SMALL GARDENS - S9 HF SIGNALS ON HAM RADIO BANDS

[@johnmarron1944]

And yet again another cracking video Peter I am always messing with antennas and tomorrow I will leave my enfed that I am very happy with as it is but I am going to put a second one along the top of the fence I have a switch over box so will be interesting to see who I can work in a closer vicinity thanks again. and keep them coming 73 john .just looked and not realised this is one you posted 2 years ago ..

[@bobemerson2049]

Hi Peter ..thank you for all the effort you have put into your recent “small garden” videos as they have now reignited my interest in the hobby.

[@rjinnh3933]

It's so pleasant to listen to you with your easy going, matter of fact British manner. Too many YT HAM presenters are loud and like to hear their own voices while they rehash info previously provided by others. Your Small Garden series is quite helpful since I just moved into a small appartment with no chance of permanent aerials. I have a very large grassed area next to me for temp 80/40 NVISs and will be doing alot of mobile/portable/overnight operating with EFHWs being my mainstay. Will also do a DIY DX-Commander setup. Tnx again for your presentations. They're much appreciated..... 73 OM

[@watersstanton]

So nice to get your message - Peter

[@arminhachmer]

Thank You Peter. Enjoying Your recently discovered excellent videos. I find your presentation articulate, pleasant and effective. Armin VA3YB

[@G1WHP]

A very encouraging video that caters for many hams with restricted space. I like the direction you are aiming your latest videos. Thanks very munch. 👍🇬🇧👍🇬🇧 Paul

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks Paul - 73s Peter

[@davelucas3940]

Hi Peter, great video, I have just put up a EFHW in inverted V fashion, both ends at fence post level after watching your previous videos. Works great! Also spoke to Geoff on 40m Also got a 59+ so they must work!! Going to extend it to a 132 foot version this weekend to get 80m covered . Keep up these videos, they inspire me no end, 73 Dave G8XDD

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks Dave. 73s Peter

[@KC6SOR]

Thanks for your series on antennas for small gardens. It has provided me with a rather pleasant look at wire antennas for those of us who are unable to install large arrays of antennas and their supports. This latest episode regarding NVIS, made me remember that the US Army put out a training manual on this subject for use by their troops during the 1970's in South East Asia. Now all I have to do is find it. Its on one of my computers in a pdf format. I will share it if I can find it...73...de...KC6SOR.

[@edwardlee4032]

Thank you Peter. Just found your "KZbin" channel last week and enjoy them. I will listen/view to all of them in time. Here in California we are home bound and concerned as I am approaching 84 in a couple of months, However, I have begun to explore getting back on the air. I live in a HOV community and no antennas are allowed. Your explaination of the end feed antenna is really wetting my interest. Basically, my garden is mostly concert with a golf course behind my home. I do have a 75 foot lot, so I will be attempting to use the end feed antenna. Been looking for some of the items needed to build the transformer. "Treat your garden as a challenge" Words to live by. Thanks again Peter. Stay Safe.

[@davewebb2463]

Excellent work Peter! I worked Geoff up in the Orkney Isles yesterday afternoon on 5 watts Ft-817 using 1/2 size G5R Van inverted at gutter height, 5&9 both ways. 73 De M0SKT

[@Ei2iP]

I use EFHW for 80M, 130ft and 1:49 balun, at 30ft inverted V, works quite well.. good NVIS on 80M...thanks for informative video..

[@watersstanton]

Cheers Robbie

[@richardfryer8646]

Great video Walter... in my situation, I have no need for an NVIS antenna; but this video should be required viewing for any newbie to Amateur Radio. Many amateurs like to do the local daily HF net check-in ritual on 40 or 80, or they like 'rag chewing' with folks they know who live within 350 miles radius. Others who may want to contest or chase DX, so they would be disappointed with this antenna. One size does not fit all. But there is an easy solution for them too. It's an antenna configured for a specific purpose; and knowing the difference is what's important here. Many folks like to travel, as I do, often operating QRP with one of the new portable rigs. I myself own a Xigeu G-90, it's 20 watts so slightly QRO. yet portable enough for battery campsite operation, or just from a carpark. This antenna would be practical to throw up over a tree or across a fence line. and your on the air. Richard VA7AA/XE1 ... also on the wrong side of 70

[@alfredvolz9908]

Hi Peter, Thanks for sharing your experience with hams that have only small gardens. Disadvantages can even be an advantage. You really are an Elmer that I would have wished for. 73 from Germany, Stuttgart, Alfred, DH1GAV

[@StuLeslie]

Hi Peter, After many years of inactivity I am dusting off my old IC-706 and I am looking forward to getting back on the air. Thank you for your videos as they are giving me some ideas of what antenna solutions I could utilise in my small garden. 73 2D0STL

[@michaelhowse8893]

Hi Peter. I have eventually got around to the NVIS end fed halfwave antenna and rf transformer (un un) that you featured in your you tube video's. I did the calculation for the halfwave wire on 40 metres and it worked out to about 21 metres long so I measured a length of wire (insulated) of 22metres to allow for shortening if necessary. I built the transformer as you showed on the video (10 turns) and fitted the capacitor. I then fitted it in a plastic (abs) enclosure with a SO239 socket and installed it at about 3.5 metres high on the side of a Tennamast on the back wall of my house. I then routed the wire from the transformer about a metre to the end, and along the gutter on on a shed and then across to the guttering on my garage. From the end of the gutter I then took the wire across the roof at the back of the garage and onto and along a wooden fence leading down to bottom of my garden and then at 90 degrees along the fence at the back of my property a short distance. I connected a couple of metres of RG58 to the transformer with the other end going to a MFJ259B antenna analyser and started to try and tune the wire for a half wave at 40 metres. After many attempts I managed to tune the antenna on the analyser to 7.21Mhz with a SWR of 1.1, a resistance of 59ohms and a reactance reading of zero. I will add that I did not cut the wire, I just folded and twisted it back on itself. My problem is that to get it into the above tune I had to fold it back so far on itself that there is no way that it is a half wave long at 40 metres. I am very puzzled why this is. Have I got to many 90 degree bends in the wire (5 bends) also it goes past an aluminium greenhouse ( about 2.5 feet away) for about 8 foot as it goes along a fence to the back of the garden. The only difference in the build of the matching transformer if that I used 1mm copper earth cable from twin and earth house cable instead of tinned copper wire. I don't think that would matter. I have been using the antenna on FT8 and have had some northern european and Scottish contacts using 10 watts and a SWR of about 1.3 to 1.5 and my swr meter shows a reflected power of around 0.08 watts. Have I just tuned a random length of wire to that frequency or have I got a 40metre halfwave end fed antenna. Any thoughts and idea's Mike G7PTV.

[@watersstanton]

if a adjusting the antenna reduces the VSWR then it is a pretty good indicator that it is resident. The matching transformer adds a small amount of loading plus the lower antenna and the bends that you describe all help to lower the frequency. That means you will end up with an antenna which is significantly shorter than 20m physically. I am assuming that is what you have ended with.

[@michaelhowse8893]

@@watersstanton Thanks Peter. You have put my mind at rest. I might try re-routing the antenna to reduce the number of bends and move it away from the aluminium greenhouse some time in the near future. I will keep you informed on how it goes. Once again thanks for your advice and prompt reply. 73's Mike G7PTV

[@michaelhowse8893]

Hi Peter. Just an update on the above antenna. It is still in it's original position as described above and to date I have had 226 40 metre FT8 QSO's from mostly Europe and Scandinavia with one from New Hampshire USA just today. For an NVIS antenna, I am amazed at the sort of range I am receiving from it. I have the transceiver (Yaesu FT450D) power set to 30 watts But the power out shown on the SWR/power meter is indicating about 22 to 23 watts transmitted power as it is a bit of a balancing act to keep the ALC low to ensure I am not overdriving the output signal and causing harmonics on the band. I'm looking forward to when the weather gets better and warmer so I can do something about putting the antenna into a higher altitude. I enjoyed your video today on straight morse keys. I really must try and see if I can learn CW or whether I am possibly a little too old for it as I am now into my 70th year of age. 73's de Mike G7PTV.

[@edwymer2226]

Another great Show. Thank you for the Encouragement... KC3GHC.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Excellent ! Thanks for posting this !

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

This episode is absolute GOLD!!!!! Thank you.

[@mikes6844]

I agree the reality these days is that most UK gardens are relatively small. All these practical ideas are great especially for those new to the hobby, i still learn a lot from your vids and have been in this hobby for a long time. I’m using time at home to reconnect to a hobby I love. Keep these stimulating and thought provoking vids coming. 73 M0AZE Mike.

[@johnsaunders8315]

Amazing what can be done with a bit of wire. Like the video, Peter and your explanations. Cheers! John VK4BZ

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks John. 73s Peter

[@Bernard-John]

Hi,informative video, some good practice points, thanks from Rotterdam.

[@alvinpope9315]

Hi I'm so impressed with your videos I'm learning so much I'm a new ham on a budget lol 73s from 9z4apa.

[@StanCook]

Thank you so much for the demo and instruction. I have most of the parts now and will be getting the end fed up within a couple of weeks. BTW, I am two months away from 80 and in the COVID19 condition we all find ourselves in, I don't leave my property as I/we are the target age. Stay safe my friend and thanks for all you do. 73 KH6JMK

[@RosssRoyce]

Thanks for another nice video!

[@ferdinandfrozenstein]

Hi Peter! I also use an EFHW, going over a roof into trees, 3 to 7m above ground, nothing fancy, but works DXs quite OK and is almost invisible!

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks. 73 Peter

[@TXLorenzo]

I am a big believer on end fed antennas for small spaces. I use a telescopic fishing pole with a HYENDFED multi-band that goes down to 80 meters. Their compact antennas work great. I also use their QRP versions as well with great sucess. Don't forget about the compact vertical antennas as well.

[@Ged-711]

Great video as usual Peter. I am aware of NVIS antennas, but this video has inspired me to look at them again and give them a try in my small back garden. 73's!

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

I have used a washing line and electric fence, all that lovely commercial radio gear and still prepared to experiment and show others, not waterproof the issue I see. necessity mother of invention

[@watersstanton]

Nice to hear from you - Peter

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

@@watersstanton hey I am 2E0WKS Dan member of Weston Radio Society and run the Burnhamradioclub.co.uk website. Enjoying your videos in this uncertain time and commendable showing a nice radio and a home brew aerial. Maybe I will get to visit the store when this situation is over- 73

[@kevballard1967]

Thanks for giving a bit of normality in these times.

[@watersstanton]

Thanks Kevin - 73s Peter

[@johng7rwf419]

Thank you. I think the current 'lockdown' will be a welcome boost to our hobby...

[@watersstanton]

Very likely - cheers John

[@andy2E0JIU]

Great video thankyou :) I too am now using an end fed which is about 2 metres off the ground,it was 40ft in the air but lowering it due to high winds has made no difference on my dx contacts to Europe and further afield which I found very strange.keep up the good work and look forward to future videos.regards,Andy

[@watersstanton]

Great 73s Peter

[@richardsmith7068]

Years ago, I threw up a random end fed wire down the garden about 8 feet high with the wire straight into the back of an external matching unit, along with an artificial earth (tunable radial) running across the lawn. Worked a treat for inter G contacts.

[@mikes6844]

P.s. Nice to see the buds on your magnolia. Spring is on its way.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Thanks Peter. On the topic of, "how low can you go". In the last 5MHz Exercise Blue Ham, I heard one station on several occasions reporting that he was using a 60m dipole lying on the ground. It certainly seemed to be doing the trick of inter-UK comms.

[@watersstanton]

Anybody buried their dipoles underground? 73s Peter

[@ky4tgtodd203]

Enjoyed the video!

[@watersstanton]

Glad to hear it!

[@michaelhowse8893]

Hi Peter. Name here is Mike G7PTV. Have not been on the air since 2006 after spending about 13 years doing SSTV on 2 metres. Up to now I have never operated on HF. I have recently acquired a Yaesu FT450D and am thinking of building the matching transformer to try your NVIS antenna and I notice on the video that you have what looks like a coax choke wound on some 30 or 40 mm plastic waste pipe a short distance from the transformer. Could you give me some idea about whether it is necessary and how you built it? I also have a small garden and find your video's helpful and informative.

[@watersstanton]

Hi, it is not a transformer but a small correction coil to improve 10m operation. Frankly it is not needed and I have now removed it. Peter.

[@michaelhowse8893]

@@watersstanton Thanks Peter for your prompt reply. Mike

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Interesting and useful to me. I have a very long but narrow garden. My "challenge" is lack of height and the need for "stealth", so I might well try this type of set up. Are you still using it? Do you know if it works well enough for 80 and 160m? I shall try at 80 and 160 and will find out but would be grateful for your experience/advice.

[@puritanjc]

thanks for this video. please keep posting videos for small gardens

[@robertroche4220]

Hi Peter. Very much appreciate your small garden videos particularly given that my neighbour is a bit of a one man HOA which makes me very timid about putting much up into the air! I worked the GM8 Station in the Orkneys yesterday using my white stick vertical hf antenna which makes me think the radiation angles may have some similar characteristics? We have a v shaped horizontal washing line that I've been thinking about wrapping radiating wires around for some time but I'd need to get hold of some kind of atu first. I'm newly returned to the hobby after 30 years and am creeping and going but thanks so much for your inspiration. 73 Robert G1VXD.

[@andrewgardner7104]

A nice little project. Thanks.

[@watersstanton]

73s Peter

[@1fanger888]

NVIS has interested me recently.. Thanks for the look at the results. KC3BXZ Joe 73

[@MrLittlmike22]

hi there amazing! - will definately give it a try - can you explain how much the length of the antenna wire is and for which bands ?

[@deaustin4018]

I'm thinking this must be how some WWII cross channel spy radios worked. In some films they show an end fed antenna simply strung about a room six feet or so above the floor. I've always wondered how they would work. You seem to have explained it very well.

[@Jonshome337]

Hi Peter hope your keeping well. Whats the length of your garden? Great Video my garden is only 15m in length so very interesting for me!!

[@watersstanton]

About 28 metres.

[@9bar7and9bar8]

Brilliant down to earth video Peter. (see what i did there) Keep them coming. 73 Sid MI5UTC

[@brian.7966]

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha thats funny..

[@mikeshiking7453]

Interesting thank you for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@watersstanton]

I do my best1 - cheers Peter

[@Taffy99]

How is the contact 2-way? Your signal is coming down in the skip distance, but unless the other station also is using NVIS you should be in his skip area and therefore not hear anything?

[@watersstanton]

Not sure of the logic on that one!

[@BentConrod]

Exactly what I was thinking, and perfectly logical to me. Both stations must be propagating healthy NVIS for functional 'short range' performance within the skip zone of otherwise conventional dipole installations.

[@Taffy99]

@@BentConrod Thank you DownsideUp!

[@riottaba]

Very good!

[@Swaggerlot]

NVIS could also be described as "hopelessly short aerial located at well below optimum height". You could also work the same stations with a decent 2m SSB transceiver and 10 or more element yagi antenna. It could also be done with a poor mobile aerial on your car. Anyway, always good to see people make the best of a bad thing.

[@watersstanton]

mm - I guess the military tried all those options before they decide on NVIS as an option!! Peter.

[@rjinnh3933]

@@watersstanton Good point Peter! And I'd like to see 2m anything jump over a 5k foot mountain like Mt Washington in northern NH. NVIS will and does......

[@TheLonesometoad]

This may be a silly question from a newb, but where is the shield connected? I see a coax on the box but only one wire for the antenna. Wondering about the shield or braid on the coax.

[@watersstanton]

It's not very clear but the input is a coax cable to the matching transformer - this had live and earth connections on the input winding. Peter.

[@deenunya7735]

Intresting Vid...how long was the Wire n what kind of Wire?

[@zs1we325]

Brilliant ! I have also the same challenges and always finding better ways to improve things. HI HI. 73 zs1we

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks.

[@paulkazjack]

What power were you using while transmitting to Orkney isles? Thanks.

[@watersstanton]

Around 40W. Peter

[@paulkazjack]

@@watersstanton Your Antenna placement is exactly the same as mine! I get the short skip analygy but i dont understand how im able to Dx to Ukraine?

[@alanread6596]

Do the shubs and trees etc interfer with the signal at all.

[@watersstanton]

Not at the moment but maybe when there are leaves full of sap. But more likely to affect resonance rather than radiation. Time will tell! Peter

[@stewart6t8]

, one antenna to cover 40 20 and 80 what would you recommend for envis

[@frankedwardcurry]

Great information as usual Peter. I also had a QSO with Geoff GM8OFQ a few days ago in the Orkney Isles.Hope to catch you on the air one day. My call sign is M3 FEC - On the radio most afternoons using my end fed antenna running along my small garden then going vertical up a tree. My QTH is Towcester - 73.

[@watersstanton]

Many thanks Frank. 73s Peter

[@paulstevenson9093]

nice and simple as I like it.

[@matt9852]

Where is the dolly today?

[@watersstanton]

Sorry, she goes to bed early! 73s Peter.

[@matt9852]

@@watersstanton Ha ha, it did make me chuckle. Are you sure it was not deliberate? :-)

[@leos9865]

Thank's

[@watersstanton]

73s Peter

[@edd2241]

👍