What the Heck is a Dipole Antenna? - The Best Ham Radio Antenna

A quick video where we discuss the basics of dipole antennas, this video is intended for new Ham Radio Operators who are deciding on a first antenna.
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Thanks,
TheSmokinApe

[@user-os3ri3ky5g]

Ape I enjoy your videos. Practical and intelligent, with no fluff or drama. Much appreciated.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Dan, glad you like the videos 👍

[@user-os3ri3ky5g]

@TheSmokinApe I noticed how hard you work to reply to your people. I also want to give big credit to you for mentioning Dave Kesler. Most people don't share the limelight. I'm a new ham and studying 4-5 hours a day. I just got the ARRL Technician and General books and plan to pass both exams in one sitting after only 22 days of study. Not bragging, just dead serious. Reading every page of both books and burning up pens taking notes and making flashcards. In 22 days I'm gonna shoot for General starting from zero.Already bought my rig: used Yaesu FT-1000MP mark V, with yaesu power supply, yaesu external speaker, Heil headset, and new antenna tuner yesterday MFJ-993B. Now I just need a used Yaesu desk mic MD-100, and I'm designing I kick ass dipole 136' long of 12 ga braided copper, feed is ladder line, no balun because the antenna tuner has a 4:1 built in. I have plans to build many more antennas and wish to be a friend of the show. You and Dave are the best I've seen. I have had several careers and will share my antenna models with you and Dave. I'm very old school and am planning a tube copper beam all handmade. You are the best young cat I've seen (not Mr craft brew....) and Dave is the best Elmer I've seen. Will keep you posted. I live in Marietta GA, a suburb of Atlanta. I'm a micro farm homesteader now. -Dan

[@TheSmokinApe]

I've learned a tremendous amount from Dave... He is a treasure to the HR community. Thank you fo rthe kind words and even mentioning me in the same sentence. Good luck with the test, the shack build out and the antenna. Feel free to reach out anything if you have any questions 👍

[@randyhavener1851]

Thanks Ape! Full of great information as usual!!!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Randy, glad you liked it👍

[@wildhogsham7077]

This is one of the best videos you've done. Great job, Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Wild Hogs, glad it was helpful 👍

[@tmo7734]

Thanks, Ape. I always enjoy your informative videos. 73.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks TMO, I'm glad you like them.

[@billcrow5403]

Great video. Going to send this to one of my students that is upgrading.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Bill 👍

[@jpb5385]

Excellent presentation! Thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍

[@hamandcheese25]

One of the easiest antennas to make and yet one of the most versatile designs. Great tutorial!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ham and Cheese 👍

[@paulmacgiollacaoine8619]

Excellent presentation, thank you 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Paul, glad you liked it 👍

[@Photomanguru]

Wow, great presentation, as a beginner I really appreciate these, keep up the outstanding work, a pleasure to watch!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Claude, glad you liked it 👍

[@wild-radio7373]

Such a great explanation! Thank you :) 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Aname 👍

[@thequarantinecatholic]

Just love your imitations =) !! You are just a great KZbin Teacher!!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol, glad you like the videos TQC 👍

[@SMRo7]

Great video, Thank You! I like your style, keep it going. I'm subscribed!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@robertmeyer4744]

getting started that was great. I started with trapped dipole . even on shortwave listing the trapps help. i tell new hams just start and buy a cheap ready made dipole . look at it. study it. and don't be afraid to experiment with it. in fact years back I was given a dipole for free. now i learned about every 3rd harmonic resonates. also 3/4 wave length . so 6 meter with 3/4 wave elements will match up. playing with dipole has taught me a lot. even if it was pre made or given to me. love that DX commander. he has a vertical dipole . and his videos really help me play around and experiment. turns out to be fun. so many ways to do the same thing. what works for me is what counts the most..73's

[@TheSmokinApe]

Great post Robert. I think people look at the dipole as a cheap antenna when in reality it has a lot to offer. Thank for watching 👍

[@robjanusch998]

GREAT JOB WITH YOUR VIDEO!! I'm 75 and been a ham for MANY years, and I learned something !!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Rob, glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!

[@ken-NC]

Good explanation of a dipole. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching and for the comment Ken 👍

[@kapapatence6423]

Such a great video for us new Generals....I learned a lot from this. Thanks for the attitude about buying a dipole vs. building one. I am not an electrical engineer...but I do want to be an efficient operator. Also: I will look at building one sometime later...but for now, I do not have those necessary materials laying around...because I am new to the hobby. ( I wish someone would make a list of a few things new hams should get to make the HF start a bit easier). I think many are like me...I have an HT or two around where I started on 2M...but that is all I have for now. Different types of wires, different connectors, etc are out there, but I have no clue how to begin with them. One step and a time for now for me. I will be on HF soon with a radio, power supply, 20M hamstick, mag mount, and a logbook.

[@TheSmokinApe]

KApapa, glad you liked the video. I think sometimes folks forget we are all new at first.

[@alexalonso2093]

ty SMOKING APE...for explaining and I downloaded MMANA.to boot!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, thanks for watching Alex 👍

[@timelord1137]

I started out on the air with a Fuchs antenna that worked on several bands and seemed pretty good. But when I built a resonant inverted-V on 20m with SWR 1.0-1.2 without a tuner on the whole band... I was simply amazed at how far I began to receive signals in the directions of polarization and how little power was needed to be heard. Yes, in order to switch to another band in my case, I need to run to the antenna every time and lengthen / shorten it😀 But such efficiency is worth it)

[@TheSmokinApe]

I agree TL, the simplicity and performance of a dipole is hard to beat. Thanks for watching!

[@mikemiles3068]

Great presentation ❗️I enjoyed this video and I can tell you have done your research 🧐 well‼️ 73’s kv5p

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike, glad you liked it!

[@je845]

Great video, on half wave thanks!!! Using a NVIS Dipole yes in my yard, very limited on room seems to work best for me, All I have is QRP radios for HF, so for me with QRP, people start telling me NVIS is great for local 150-300mi. But with a few adjustments it appears to get me out of the country from mid-west US area (CO) especially with my G90, not so much with the X6100(Xigue) I agree with your statement, "You just have to be willing to make adjustments and see what work for you" again great video, Thank You!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear you are having luck with it and glad you liked that video 👍

[@TheNoCodeTech]

#ThNHR #TeamReplay for the win! Great video Ape. Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks No Code, glad you liked it 👍

[@stonewall6225]

Great video! I'm currently building a 6m dipole but after hearing about the fan dipole I'm going to try to make a second one that has 15m 12m 10m and maybe even 6. Thanks 73s

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with the project 👍

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Do you even lift bro? 73 Haven't heard that one in awhile. I really like your videos and all of the valuable information you provide! Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking them out 👍

[@twovictorhamradio]

Great video! Can you do one of these for EFHWs?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I do have a few videos on EFHWs and Long Wire antennas, but yes I am planning one specifically like this for EFHW.

[@TomtheDilettante]

Gunna try hard to make this one!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Be great to have you 👍

[@gregn3gds172]

First antenna put up on Jan 1, 2021. A dipole that I made. About 500 contacts and all is still well

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Greg, I built a 40m one that works great 👍

[@williamgreenleaf9302]

KD2QOJ Bill. Great intro video. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Bill 👍

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

#teamreplay well done sir, well done.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Tango!

[@je845]

SmokingApe do you have anything in your KZbin arsenal that would give a breakdown on db vs dbi vs dbm, sometimes it's just best to seek from those who has a lengthy track record of outstanding educational material, such as your channel. Again thank you for all your videos on HF content.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey JE, I don't have anything that directly covers it, but a few have asked so it's on the list.

[@WonderMonkeyRadio]

Thank You for remembering the point of view of a new ham. Even though you are on a video, you seem approachable to us n00bs.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it WonderMonkey, I try to make videos that a consumable to folks who are new to radio 👍

[@philipnielsen1776]

I have a RTL-SDR radio. I used the dipole antennas. They work for 88 to 108 Mhz. I purchase a preamp in order to recieve higher frequencies. No change with the preamp. I belive I may need a desktop discone antenna? There was a a $54 antanna made by trane? I want to go above 108MH. I live in a apartment so I have a landlord. Can you suggest a desktop discone antenna?

[@SmokeSignalsRF]

Loved this explanation #Teamreplay x 2

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the support Izzo 👍

[@Yaegermeister163]

I am looking to build a 160m dipole. I would like to use ladder line. I watched another dipole video where it talked about the length of the feed line being important. What are your suggestions and if that is the case how long would you try to make the ladder feed line?

[@TheSmokinApe]

When you use ladder line it's referred to as a doublet, I have been meaning to make one myself but I guess I have been lazy. Here is some info on them: ftp.unpad.ac.id/orari/library/library-sw-hw/amateur-radio/ant/docs/Introducing%20the%20All-Band%20Doublet.htm

[@bkbigtone2866]

Is there a video of the antenna build you showed at the 10:50 mark. I’m a new ham and would love to try and build one.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey BK, here you go: 3D Printed Ham Radio Dipole Antenna Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWm1oIyootdrpZo

[@bkbigtone2866]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you!

[@williambello4089]

Can you give me a specific part number for the toroidal core choke to fit on my RJ 8 coax? Should I use several chokes? I need to get some of these on my field antenna.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It's use a mix 31 core: palomar-engineers.com/ferrite-products/ferrite-cores/FT-Mix-31-RFI-Range-1-300-MHz-c24443749

[@rilosvideos877]

I need a dual band antenna for VHF and UHF (2m/70cm). Can i use a J-Pole instead with one arm about 1/4 of VHF and the other arm 1/4 of UHF? Would a J-Pole work as good as a dipole or is there a downside?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Check out the Ed Fong Jpoles, that’s what I use 👍

[@jasoncreed6396]

Taunt means to provoke and taut means to tighten. Tganks for the great vids :) sorry its a bit of a pet peeve.

[@TheSmokinApe]

lol, thanks for straightening me out Jason and thanks for watching 👍

[@user-os3ri3ky5g]

I heard that too, but when Ape is 99% on the money I let it slide. It's not an English class folks. Ape is quite intelligent.

[@UTubeRangerBob]

12:30, confused left/right?

[@chrissewell1608]

I am a year late to this video, but have a question, on dipole antennas. How well do they perform when mounted in an attic? Which would operate better, ie. 2M, 440, or HF?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Plenty of folks mount antennas in the attic, just make sure there is no shielding like a metal roof for example. You can put whatever you like up there, HF - 440.

[@tedmead465]

Attics are fine for many antennas. 2 meter horizontals are directional, vertical dipoles are virtually low angle takeoff omnidirectional. 440 is the same. Where a dipole design becomes more directional is in the making of a yagi.

[@walshgeo]

Thanks. Nice video. 73 George KB3WAQ

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks George, glad you liked it 👍

[@Tony-iz8qn]

New to ham need some help. I am getting a 991a so I can learn. What is my best option antenna wise for listening on all HF bands? I do not have my license yet but am studying to take the tech and general back to back. I am not concerned about transmitting at this point so please no fud, sad ham, unproductive remarks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Tony. Single band antennas are tuned to listen on a single set of frequencies, multiband antennas can listen to a few bands. You will have difficulty hearing equally on all bands on a single antenna. I'd recommend a long wire antenna as your best option; I have a video on them. "I am not concerned about transmitting at this point so please no fud, sad ham, unproductive remarks." When asking for help it's a little rude to assume I am going to leave unproductive remarks and perhaps that's why folks leave them.

[@forgetyourlife]

Voltage or Current Balun.....I need to hear more about that.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It's on the list, thanks for the comment FYL!

[@ToNzHoLtZ]

Hi so i have a lot of LDF4- 50A ,i want to make a recieve only antenna for my sdr ....

[@TheSmokinApe]

That's pretty nice cable. I'd use that for transmission line 👍

[@GH0ST369]

I wonder if a buddy hex is a low or high Q antenna?

[@TheSmokinApe]

They are lower Q when compared to thinks like a mag loop or loaded vertical 👍

[@seanpaul5858]

Where is the stl for your 3d printed balun part?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Here you go Sean: www.thingiverse.com/thing:2804993/files

[@seanpaul5858]

@@TheSmokinApe Outstanding! Your antenna videos are great. Just what a budding General needs to get started. Thank you!

[@daviddelaney363]

If the Dipole antenna is tuned for a specific frequency does that mean I can only receive on that frequency?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It may receive on other but not well 👍

[@mba2ceo]

What is the LINK to this program ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

This one? gal-ana.de/basicmm/en/

[@jgagatch]

Can I expect my dipole antenna to stretch over time changing the resonance?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yes, and the softer the wire in the elements the more it will stretch

[@GH0ST369]

You can use kevlar string to prevent stretching but you will need to weather proof if you use a permanent or semi permanent setup.

[@ko4otv43]

So on an average what height would you recommend hanging your dipole?

[@TheSmokinApe]

At least a 1/2 wave length or as close to that as possible

[@ko4otv43]

@@TheSmokinApeok thanks so much! I have a Moonraker GPA 80 I'm not having any luck with and looking to put up a dipole.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Hope that the real dipole going up has balanced feedline attached to it 😉 KC3ONO

[@TheSmokinApe]

LOL, I was thinking about you when I made this video 👍

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

@@TheSmokinApe 🤔leave me hanging 😆

[@TheSmokinApe]

You will be surprised either way 🤣

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Ape, Very informative. Have all the aluminum tubing to construct a vertical 40M EFHW. I like the design as it does not need any radials. Just a short counterpoise and a 49:1 UNUN. Only waiting for the ground to soften so I can pound in the support mast. My other home built antenna is an inverted terminated U antenna. I use two 12M Spiderpoles spaced about 22 ft and have the wire between the poles sag to allow for wind motion of the fiberglass poles. Boy do they move in the wind. There is a 9:1 UNUN at the feed and a 390 Ohm resistor terminating the end of the antenna to ground. I intend to increase the spacing to 60 ft in the future as described by AA7OK and ditch the UNUN and resistor. Here's a link for info on the terminated inverted U antenna. www.crosscountrywireless.net/terminated_inverted_u.html Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the info Don. Thank antenna looks interesting...

[@DonDegidio]

@@TheSmokinApe Hi Ape, Should have mentioned that the SWR is less than 1.8:1 from 160 - 6m on the terminated U antenna. Nice getting all the bands on one antenna. I do use the internal ATU just to touch it up to 1:1. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@stridermt2k]

I only use isotropic. Period.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha 😂

[@Andy2e0ree]

First

[@TheSmokinApe]

Howdy Andy 👍

[@MIKROWAVE1]

The best darned antenna is a dipole. But it has a fatal flaw. Poor Marketing.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha, I think you are on to something 👍

[@mrmichaeltscott]

You're not a Sad ham LOL More like You.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol, thanks for the comment 👍

[@mrmichaeltscott]

@@TheSmokinApe Did you see the video about that on NotaRubicon Productions channel? Pretty funny. But true.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@mrmichaeltscott I did not, but I will check it out 👍

[@mrmichaeltscott]

@@TheSmokinApe The compliment will be amplified.

[@richiet3841]

Please adjust your audio equalizer to tone down your high frequency squeaks...your voice is hard to listen to....

[@covenant11]

My question is about antenna height vs length. You mention height and show the 3d model and thank you for that. I have basically no option to elevate my antenna. Can length replace height? Can I run 42 actual meters of element along the top of my fence and have an antenna that functions for 7m and 20m wavelengths? Is there a benefit to having an antenna that is much larger than the desired frequency, but in a length of element that is a multiple of that wavelength? I am just exploring getting maybe a usb sdr as a stepping stone to some actual hardware and a license. I am just beginning. I am sorry if I don't know how to ask the question correctly.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey C11, you asked just fine. The challenge is how the antenna will interact with the ground, it will definitely impact the far field pattern. My advise is put up what you can, try it out and then make adjustments. Best of luck!