[KL7AA] Getting Started on HF - Looking for Antennas

[Jim Wiley]

Adam -

There are many aspects to ham radio, and all sorts of different 
interests.  Probably the most interesting HF bands for general amateur 
usage in the Anchorage area are the 80(75), 40, and 20 meter bands.  
However,  you indicate that you are an apartment dweller, and that tends 
to limit your antenna choices.  The 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter bands are 
also useful, and require relatively small antennas, but the higher 
frequency bands are not "open" as much as the 20 meter band.  The 17 and 
15 meter bands are probably good options, 10 and 12 meters not so much.

The first thing to keep in mind is that there is no inherent advantage 
to a manufactured antenna.  Antennas that you build yourself can and do 
work just as well as "store bought" antennas. Antennas that you can 
erect temporarily, for example at a campground, tend to be inexpensive 
and simple in design.  Much of what can be accomplished will depend on 
the "Gods of Propagation" - in other words, on some days you can make 
successful contacts with very little, and other days even the best and 
most complicated systems won't get you very far.

So, you need to find out how to determine when conditions are good and 
when they are not.   A popular web-site for this is found at 
*http://www.spaceweather.com/*

click on the highlighted text above and you will be taken to their 
website.  On the left side of the page is a propagation summary.  In 
general, higher sunspot numbers indicate better propagation, a less 
brilliant (more yellow and fainter) auroral circle is good, a bright red 
circle is bad.  Smaller "K" numbers are better, and higher solar flux is 
better.

Good results (not necessarily world-beating, but certainly usable) can 
be obtained with simple antennas.  Probably the easiest antenna for 20 
meters (and 17 and 15 meters too) is a sloping dipole, hung from a tree 
or other available support.  The length of the antenna will depend on 
the band in use.  A 20 meter antenna will be about 33 feet from end to 
end, while a 17-meter antenna is about 26 feet long, and a 15 meter 
antenna is about 22 feet long (end to end)

Try to get the center of the antenna reasonably high, at least 20 feet  
if you can, and try to install it so it is "in the clear" - which means 
away from buildings and metal structures.

Such an antenna can be connected to your radio by a length of "coaxial" 
cable.  There are various types of coaxial cables available.  A suitable 
choice for low to medium power use (up to perhaps 200 watts) is known by 
the type number RG-58.  For higher power use, RG-8 is better.  Each of 
these cables comes in a number of different sub-types, and some 
discussion will help you decide which is best.

Antennas for other bands can be of similar configuration.  You can also 
experiment with various types of directional antennas and multi-band 
systems.  Some multi-band antennas can be built that cover all of the HF 
bands at one time, but such antennas require some skill to use 
correctly, and additional hardware is needed  - in the form of an 
"antenna coupling unit" - sometimes called an antenna tuner.

The entire topic of antennas and HF operating is complex to say the 
least, and it would help you to have someone to call on when you have 
questions.  It will also help if you have a couple of basic reference 
books, and some simple test equipment.  I can advise you in these 
issues, and would be willing to assist you via email or on the telephone.

As far as a rig is concerned, there are several good choices.  There are 
some excellent kit radios out there, and carefully shopping among the 
used radio market can produce a good set for not much cash.  The Yaesu 
FFT-817 you mention is a good set,. but you may be able to find 
something significantly better with a bit of looking. All this will 
depend on your budget and to some degree your technical skills.  Again, 
I would be able to offer some suggestions once I know better where you 
are headed.

You can reach me by telephone at 688-0660, and of course by email. My 
direct email addresses are either jwiley at gci.net or kl7cc at arrl.net   .

My hours are flexible, so don't worry too much about when you call, 
except try to keep it between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

- Jim, KL7CC



On 7/22/2014 8:45 PM, Adam Booth wrote:
> Hello! I am just getting started in HF.  I am currently working on my 
> General so I won't be transmitting but I am more of a listener than a 
> talker anyhow.  It seems like a good place to start is maybe the 20M 
> band.  Are there any bands that you would recommend for a beginner?  I 
> don't yet have the cables to work digital but I would like to try that 
> in the future as well.  I am also looking for any apartment-friendly 
> 20M or other HF antennas for sale -- I know that finding an 
> apartment-friendly HF antenna might be a tough find so I would also be 
> interested in something I could set up outside temporarily and I could 
> work outside during the summer, I'm thinking of maybe setting up in 
> Kincaid Park or somewhere higher up. If anyone has any recommendations 
> or HF antennas for sale, I would be very interested.  I'm also 
> interested in any and all Yaesu FT-817 (non-ND, although I think ND 
> accessories would be compatible) accessories up for sale. ThanksAdam B 
> KL3TX