 73!

[@JohnMackay-kn3rl]

Programs like yours are excellent. Too many only talk about GMRS. I prefer 10 and 12 meters nowadays. Licensed for 43 years. VE3BQH. 73

[@rodscher9874]

For a newbie like myself, this was awesome. Reminds me of projects we did in electric shop in junior high school. I should've paid more attention then, but I''m paying attention now! Thank you!

[@HR4NT]

Hi Rod! Better late than never. This is one of the easiest antenna builds you will find and very cheapo to make. Even now two years later I have upgraded to making End Fed Half Waves and that is fun too even though they are a bit more detailed in materials and the build itself. Keep up the good work, experiment and have fun! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@hammathguy3995]

Very well done! When I got my Tech license way back in 1976 I also built one these beauties. The only difference is I soldered all of the elements. Steel coat hangers were much more common back then. I did my shopping in the closet. PVC pipe had not been invented yet. So, I taped it the end of a broom stick. With it mounted it about 15 feet in the air I made a simplex contact of around 40 miles with about 1.5 watts. I was in heaven. I suppose the point is, you don't have to invest a ton of money or need much in the way of advanced skills to built antenna that works very well. I know I didn't.

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for sharing your story! I think you nailed it. You do not have to spend the bank to get a good antenna and most of the time stuff you have around or easily sourced can make a great antenna. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@kcsmalls3645]

Love love love this video I've been sitting on some supplies to build this for a long while now, unsure I could complete this project. This video explains it do well I think I need to do it this week....Thank you so much!

[@JReed305]

Simple antennas, the longer I play with radios the more I go back to simple antennas like this. Nice video.

[@HR4NT]

Sometimes simple is better. If it works no need to go out of your way to make something more complicated just because. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support! 73!!

[@RonBlevens]

As someone who is a Ham new born. I have found your videos to be most informative and at my level, which I would consider to be 0. I have watched a lot of other videos, but have found yours the best to speak at my level. Keep'em coming.

[@HR4NT]

That is exactly why I created this channel. There are a lot of excellent KZbinrs out there on Ham Radio, but the subject matter is easily confusing to new Hams like myself. Glad you like the channel! Thank you for the support.

[@yuchubeluvstabanmeh7213]

This channel is a god send, other channels are so difficult to understand with all the technical jargon

[@theOriginal_ex811]

Scott, thanks for making this video. I made one of these several years ago - using #12 solid copper and only 2 elements in my ground plane (to see if it would work). My HOA was full of "she who shall not be named" people so putting up ANY antenna was not permitted. I actually strapped mine to one of the supports for the deck, out of sight from anywhere but under the deck. I operated off of that for a few years until we moved from that location. 73, my friend.

[@HR4NT]

That is an awesome story!! Thank you for sharing! I am glad that you were able to thwart the restrictive efforts of "she who shall not be named" and made it work for you!! I love hearing success stories form viewers! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@shutthegate8232]

Some things sound complicated and create hesitancy for giving things a go, but your awesome video and explanation kicked down the door of complicated & laid it out in basic steps to follow along with nicely. I appreciated this dot to dot version of a show and tell example. Thank you.

[@HR4NT]

It's one thing to be a talking head and just tell people about something. I seem to learn better, and I assume most others as well, if someone shows you how to do it and sources the materials and step by step explains how difficult it is NOT! I think many can benefit from this type of learning and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@TheSmokinApe]

These antennas are great, well done 👏

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

As someone just starting in this hobby I loved this video. Can’t wait to experiment in the future

[@HR4NT]

Hey I am glad you liked it. My channel is designed for the new ham and I try to bring you the best useful information. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!!

[@Marlene-x1x]

Good day. I am totally new to Ham radio. Thank you for for this video. This will be my first attempt to build an antenna, and you made it so easy to understand. Regards from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Jannie

[@HR4NT]

I am glad that you found the video useful! I am sure you will have great results with your first antenna. Wishing you the best of luck! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@VeteranInThePhilippines1]

Thank for the video copper is a better conductor years ago my first 2 meter antenna was copper ground wire connected to a 2x2 and 4 wood screws and a piece of coax with a p l259 on one end 2x2 leaing against the house and hit the repeaters full quieting

[@HR4NT]

As long as it worked and you were able to communicate, I'd say that was a win! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@tecstackdev]

Dude! You're a ninja. As a brand new technician, I have read the book - and it feels like folks think if I can talk about it, I somehow "know" about it. NOTHING could be further from the truth. Your hands-on may seem simple to everyone else, but let me assure you - there are MANY of us who can't thank you enough. This video was AWESOME! Thank you.

[@HR4NT]

Hey I am very glad to hear that!! I know everyone learns things differently and I try to bridge the gap to make sure that ham radio related stuff is explained in a way that is easy to digest and comprehend! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@vladimirlelicanin4696]

Great tutorial! It's refreshing to find a video that's so concise and straight to the point. Most KZbin tutorials, in general, tend to be too long, circling around the topic with lots of irrelevant information. I especially appreciate that you edited out the repetitive tasks, making the content even more efficient and informative. Thank you for such a well-made guide!

[@HR4NT]

I try to do my best to cut out the fluff and be straight to the point. Saves time and let's you get the project completed faster. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@jeff-73]

Thanks for showing us how to be a true HAM to build stuff ourselves vs secretly pushing a sponsored product like some other channels. You tell it like it is and no BS filler content or sound effects. thanks.

[@HR4NT]

I am glad that you enjoyed the video. I occasionally do product reviews, however my reviews are honest opinions and based upon things I own and trust. I would never waste my viewers time with garbage items for the sake of a video. Thanks for watching! 73!

[@n0anime342]

I was given a icom ic 746 from my late grandfather who was a ham and am absolutely loving the community. I have a couple handhelds that im tinkering with before i move up to the big boy and get a dedicated antenna. I really want to eventually get a setup for long wave but thats a ways down the road. Love this video and keep it up.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much! I wish you the best of luck on your ham radio adventure! Ask questions, do your research and utilize the online ham community. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!!

[@randydoyle1501]

Very useful and informative. Im thinking about building one of these on the island on my lake to contact my house. Thank you!

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! It's a fun build and just remember to put it up high if you are out in the boonies. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@TheNuggetshooter]

I built one using welding rods. Works fantastic and it was easy to build by following your video. SWR was 1.29. Thanks for posting this video.

[@HR4NT]

Hey!!! That is AWESOME!!!!!! I am glad it worked out for you! Thanks for sharing that! 73!

[@Marine-72]

Very impressive and easy to learn...and I subscribed. Looking forward to more videos.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for the kind words and for subscribing!

[@koonelos]

Thank you for taking the time to educate us! I appreciate the knowledge 🙏🏻

[@K5YVY]

Great content, I foresee your channel taking off with the content aimed at practical and entry level things like this. Keep up the great work!

[@HR4NT]

I appreciate that! Eventually I will go more advanced, but I think for those who are on the fence about the hobby, these videos might lessen the apprehension to get in to Ham radio.

[@K5YVY]

@@HR4NT you’re correct and I think you have a good plan. As long as your titles and keywords are relevant, the videos will forever be found by those searching for that. 👍

[@HR4NT]

@@K5YVY I am all over the SEO portion of KZbin. LOL

[@JohnMackay-kn3rl]

A wire dipole is sightly directional but I have worked the world with inverted Vs on 20 meters. A tuner is VERY helpful .

[@_Mordion_]

You have the absolute best channel. I'm trying to learn this radio junk and the problem with most hams is that they've ironically forgotten how to communicate with the rest of humanity. Thank you for not being "that guy" :)

[@HR4NT]

I am so glad to hear that. Thank you for the compliment! I appreciate it! I try to be on the level and straight about my explanations because although ham radio is technical, doesn't mean it has to be difficult for anyone to get into and learn and enjoy. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@mrBDeye]

I took a course in radio communication for my degree in Electronics Engineering. We had to calculate and build an antenna with multiple elements. This is a good step by step video you made.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much! It is a simple antenna, but it works. I have had viewers send me pictures and describing how they modified my design and used alternative materials to build this antenna. As long a everyone has fun and learns, my job is done. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@jduke008]

Ham radio AND Festool! We both have expensive tastes and hobbies! I've been a pro cabinet maker for 30 years and have way more Festool than I really need but hey, It's fun right! Thank's for all you do!

[@HR4NT]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing that. I guess I like expensive hobbies...LOL Love my Festool though...don't know how I lived without them! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@denf0j881]

Great video, Scott! This old timer really appreciates what you do. 73, de NF0J

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your continued support of the channel! Thanks for the comment and for watching!!! 73!!

[@normandavis6569]

Ned Davis WB4BKO I have been licensed since 1975, and I learn something new and practical about this hobby every day. You are providing a great service to the newer hams and I applaud you for it.. This exercise in the simple, practical and inexpensive 2 meter ground plane is an example of what new hams are looking for: uncomplicated antennas and accessories that are easy to assemble and provide fun and education in the process. 73

[@HR4NT]

Hi Norman, I am glad that you are finding value in my videos even being as experienced as you are, that is awesome! This hobby can get very technical very fast and I think that can scare some of the newer people looking to get into the hobby. My thought process is find some simple ideas to present and let that take root and see what happens. My journey in Ham radio has taught me to never say never, because I usually end up eating my words...LOL Thanks you for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@leroyolson4349]

Brass Brazing rod also works great, you can buy it at a welding supply store, and it comes in different thickness.

[@HR4NT]

Great suggestion! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@BackBeeBrokenBeekeeping]

Great example of how to make a great antenna with very little tech or resources. A few notes: 1. The crimper you used was for uninsulated connectors, you were using insulated connectors. There is a big difference in the crimp and the quality of the connection after. 2. The "pointy" end of the crimper of an uninsulated crimper tool should be used toward the "bottom" of the connected (side without the split). Google this, as it doesn't seem intuitive, but it is correct 3. When applying solder to a joint, you should not apply the solder to the iron tip and then move the solder around the joint, but rather the opposite side of the joint that you are heating to ensure that the joint area is actually to the proper temperature to melt the solder preventing a cold joint.

[@hectorpadilla6480]

Very cool video. I’m studying for my technician license and I’m excited to get into the game. Your design will be the first antenna I will make. Thank you.

[@HR4NT]

Awesome! Thank you! It is a simple first antenna build and you will learn from it. CAUTION: building antennas is addictive...you build one...you will build more...LOL Best of luck on passing your tech exam! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@ArchangelMLM]

Thank you Scott for these videos, I have bookmarked all your videos and am watching them as I learn more about amateur radio and antennas, I am new to this hobby, studying for my tech license, have not even bought my first radio yet, would love to get the IC-7610 but will probably start with the IC-7300 and the ID52-A for HT and eventually the IC-7100 for my truck, thanks again for sharing what you know, with everyone, this will definitely help a newbie like me with the learning curve.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for your kind words! I am glad that my videos bring value to you and others. Study, study, study and pass those exams!! I assume you are going for General and possibly Extra if you are planning on buying a 7300 & 7100?? Good for you!! You got this! IT seems hard at first because it is new information, but once you put it into practice it will make more sense and you will start learning all kinds of stuff that right now seems unobtainable! Trust me on this. Anyway, thank you for watching, if you have questions hit me up anytime. Always glad to help anyone!! 73!

[@southernblueblood5402]

I was searching for simple antenna and happened upon your channel, decided to give it a look and was so impressed with the build. You explained the process clearly and made it simple to understand, so I became a new subscriber and can't wait to watch more of your video's. Thank you

[@HR4NT]

Awesome, thank you! Many of my videos come from the viewpoint that many just don't know how to show and explain things to viewers in a manner that will let let them follow along in a simple and easy way. I am breaking that chain and making sure I am crystal clear if i show my viewers something. Thanks for watching and for the comment! 73!

[@OZ1HGH]

Hello Scott. Very good with this inspiration for new hams. In 1981 when I got my first Ham radio lincense I build an antenne just like that groundplane and it was a good start. The solderstation you´ve got is superb - I´ve got just the same model and it is just as good as my Weller solderstation. Thanks for good video´s. Best 73´s from OZ1HGH

[@HR4NT]

Thank you very much for sharing. Glad to have you here! 73!

[@redfonzie21]

I also appreciate how you dropped Ham Radio 2.0 and Ham Radio Crash Course out there. I also suggest Ham Radio Concepts - Eric - and for a perspective from across the pond, the DX Commander. I enjoy all these guys. I look forward to going through all your videos soon. Thanks again, and 73. Zach, N2JZS

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for the suggestion. I really like Ham Radio Concepts and watch his videos regularly. I hear great things about DX Commander, mostly from his antennas which are supposed to be quite superior in quality. I appreciate the support to the channel! 73!

[@gaptastic]

Great video, well thought out and informative! I wish I saw this before purchasing my Arrow dual band ground plane. Don't get me wrong I dig my arrow antenna but I got it after getting my tech license per my local ham association recommendation. I'm gonna stop buying and start making. I'm not sure there are enough fingers on the planet to count how many times I had to go back to the hardware store. Thanks for getting me going. Now, I need to keep rolling.

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! Building your own antennas is the way to go most of the time. The only issue sometimes is sourcing materials. My only recommendation is never buy toroids or ferrites on Amazon. There are much better reputable dealers out there and on Ebay that sell ones that will actually work in the event you decide to build End Fed Halfwave antennas. Thanks for the comment and for watching. Good luck on your future antenna builds!!! 73!!!!

[@hbarwickjr]

Cool antenna project. Cool Harley too! Thank you!

[@HR4NT]

Glad you like it! It was a fun build and it worked!!! The Harley is nice as well and fast as can be! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@BatColonyEvictor]

Fabulous! Going to give it a go just because I can. Love DIY and making it happen. Thanks again

[@HR4NT]

Have fun! I am doing a show on DIY project ideas on Friday night Feb 11 @7PM CST if you are interested! Enjoy the build. 73!

[@rogerward3185]

About three minutes in and I subscribed. Yep, I'm sure lots of old hands have seen it and done it. Us new guys haven't!

[@HR4NT]

I am glad you enjoyed the video! Thank for the sub!!! I really appreciate that. Glad my video brought you value and information. Thank you again! 73!!

[@wingrider1004]

Wow...that reception was great...thanks for this.

[@HR4NT]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Wildhare-uo5vj]

Mandalorian Helmet, Stormtrooper Edition truck and a Aegis Max on the workbench. My man is a geek and there's nothing wrong with that!

[@HR4NT]

LOL...you caught all that?? Yep...guilty. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@Wildhare-uo5vj]

@@HR4NT I is a geek too...

[@ppipowerclass]

90% of this stuff I have around my house. Thank you for the great video!

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome! I hope you enjoy the build! It is a fun first antenna build. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@mike-M0MSN]

Great video, from the guy in the UK that made the coat hanger antenna..

[@HR4NT]

Thank you! I hope you got similar results from yours!

[@BobTheBald2]

great build, I'm new to the ham world and I think this is something that I'd like to build for my first project.

[@HR4NT]

It is a simple and fun project to build and will introduce you to antenna building. Best of luck! Hope you enjoyed the video! 73!

[@wingrider1004]

This is so crazy good...thanks!

[@HR4NT]

You're so welcome! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

Fantastic video. I’ve done it before but I enjoyed watching your version very much

[@HR4NT]

Awesome! Thank you! It was fun as a first project. Looking forward to many more in the future. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@shannonestep5506]

This is the way. Mandalorian reference in background. Excellent video

[@HR4NT]

This is the way! Thanks for watching! 73!

[@JohnMackay-kn3rl]

I use a Rig Expert AA35 analyzer to help when I build an HF antenna. My tuner is. MFJ 945E and an ATU 100 EXT. for mobile

[@roamingcelt]

My first diy antenna was for CB. It was 1/2 wave made out of 1/2in copper pipe and household ground wire. I could talk 25mi on a good day with a stock radio.

[@HR4NT]

Very Cool! My knowledge of CB is limited to watching Smoky and the Bandit...LOL But yeah, anything can be made into and antenna and if done right, you can definitely get great performance out of them. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@2ravenrick]

Romex makes a good wire source. One roll of that will give you plenty for different antenna experiments.

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for the tip! That is a great idea! Thanks for watching. 73!

[@daniellethewatertrainer]

New HAM here... This video is awesome! Thank you! Great channel too - just subscribed!

[@HR4NT]

Thanks and welcome! I hope you find value in my other videos on this channel as well. I am always willing to help where I can an answer questions or give recommendations on gear. Be sure to check out my website as well. hamradiofornontechies.com Thanks for the comment, the sub and for watching...73!!!

[@southlouisianahomestead244]

Great video. Just found your channel and as someone who is just starting out with Ham radio, I really enjoy videos that keep it simple. Just subscribed.

[@HR4NT]

Welcome aboard! You are exactly the audience I am geared towards. I have a lot more videos coming! Thank you for your support! 73

[@bigt9497]

Awesome information, thanks. I just ordered the book. 👍🏼 Also nice shop and bike!!! My bike is my therapist. 😁

[@HR4NT]

Awesome! Thank you! The book gets a bit technical, but it is a fantastic resource. Thanks for your support! 73

[@MuzzleMike]

I subbed you . You had me with the doing the cheap antenna . I am into showing that you do not have to have a truck load of cash to get into ham radio . I say that but I have not moved out of my Tech class ticket . I see no need to move up yet . Then I seen you are a brother rider ! Keep the shinny side up and 73 !

[@HR4NT]

Thank you for the comment! Glad you liked the video. Anything you can build with minimum supplies and cost that works is a good thing! Thank for the support! 73!

[@therealcoreb]

Great content. A demonstration in this style of building a cubical quad would be great.

[@HR4NT]

I can definitely look into that. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!!

[@jamieblakley]

Fascinating and inspiring. I'm headed to the hardware store this afternoon. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this and please keep the great content coming. KD9UDR clear.

[@HR4NT]

It is a cool build and simple to source parts. You can get creative with it and try other things as long as the same principles apply. Good luck on the build! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73

[@isettech]

To help tune them, I have found what used to be a very expensive piece of test equipment has been open sourced and mass produced for low cost. Sweeping the antenna with a Vector Network Analyzer used to require expensive equipment. Now you can easily trim and tune. Google Nano VNA. Many manufactures produce it. Note you will need adapters to transition from the SMA to the connector of your choice of N, BNC, or PL259. Videos are online of how to setup, calibrate, and use it. It displays the following. On one port Smith Chart SWR On two port Insertion loss Phase shift Found them for under $40 online.

[@HR4NT]

I actually did consider the NANO VNA when I was researching. However, I was trying to find the one actually made by the creator and I found a bunch of knockoffs with the similar logo. That may or may not matter if it does what it says it should, but it got a bit confusing to me and I didn't know at the time which one to trust. I know that they are packed with features that go way beyond a simple use tool. Thank you for the suggestions! 73!

[@isettech]

@@HR4NT It has been open sourced with PCB files and software for anyone to make. I bought two to find any differences. One was white and one black. The white one has the updated firmware, otherwise identical except color. Pick one up. They use the same boards. Only thing to keep in mind, is the unit uses a frequency synthesizer, so the signal is rich in harmonics. Doesn't seem to affect it much.

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

Truly enjoyed this video. I love the soldering station ( will be getting that) I am interested in learning more about antennas . Thanks again for sharing

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! Building antennas is super fun to do an you learn new skills each time. Best of luck! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@1kr1sb]

Being new to ham this is a great insight into how basic and cheap things can be. I’ve got a Quansheng UV-K5(8) but I need an antenna for better signal so I’m going to put something like this together but with copper wire. Thanks for sharing.

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! Give it a shot and experiment. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@bobcatskrieman3384]

KD2WBZ, Bob.... It’s all in the details, very nice video. I’m gonna give it a try in a few days when I get the parts. Looking forward to your channel. 👍🏻

[@HR4NT]

It was an easy build compared to making the jpole which I have not covered yet, and I was surprised at the low SWR and signal quality. Thank you for your support!

[@KN4MDE]

Great job! Keep up the good work. Nice bike.

[@HR4NT]

Thank you! Love my Dyna!!! Thanks for watching! 73!

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

The 'Dislike' was from Antenna Super Store! 🤣🤣🤣 Great video! Yall Take Care and be safe, John

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

PS, I subscribed to help the channel grow.

[@HR4NT]

LOL...probably so!! This was a fun little project and proved that just about anything can be used to make an antenna. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@HR4NT]

I really appreciate that! Thank you again! 73!

[@joewilson2258]

You can pick up a few sticks brass brazing rods and you can build a two meter ground plane antenna .

[@HR4NT]

Oh for sure. You can make an antenna out of almost anything that you find. I just thought this would be a fun quick project. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@joewilson2258]

@@HR4NT no problem because I am new at ham radio even though I have become a general class operator and still learning . There is one thing that I enjoy is designing and building antennas and seeing if they work or not . Thanks to people like you that I can turn to for help is very greatful . 73s to you from kn4kbh Joe .

[@dacodemonk]

I found some tig welding rod (aluminum) that were 36" in length at harbor freight. 10 bucks for a pound of them, and I think there's a good 20 or 30 rods in there. Enough for quite a few of these antennas. I build mine last night and hooked up my nanovna to it and was shocked to see how good the swr was. I messed up by cutting too much off to get too greedy with the swr. Moved the low spot too high up the 2m band. Since I have so many more rods, I can just redo it.

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome! Glad to see so may are using the video and experimenting with different things to build the antenna. This is what ham radio is about...getting curious and trying new and odd things to make a good result! Glad it worked out for you! Thanks for sharing and for watching. 73!

[@johnmeeks9618]

I remember when I was a new Ham 20 years ago, our group made “tape Measure 3 element Yagi antennas “. They were directional of course, and we used them for “fox hunts” which were fun to do at a group meeting.

[@HR4NT]

Those are a fun build as well. I have made one for myself to seek out RFI in my neighborhood and it works perfectly. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

just found you and subscribed wish you luck with youtube and thanks for sharing info with us all.

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for the sub! I am glad you are enjoying the videos. I have many more coming out. Thank you for your support. 73!!

[@Incindio13]

I built a linked dipole that works awesome. Watched s couple videos and then built it.

[@HR4NT]

That is awesome!!! I seem to really enjoy building antennas now as opposed to when I first got into ham radio. Now I build them at the drop of a hat. Thanks for watching! Congrats on your antenna build!! 73!

[@patrickhall5739]

Great video, Very nice looking shop!

[@HR4NT]

Thank you!

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

Thank you - very informative and interesting topic. I'm motivated to experiment on my own.

[@HR4NT]

Go for it! Either way you will have fun and learn a few things. It was a fun project. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@georgecambian6170]

Excellent Video Scott. You made it look very simple project for a newbie in ham radio like me. Can you tell what was the range from that contact in the video? Just curious.

[@HR4NT]

I'm not exactly sure how far away the guy was but I would assume anywhere between 20 and 30 miles

[@timmack2415]

Great video and my own OCD appreciates you! 😁

[@HR4NT]

Hey there! Glad you like the video! There are tons of things, as I am finding out, that you can use to build an antenna. I have seen a couple videos where they take tape measures and make a Yagi antenna from them. Thanks for supporting the channel! 73!!

[@twohandsandaradio]

And then for HF go to Wally Waggle and get you a 20' fishing pole and some wire. Vertical for 20m and some radials. Pretty cheap stuff.

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely! That might have to be an upcoming video! Thanks for the comment. 73!

[@w4mkh]

That is what I did except I got the 21' pole from BassPro Shop.

[@davidlateano9684]

Very cool for me to see this as a newbie ham 😊… I’ve hit liked and Subscribe… you have a great personality and presentation voice, thanks for the cool video 😊

[@HR4NT]

Welcome aboard! I am always glad to help anyone who wants to learn about ham radio. Glad to have you. I have some new videos coming out soon. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@zgofarm]

I have a houseboat trip to Kentucky next week so I am going to build this and try it out.

[@HR4NT]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes/went! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@zgofarm]

​@@HR4NT This was my first antenna build; it was easy, and it turned out great. I got a 1.0 SWR without any adjustments but was unable to activate. I attribute my struggles to the surrounding mountains and a low wattage output of my HT. Using Jason from Ham Radio 2.0's recent comment on his Alaskan cruise "That's why I don't like QRP"!!

[@ImmaHogg]

Awesome vid. What about the radio/HT end of the coax? Yes, newb here who also has a touch of the OCD.

[@HR4NT]

Yeah I probably should have explained that a bit more. I was using a standard coax for VHF/UHF which has PL259 plugs on each end. Well, obviously that won't fit the radio, so I purchased and SO239 to SMA adapter so that it would be useable on the HT. You can get adapters from Signal Stuff or from Amazon. If you have a Ham radio supplier nearby even better. They would carry just about every type of adapter needed. Thank you for the question!! Always happy to help if I can! 73!!

[@Stingray8854]

Great content here! Going for my technician license sometime this week. Maybe the general too. 🤘😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@HR4NT]

Good luck! You will do great! Share with us on my FB group if you have FB and let us know you passed! Best of luck again! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Stingray8854]

@@HR4NT I took it yesterday evening and passed! So, some time in the next few days once the license part is completed with the FCC, I’ll be good to go.

[@pnowikow]

That was fun to watch. Guess I'll need to get an antenna signal analyzer soon

[@HR4NT]

Absolutely. There are a lot of choices but the Rigexpert, although a bit pricey is the easiest to use overall and very reliable. I wish you the best of luck in finding one that suits your needs. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@Coffeeology]

I'm sitting for my tech license next week and will be building this with my daughter so when I get my callsign I can start broadcasting

[@HR4NT]

This is a great and rather simple antenna build to do. I wish you the best of luck. Post pics on my FB group when you get it done! Thanks for watching. 73!!!

[@GeorgeMulak]

What would you do if the SWR was not good? How would you fix it?

[@Sparkler333]

I've watched you video several times and today is the day. I got all the materials needed to build but one question. I'm planning on putting the antenna on top of my wood shed, pretty much permanently if it works. I'm in Canada near northern ontario and it's get very cold a very snowy here. I'm worried about the radiating element getting wet with snow on it and the connection on the top of the pvc pipe. Can I cover the top leaving only the radiating element expose. Like a pvc cap or tape over the connectors of the four rods? Anyone any ideas

[@HR4NT]

Honestly I wouldn't worry about it. I twill perforem just like any other antenna and with teh weird weathe we get here in Texas I do nto take any of those types of precautions and have never had an issue. Worse cae scenario, if you are NOT using the antenna, just unplug it from the radio and you will be fine. You could use something like plastidip if you are really concerned abotu ti , btu I think it will be OK. I hope this helps. Thanks fo rthe comment and for watching. 73!!

[@Channel19ukfmstories]

Im inspired to make my own antenna now , great videos ❤

[@HR4NT]

Go for it! They are fun projects and easy to make. It will start you down a rabbit hole of wanting to make more! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@timnewman4359]

Good job. Really good build for cheap. I think I'll knock one out real soon.

[@HR4NT]

They are a lot of fun to build and best of all...they work! Thanks for the support! 73!!

[@bg8fairpoint610]

Other than the intermittent great conversations I have with ham radio guys building stuff and being the cheapskate is my favorite when I first started building 2-meter antennas I often took discarded TV antennas and resized them so I would have say a three element yagi that was cut down in order to use for ham it was light as good be most of them folded because they came in a carton to the store so they had to be able to fold building is awesome rock on keep it up

[@HR4NT]

That is an excellent and innovative way to get new antennas! Awesome! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@murphmurph2124]

Now this is just the coolest thing there is 😅

[@HR4NT]

It was a fun build and I am finding out quickly that you can turn almost anything into an antenna from wire hangers to lawn chairs and fire extinguishers....LOL We sometimes play a game called "Will it antenna". Anyway, thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@artadams1]

LOL, that's not a "heat shrink gun" that's a surface mount component soldering station. Surface mount components use hot air to melt the solder for mounting and unmounting. I guess you can use it as a "heat shrink gun" (thanks for the giggle.) Antenna looks good, thanks for taking care of the new guys. 73 KI5BXN

[@HR4NT]

Thanks for the feedback. It does seem to work fine for heating up the heat shrink, although what you said makes better sense being it does have a temperature control for that feature. Thanks for watching. 73!

[@royramdeen8864]

Well done.. great vlog.

[@HR4NT]

Glad you enjoyed it Thanks for watching. 73!

[@pa-kuasummitnj8922]

Keep them coming!

[@HR4NT]

Will do! Thank you for watching. 73!!

[@Swoop180]

You can also use aluminum tape like used for older alarm systems and coax, I know, it's old school...

[@HR4NT]

Good idea! If it works, why not? Thanks for the support! 73

[@Jagrrr]

Nice looking scoot you got there!

[@HR4NT]

Thanks! It is a great ride! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@danieldube3576]

Great video and fun project. Thank You.

[@HR4NT]

Glad you enjoyed it!!! Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@xanatax1844]

awesome video! 😂 I just grabbed 3m of steel wire, as I’m watching this … gathering materials to build one! 🥰

[@HR4NT]

Hope you enjoy it! This was a fun build for a first antenna. Best of luck! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@xanatax1844]

follow-up: I didn’t have all the parts, but with what I *DID* have: it works, and better than a duckie! 🦆 Amazing! 🥰 thanks again! yeah, there is “room for improvement” 😆 but, next one will be better! 💜👍

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Great video, great build. Thanks man.

[@HR4NT]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!!!

[@tjstevens001]

Looks like something even I can do. Thanks for giving us this!

[@HR4NT]

Any time! This is a simple first antenna build and will lead you to end up building more down the road. I wish you the best of luck and hope you enjoy the project. Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@treasuremedic-kd2zrb159]

Nice work im going to try this

[@HR4NT]

It's a fun and easy build! Best of luck! 73!

[@503Nick]

Thank you! Great video

[@jonlawrence]

Great content! Thanks for the video.

[@HR4NT]

Glad you liked it! It was a fun build! Thanks for watching. 73!

[@SgtBrewdawg]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this info!

[@HR4NT]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@kudasaidozo]

Well done. My first antenna was made from welding rods for 1.25 meters. 73 de Steve KD9EPU

[@HR4NT]

Whatever you can use around the house or source cheaply and locally to make an antenna I think is fun, exciting and sometimes rewarding! Thanks for the support! 73! KI5NPL

[@joerowland7350]

@@HR4NT my antnna a wire dipole for 10 meters THIS wus number 2 30 years ago Nice to see you Elmering the new hams antenna building is addictive 73 n good dx n9prf JOE ps I live in Mississippi now A bout hour from mfj

[@rylan5040]

Thanks for sharing brother, I’m considering getting into ham radios. I do have a question for you. If you are wanting to use the radios for personal use are there frequencies you can use that will only transmit in a small use as to not disturb anyone else out there?

[@rylan5040]

In a small area*

[@HR4NT]

Technical;ly you could go onto a VHF band using simplex, meaning no repeater, and transmit back and forth to toerhs nearby, but it will not be a private conversation. Anyone in the area can hear and pick up the conversation, but they would have to be in the area and looking on that particular frequency. Hope thast helps. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@Dave-zb9dq]

Hi Scott I have never built an antenna, I will now. Thanks 📯

[@HR4NT]

This is a super simple first project. Once you build this, it will make you want to build another antenna...LOL Just follow what I did in the video and you should be good to go. I wish you the best of luck and hope you enjoy the project and the antenna! Thanks for watching and for the comment. 73!

[@davehardtke1712]

Can you use copper wire with the insulation on it or does it have to be solid un-insulated copper wire like 12 gauge copper wire. Thanks

[@HR4NT]

You can use any wire you want...does NOT have to be copper or any specific metal. You just want something that is stiff enough to hold its own weight. If you give this build a try, let me know how it went. Thanks for the comment and for watching. 73!

[@davehardtke1712]

@@HR4NT yes absolutely & I will try building it and give you a update 👍

[@davehardtke1712]

@@HR4NT also what size or kind of coax wire do you need to use from the new antenna to your radio. (RG58 & or RG59 & or RG6 can you use either of these). Thanks again for your input

[@davehardtke1712]

@@HR4NT I found a roll of 250’ of RG6/U in my shop building. Can I use that to hook up to the 1/4 wave antenna (I’m going to build) with a PL259 connector to a SMA connector on a handheld radio. Thanks again for your input

[@HR4NT]

@@davehardtke1712 You technically can use it but it is not ideal a coax like RG8 or RG8X would be. You may need the use of a tuner tomake up for the losses by not using a 50 ohm coax. I'd say give it a shot and do some testing and see how your SWR is on your readings but generally you want to use RG eightex coax or something similar in the 50 ohm category for ham radio.