How high should my HF antenna be?
The simplest answer is that the “ideal” height for an antenna at these frequencies is 1/2 wavelength – but even there “ideal” depends on whether you want optimum ground reflection. If you can’t get your 3.5MHz antenna 140 feet in the air, though, then “as high as you can” is the ideal height.
What is HF antenna?
The most powerful antennas for the HF bands or any band is the directional antenna, often referred to as the beam antenna. These antennas focus your signal in a particular direction (like a flashlight). Not only do they concentrate your transmitted signal, they allow you to focus your receive pattern as well.
What is a stealth antenna?
A Stealth Antenna is one which is designed to go unnoticed. This can be accomplished by any of the following: 1. Making it difficult to see. Use thin wire.
Do trees affect HF antenna?
Yes. Will the antenna still work? Absolutely. Without the specifics of yours trees, and your antenna, we can’t say exactly what effect trees will have, but it’s a fair guess that the absorption by trees will be somewhere between negligible to significant but probably not drastic.
Does antenna length matter for reception?
So the answer is yes, size does matter, but bigger isn’t always better. It all depends on what your transmitting and receiving frequencies are. Theoretically, a longer antenna will have a greater range, but it is far more important for optimal radio performance that the length of the antenna matches the frequency.
Is the farthest point which can be seen by the transmitting antenna?
The farthest possible point of propagation is referred to as the “radio horizon”. In practice, the propagation characteristics of these radio waves vary substantially depending on the exact frequency and the strength of the transmitted signal (a function of both the transmitter and the antenna characteristics).
How far can HF transmit?
But the real advantage of HF is skywave propagation, where a single link can span distances as great as 3,000 km (a little less than 1,900 miles). Skywave propagation occurs when the radio wave is refracted (bent) in the uppermost layer of the atmosphere, called the ionosphere.
What should my first HF antenna be?
All you need to build this antenna is an inexpensive 20m dipole antenna, some rope and a tree limb that is about 38 feet or so from the ground.
Can I put a dipole antenna in my attic?
Attics are great locations for indoor antennas. For example, you can install a wire dipole in almost any attic space. Don’t worry if you lack the room to run the dipole in a straight line. The same dipoles and loops that you use in your attic can also be used in any other room in your home.
What is the best wire antenna for HF?
18 AWG solid copper-clad steel (30%). The most economical and versatile antenna wire. Strong enough for any HF dipole (break strength 280 pounds) and as light and easy to use as stranded. Popular for loops, curtains, long wires, counterpoise and experimental.
How does marine VHF antenna work?
Marine VHF Antenna. An antenna is a device that transforms radio signals in the air into electricity. Usually in the form of a long pole, an antenna can also transmit electronic signal in the air. The distance through which transmission takes place depends on the amount of power running through the antenna.
What is a mobile antenna?
Mobile antenna. Mobile antennas are designed to be used for operation while in motion. Their uses include pedestrian mobile operation while walking, bicycle-mounted antennas for use while riding, and the most common form, automobile-mounted antennas for use while driving. Mobile antennas should not be confused with portable antennas,…
What is a 2 meter antenna?
Product Description. Our flagship model, The Two Meter J-Pole Antenna comes in two different configurations, either as a one piece antenna for base station use, or as a two piece breakaway model great for portable operations. The J-Pole makes a great base station and emcomm emergency communications amateur radio and scanner antenna.