Now that the Labor Day weekend is over, the news room can return to the normal mix of devious politicians, economic confusion, and the usual helping of local crime, prep football, and the ongoing financial crisis in Hawaii County.  Sound familiar?  It seems as if every community in the nation is facing pretty much of the same thing.  Add a few natural disasters such as raging fires in Texas, drenching rains along the Gulf Coast, hurricanes in the Atlantic, and typhoons in East Asia and you have the ingredients for keeping news people employed.  Welcome to the new definition of normal–whatever that is.  With a return to the normal work schedule, I can allocate some more time to Amateur Radio and the reheating of the ionosphere.

ANTENNA IDEAS REVISITED

During my lunch break, I paid a visit to eham.net and its always fascinating forums.  An antenna article by Craig LaBarge (WB3GCK) caught my eye.  In the middle of his website was a section of easily made and deployable antennas that even I could make.  One of his antennas he called the “Up and Outer Antenna”, which he correctly sourced to an article by Lew McCoy (W1ICP) (SK).  Basically, this antenna is a 1/4 wave vertical with a tuned counterpoise–a design that goes back to the 1920s.  I’ve used that design several times with excellent results, especially if it is fed with 450-ohm twinlead.  When I had one of these skyhooks, I was able to cover 40-10 meters easily (with the antenna used primarily for 40-meters–33′ for the vertical section and 33′ for the counterpoise).  This antenna fit into my cramped back yard and gave me many hours of fun.  Another antenna Craig used in his portable operations was something he called the “Pop Up Vertical”.  Construction of this project should be straightforward, since Craig has added pictures and several diagrams.  These two antennas may help some of you affected by space restrictions or overly nosey neighbors.

BACK TO THE HOMESTEAD

My air shift is just about over for the day.  I can’t wait to head home for a few hours of ragchewing on the lower 25 Khz of 40-meters.  I never thought I would enjoy cw, but I do.  After 12 hours of doing newscasts, I’m ready to fire up the old Swan 100-MX and execise my trusty J-38 key.  While my system is on the bottom rung of technology, I still have a lot of fun with the old Swan 100-MX and the ancient J-38 key.  After 12 hours of reading the news, I’m ready to abandon the studio console and the Shure microphones for something more simple and relaxing.  I never thought I would enjoy cw, but I do.  I’m not starved for modern technology–the radio station has enough toys to keep me busy all day.  For me, amateur radio is cheap therapy and a way to de-stress.  My neighbors don’t seem to mind the “radio nut” that lives next door.  And my XYL appreciates the fact that I spend my free time at home where I’am available for various domestic duties.  She has even helped me to erect some of my less than illustrious antenna experiments.  I haven’t convinced her yet to study for her ham license, but I’m working on that little task.  Besides, I’m handy when it comes to fixing “bugs” in her computer and in maintaining our consumer electronic gear.  Things could be worse–I could be organized.

Have a good day and get on the air.  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM.

With all of the above mentioned activities, there won’t be much time for amateur radio until after Monday.  Between all of this activity I’ll squeeze in some more antenna research and perform the weekly maintenance on the inverted 40-meter inverted “vee” and the 40-meter loop under the house.  Antenna maintenance and repair are alway with Hawaii’s ham operators.  The combination of tropical sun, salt air, vog, and frequent showers can degrade an antenna quickly.  Coax connectors are fully covered with tape and enclosed in plastic storage boxes.  Bare wires are coated with nail polish and wrapped with several layers of waterproof tape.  This rudimentary precaution keeps out most of the moisture.  Even so, water does sneak in after a few months.  Now that I’ve shifted to using 450-ohm balanced line to feed my antennas, the coax corrosion problem is reduced.  In most cases, a few feet of RG-8 or RG-6 (whatever I have on hand) is all I need to connect the 4:1 balun to the trusty Drake MN-4 ATU.  Over the past few years, the local rodent population (primarily roof rats) has developed a taste for coax, so I try to avoid long runs of this feedline.  Never a dull moment around the shack.

Over the past few days, I’ve been researching a few more homebrew antenna ideas for the “antenna farm” in my backyard.  If you’re short of ideas, check out http://www.ac6v.com/.  This site developed by Rod Dinkins, AC6V (SK) and Jeff Dinkins, AC6V (possibly his son) is a continuous antenna textbook with 133 pages to fire up the imagination.  If you prefer a more folksy approach, try out http://www.g4ilo.com/. maintained by Julian Moss of the United Kingdom.  He has a nice, friendly web site and amateur radio blog that explores a variety of antenna and qrp issues.  The only suggestion I haven’t tried from his site is the magnetic loop, which shows promise for those with severe space restrictions.   I believe MFJ makes a magnetic loop antenna suitable for 40 through 15-meter use.  You may want to check out the latest MFJ catalog to make sure the antenna is still being made.

Have a good Labor Day Weekend.  Drive safely and allow plenty of time for travel.  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM.

This week has been filed with enough stories to keep any news person busy.  For those of us on Hawaii Island, what was left of Tropical Storm “Fernanda” didn’t create any disturbance other than a few windward showers and some higher than normal surf along the southeast shore.  My heart goes out to those facing the trial of Hurricane “Irene”–this looks like a very nasty storm.  It’s good to see many people are preparing ahead of time for the storm’s arrival or leaving the danger area before high winds begin.  I expect amateur radio operators are gearing up for  whatever Nature throws at them.  Having experienced several hurricanes and tsnuamis in Hawaii, I know these developments should not be ignored.  It always amazes me that there are those who choose to ride out the storm rather than “get out of dodge”.  I suppose it’s a personal decision, but why tempt fate?   For us in Hawaii County, the passing of “Fernanda” gave us a good chance to assess our emergency preparedness under real conditions.  Like many Hawaii hams, I did a quick inventory of my supplies, made sure all rigs were operational, charged all batteries, and had a few easy to erect antennas ready for the event.  Most of the available antenna books have a section on building emergency verticals, dipoles, and loops.  You might want to build a few easily storable antennas just in case the need arises.

BUILDING THE ULTIMATE ANTENNA FARM…ONE CAN DREAM

While I was reading through the 24 August 2011 edition of eham.net, I came across an interesting antenna website by Tom, W8JI.  This amateur has a genuine, contest antenna farm in Georgia that makes my mouth water.  Apparently, Tom enjoys the challenge of 160-meters and takes steps to realize his goal of being a “top band” big gun.  His 160-meter four-square vertical array is impressive, as are the separate towers supporting a variety of beams, loops, and inverted “vees”.  I doubt that I could ever erect such an aluminum forest, but one can dream and perhaps glean a few tidbits of wisdom from this contester.  As I read through his website, I came to the conclusion that my modest inverted “vee” and low-lying loop were useable but not very efficienct.  He backed up his observations with a wealth of EZNEC data and Smith Charts.  I too believe in the “higher the better” philosophy, but, considering the amount of land available for my experiments and the proximity of neighbors and high voltage power lines, such dreams must be postponed until I secure a place far removed from the present qth. 

LIMITATIONS–SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

Rather than be discouraged by the unattainable, I choose to do the best with what I have–limitations nothwithstanding.  One thing I took away from W8JI’s website was the importance of cutting feed line losses and establishing a decent radial field for any verticals I choose to erect.  The last time I put up a homebrew 40-meter vertical, I laid out a haphzard radial field consisting of 16 radials of various lengths ranging from 20 to 33 feet.  My yard has definite limitations, so the wire was strung all over the place.  The antenna did a reasonable job and I did get quite a few contacts.  I found the use of 450-ohm feed line, a decent 4:1 balun, and a short length of RG-8 to the old Drake MN-4 seemed to work alright.  The Swan 100-MX remained cool and the SWR stayed below 1.7 to 1.  Nothing to write home about, but the arrangement did work.  My current all-bander (40 to 10 meters) is an inverted “vee” using two 33-foot elements attached to the tip of a 32-foot jackite fiberglass mast.  The 450-ohm feed line runs into a 4:1 balun with some RG-8 connecting the system to the Drake MN-4.  Like my old vertical, the “vee” does a good job considering the limitations imposed by my backyard.  None of my homebrew antenna projects will bust a DX pileup like Tom’s Georgia antenna farm, but it  they do allow me hours of endless fun at a reasonble cost.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF ALL THIS?

While I’m impressed by the super stations I see, it all comes down to what you can do within the boundaries of your budget and the constraints imposed by your qth.  Do the best you can with what you have.  The idea is to get on the air and not run your household into the poor house.  If you can afford the build a contest station, do so.  Yes, I want to erect a rhombic and have a set of monobanders at 100 feet.  However, with the economy being what it is, there are more pressing demands, such as paying the rent/mortgage, keeping ahead of the bills, and feeding the family.  Despite all of the challenges of the present day, you can still do a lot to enjoy amateur radio, if you are willing to build some of your own equipment, improve and maintain the rig you currently use, and experiment with antennas designed and built by you.  The key is to study, experiment, build, and use what you have made.  I enjoy the challenge.  There is a certain thrill in seeing where your signal goes once it enters the “ether”.  You can experience that sensation whether you are behind an antique like my venerable Swan 100-MX or before the newest Elecraft K3.

So, don’t give up.  Get on the air, become the best operator you can, and build your own antennas.  Half the fun is getting there and meeting someone new from the comfort of your home or club station.

Don’t forget the Hawaii QSO party this weekend.  Hawaii Island amateurs in the Hilo area will be operating from Coconut Island (Moku Ola) under the callsign AL0HA.  Have an excellent weekend.  Aloha es 73 de from KH6JRM.

Now that Hawaii escaped the remnants of what was once tropical storm “Fernanda”, it’s back to the usual news room fare of economic collapse, world-wide revolution, entertainment gossip, and whatever else detracts us from our favorite hobby–Amateur Radio!  While I was on break earlier this morning, I found an interesting antenna site on the 24 August 2011 edition of eham.net.  Check out htt://www.w8ji.com/antennas.htm.  You will find some interesting antennas on this ham’s spacious Georgia property.  Tom’s 160-meter four-square vertical array is quite impressive.  Tom’s website provides plenty of analysis and reference material for those who wish to explore antennas in more detail.  After I ran through a few of his topics, I came to the conclusion that my ultra modest backyard vertical and inverted “vee” won’t hold a candle to his sophisticated arrays.  One can dream, though.

Anyway, his voluminous website gave me a few ideas about improving the antenna system I call the “farm”.  I will most likely expand the radial system under the 40-meter vertical, not an easy feat in my postage-stamp-sized backyard.  I could raise the feedpoint of my inverted “vee” a few more feet and keep feed line loses to a minimum. I’m already using 450-ohm twin lead to a 4:1 balun.  That plus a short run of RG-8 into my trusty Drake MN-4 seems to keep the old Swan 100-MX running cool .  I have made many contacts with this simple antenna.   The “vee” will never bust the DX pileups that Tom has done on many bands with his super antenna system, but, for me, the current system works and it does the job in my infrequent forays into the radio spectrum.  He seems a bit dismissive of low-slung NVIS antennas that many amateurs use just to get on the air.  I can’t argue with the documentation, Smith Charts, and  the EZNEC modeling data presented by Tom, but, one uses what is possible.  Granted, the efficiency of my under-the-house 40-meter loop leaves a lot to be desired, but it does work despite its shortcomings. 

ACCEPTING REALITY AND DOING WHAT CAN BE DONE

So, if you don’t have the expansive (and beautiful) real estate to grow that rhombic or four-square 160-meter behemoth, what do you do?  You do your research, experiment, cut and trim, and raise and lower fiberglass poles until something works.  If you are burdened with almost zero space, nosey neighbors, or restrictive covenants, you become creative.  There are several good books on stealth antennas that may help you get on the air.  Get as much of your antenna outside as possible, ground everything you can, run qrp, and use what natural surroundings you have to disguise that skyhook.  If you can erect a full-size dipole for your band of your choice, go for it.  Use the best coax you can to cut loses.  You can feed a 40-meter dipole with 450 or 300-ohm twin lead into a suitable 4:1 balun and connect the system to your antenna tuning unit with a short coax lead.  You should get some degree of multi-band coverage from 40 to 10 meters without destroying your rig.  If you run a modest power level (i.e. under 50 watts), you will still get contacts, save your rig’s finals, and keep RFI to a minimum.  I’ve used this simple dipole arrangement at several locations in the past and I’ve not felt disadvantaged in the amateur arena. 

IS LIFE TOO SHORT FOR QRP?

Of course, there are those who feel life is too short for such drastic antenna limitations.  As long as they are willing to pay the extra expense of amplifiers, towers, and utility bills, I say go for it.  Do what you can within the restraints of your budget.  Believe me, if I had some land, a job I could count on beyond next month, and some top of the line equipment, I would grow that aluminum forest and become a contester for real.  But for now, my “peanut whistle” provides me with lots of pleasure at minimum cost.  My antennas are simple, well-built, and easily modifiable.  It all depends on what you want to get out of Amateur Radio.  In all due fairness to Tom, W8JI, he started out like many of us with used equipment and hand-me-down towers.  He has done very well to establish a first-rate contest station–a process that took years to accomplish.  Perhaps, we can all aspire to what he had done.  For now, though, it’s enough to just get behind the ole Swan 100-MX and see where the rf goes.

THE IMPORTANT THING

When it’s all said and done, amateur radio is what we make of it.  Do the best you can with what you have.  Study, experiment, and build.  Remember, Amateur Radio operators do it with frequency.

Have a good week.  73 de KH6JRM

So, you can understand why many of us get a bit concerned when the National Weather Service puts out a hurricane or tropical storm message.  Hawaii residents are familiar with the drill–have emergency supplies at all times, keep the gas tank full, and be prepared to survive on your own for a few days.

Staff at the radio station where I work reherse this type of scenario frequently, so we make sure our generators are fueled, equipment and backup supplies are ready, and island communications are working.  Of course, not everything works according to plan when the “button” is pushed, but, for most emergencies, we seem to have enough depth to keep our transmitters on the air.  During the 11 March 2011 tsunami alert, most cell phone communications became marginal as use of cell sites increased.  Text messaging remained active throughout the emergency, as well as our backup analog telephone land lines.  The news room also has access to a satellite telephone, so we could communicate that way if we had too.  So, while the current activity surrounding the passage of “Fernanda” wasn’t exactly an emergency, the storm provided station staff will an excellent training opportunity.  As with any storm, one must not become complacent–that attitude could produce deadly results when you least expect it.

In my time away from the station, I checked the qth to make certain emegency supplies were handy, that my van was fueled, and that backup emergency power was available should the storm cause power interruptions.  Most of my household electronics, includiing my modest station, relies on solar charged, deep cycle marine batteries for power.  I have several easily deployed portable antennas that can be used in an emergency.  So far, I haven’t had to rely on these reserve antennas.  The under-the-house 40-meter loop provides the local and state coverage I need and seems impervious to the ravages of rain and wind.  In a pinch, I can also erect a low-level dipole to provide local HF coverage.  My only weak link is the lack of 2-meter coverage.  Several mountain ridges block Hilo from the Laupahoehoe qth, thus cutting a direct line-of-sight path to the nearest repeater at Pepeekeo.  I do get decent 2-meter signals from the Island of Maui with my 5/8 whip mounted on my van’s roof or on the metal garage roof.  The proximity of several utility poles and power lines prevents me from erected a higher 2-meter antenna.  In Hilo town, there is no problem accessing the state-wide repeater systems and several local repeaters.

So, Hawaii amateur radio operators escaped this time.  Who knows what nature holds for us in the future.  Remember the old saying: “Things could be worse; we could be organized.”

Have a good weekend!  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM

Activity in the KKBG-FM/KHLO-AM news room has picked up now that the National Weather Service says Tropical Storm “Fernanda” is heading for Hawaii Island.  As of Thursday, 18 August 2011, the storm is a little over 1,000 miles south-south east of South Point, Hawaii.  Although local civil defense officials believe “Fernanda” will gradually weaken over the next 3 days, no one on this “rock” is taking any chances.  Memories of Hurrican Iniki in 1991 are still vivid, especially for Kauai residents, who had 125-mph winds blow through Lihue, causing millions of dollars in damage, flattened homes, and a near total loss of communications.  Thanks to the National Guard and help from Hawaii Amateur radio operators, the Garden Island was restored to health after few months.  Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento believes our most serious encounter with “Fernanda” will produce nothing more than higher than normal surf and some heavy showers on Sunday.  I surely hope he is right.  One never knows what a tropical storm or hurricane will do.

PREPARATION FOR THE STORM’S ARRIVAL

While the experts are debating the course of the storm, I’m taking no chances.  When I finish my shift this afternoon, I’ll take a quick inventory of the emergency supplies at the qth, fill up the fuel tank in the van, and make sure all transceivers are working.  A quick antenna check will put my mind at rest.  My likely choice for HF will be the 40-meter loop strung under the house.  This skyhook does an excellent job of covering the state of Hawaii.  I’ve used this NVIS antenna for my infrequent visits to the Hawaii afternoon 40-meter net.  My signals are fairly strong for a radius of approximately 250-300 miles from the qth.  I’ll keep the vertical retracted to ground level until I need it.  The qth has a good supply of ready to eat food and water in case power fails.  My battery-powered station is fully charged, thanks to a rudimentary solar system I’ve used for a few years.  Most of my neighbors are likewise prepared, so, barring a sudden increase in storm intensity, all of us in Laupahoehoe should be alright.

WHAT IF NOTHING HAPPENS?

All of this preparation serves as an excellent drill for something more serious.  My fellow staff  members at the radio station are accustomed to preparing for the serious stuff, so we should be o.k.  Our generators are ready should the Hawaii Electric Light Company lose some of its capacity.  Most of us keep a sleeping bag and a small kit of personal items at the station just in case we are forced into a “sleepover” situation.

OTHER ITEMS

Other than the approaching storm and the usual circus surrounding the upcoming election cyle, things around the news room remain in a state approaching “normal.”…  whatever “normal” means.  One thing is for sure, life around the news room is rarely dull.  The one thing I enjoy about amateur radio is the ability to withdraw a bit from the so-called “real world” and enjoy an engaging qso with someone I’ve never met.  One never knows where that RF goes once it leaves your antenna farm.

Here’s to an excellent weekend…get on the air and savor the experience.

Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM

If you don’t prefer my cut and trim approach to antenna desing, you may want to try a few of the commercially marketed end fed verticals offered by Par, Radiowavz, and Comet.  I was intrigued  by some reviews on the eham.net site concerning the Comet CHA 250B, a broadband vertical covering 80-10 meters.  Like all compromise antennas, there are limitations that must be considered.  But, from what I gather from the reviews this antenna may be ideal for those with severe space limitations and restrictive CC&Rs.  The antenna seems to do well if it is mounted 36 to 40 feet off the ground. There was one amateur that used a DX Engineering swivel mount to keep the antenna hidden and protected when it was not in use.  This arrangement could get you on the air when all else fails.  Other than the price ($469). the CHA 250B seems to be a useful alternative to not operating at all.  In the past, I’ve use an old Hustler mast, mobile mount, and 40-meter loading coil/whip to get on the air.  Clip on a few 33-foot radials and you’re in business.  Some of my fellow amateurs have also adapted the Tarheel mobile antenna for home use.  Whatever works.  Use your creativity and get on the air.  Your mileage may differ.  I’ve loads of fun with the simple verticals, loops, and dipoles I call my antenna “farm”.   One never knows what will happen when rf leaves your skyhook and heads to the F layer…Southern Sudan, San Marino, or even Hawaii perhaps?

Have a good weekend.  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM

For those of us who like to experiment, such restrictions are a challenge, not a damper to our amateur radio pursuits.  In previous segments of this rambling commentary, I’ve shown a distinct bias for simple, inexpensive designs that work.  My solder burned fingers show that many of my ideas were insufficiently thought out, but I pressed on and managed to erect stealthy verticals and loops that actually worked.  But, what happens when you can’t erect a decent vertical, dipole, or loop because of space limitations and restrictive CC&Rs?   If your yard lacks sufficient space for a radial system, why not consider a commercial (and somewhat expensive) alternative?  Not all of us share my perverse desire to “roll your  own” and getting burned by fat fingers on the ole soldering iron.  One of the antennas you might want to consider is the Comet CHA 250B, an end-fed, 23.5-foot, all band vertical that covers 80 to 10 meters.  The 11 August 2011 edition of “eham.net” contains a nice review of this antenna–pros and cons.  Like all compromise antennas, results will vary from station to station.  Even those critical of this skyhook admit that it does work, assembles easily, and gets you on the air with a minimum of stress.  Although I’ve never owned one, I can see where this antenna could be useful to those who can’t  build a 1/4  wave 40-meter vertical and its radial field.  Another possibility is an end-fed hertz built by Par Electronics or Radiowavz.  The idea is to get on the air and have some fun.  I have nothing against commercially built antennas…most of them are sturdy and reliable.  The choice is yours.  As for me, I prefer to build my own.  I enjoy the process of designing and building simple antennas which won’t bust my budget.  Whether you build your own or use a commercial project, do your research, get creative, and  fire up the rig.

Aloha de KH6JRM.

I received a nice note from G. Brandon Hoyt on 28 July regarding his possible purchase of a Swan 100-MX transceiver.  I’ve had my Swan 100-MX since 1981.  It has served me well in both a mobile and at-home environment.  As a general purpose rig for casual qsos, the 30 + year-old solid state rig does a good job.  The rig is a straightforward, simple rig that has few “bells and whistles” and no WARC band capability.  Mr. Hoyt asked what I do about maintenance, considering the age of the rig.  I open up the rig every three months, gently blow out whatever dust has accumulated, clean all pots and switches with contact cleaner, and carefully clean all the contacts on the printed circuit boards.  These boards can be pulled out and re-seated without much difficulty.  A few caveats–before you buy the old swan, be sure it works.  I know that sounds weird, but I’ve been burned a few times on used equipment.  Inspect the power cord, check out the power supply (if it comes with the rig), and look inside for obvious signs of trouble.  Be sure to get a user’s manual for the rig.  You can get one by sending an e-mail to WA5BDR@gbis.com.  You can order a manual from Jim’s snail mail address–Jim Singleton Publications, PMB 975, Livingston, TX, 77399.  It may be a good idea to join Swan Radio Communications at this e-mail address–www.angelfirecom/ny2/hamradio.  Yahoo also has several groups that promote, preserve, and restore older Swan equipment.  Good luck.

Have a good weekend.  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM

In my antenna book for 2002, I found a stop-gap antenna that served me well while the backyard was being torn up for a new septic tank and water lines.  In place of a normal radial field for the trusty 40-meter vertical, I attached one line of the 450-ohm twin lead to the antenna and the other to my qth’s metal roof.  The roof was bonded together.  After I scraped off a bare spot and attached the other lead, I fired up the old Swan 100-MX (20 watts or so).  With the help of my trusty Drake MN-4 ATU, I was able to get a decent match on all bands between 40 and 10 meters.  Nothing spectacular, but the substitute ground plane seemed to work.  I was able to make my infrequent appearance on the daily 40-meter interisland net with reports ranging from 56 to 58 on ssb.  Once the backyard work was done, I restored a normal ground system and painted over the roof area used for the antenna connection.  I’m not sure how efficient this antenna system was, but it did allow me to get on the air.

Recently, I’ve tried out a system used by many recreational vehicle owners.  I had an old mag mount with a 20-meter “Ham Stick” in the garage.  While the Odyssey van was parked on the lawn for a car wash I never did complete, I placed the mag-mounted “Ham Stick” on the van’s roof, attached four, 16.5 ‘ radials to the antenna mount, and ran some RG-8 into the qth, and began a fun afternoon.  This primitive system worked well and I made several decent (57) ssb contacts to the U.S. mainland.  SWR was fairly low across the band (1.7 to 1).  With the ATU in line, I was able to improve the swr a bit.  Again, nothing fancy, but the lashup did work.  Once I figure out how to mount a permanent antenna on the van, I can use that system as a backup to the rig in the house.

The weekend lies ahead and that means some operating time.  Aloha es 73 de KH6JRM.