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MAC for Hams: This section lists some of the programs/software that is available for the amateur radio operator that uses MAC computers. There are several programs that are freeware. Several of these freeware programs rival commerical programs. The programs are cocoaModem for PSK31 and other modes, cocoaNEC for antenna analysis, MacTNC for packet, EchoMAC for Echolink, and MacDoppler for satellite tracking (commerical program). |
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Operating: This section provides basic instructions for operating PSK31, operating over LOE satellites, Echolink, and Packet. These area of operations can become very technical, so this is just information to maybe get you interested in trying something new in amaterur radio. Some of these modes don't take hardly any money to at least try them and see if you want to continue. The satellite section is mostly from a talk a gave at Ham Com in Plano, Tx a few years ago. In this section you can see how to build a satellite antenna and start communicating over LOE satelliltes. |
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Projects: In this section are projects that I have built or are interested in. PIC Projects are projects that uses PIC processors (these are small little computers in an IC). I have used these PIC to build CW keyers and other projects for ham radio. Also in this section is a discussion on building kits. The QRP guys have lots of kits that can be built. There is nothing like building a transceiver from a kit and making your first contact on it. Most of these are very inexpensive. |
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Antennas: In this section are pages on constructing antennas. These antennas can be built for a minimum cost. Building antennas are lots of fun and can be a good way to improve you station. |
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Building and Exploring EH Antennas. This is where you have instruction on building a 6 foot 80M antenna. We also have data on Moxon Antennas, Satellite Antennas, and other Amateur Radio Activities.
80M 6' EH Antenna
I hold an Amateur Radio Advanced Class License. I have been a radio amateur radio operator (HAM) since 1964. I was first licensed as WB4AOY in Alabama. When I moved to California in 1965 I was licensed as WB6ZES, and when I moved to Texas in 1970 I became WB5CXC. I now live in Conroe, Texas (about 30 miles north of Houston).
I worked in Hong Kong on a 28/28 day rotation. While I was there I got my amateur radio license and received call VR2LB.
I'm active on 2M, 440 Mhz and HF. I'm an active member of the Montgomery County ARES.
EH Antennas - In this section you can design your own EH antenna or build one of the already designed antennas. I have built and used all of the EH antenna listed on this web site. EH antennas are a compromise antennas and for restricted area, they work very good. I give detailed information on building an 80M, and two 20M EH antennas. I have a page where you can input information and design your own EH Antenna.
MOXON Antennas - Moxon antennas are two element with bent elements, thus it is a reduced sized antenna. These antenna have similar gain as a three element beams. The have large front-to-back ratios. I first built a 2M Moxon and later built one for 10M. I have also built a set of phased Moxon antenna for satellite communications. Our ARES group have built the 2M Moxon for emergency communications.
VHF/UHF Antennas - In this section are designs for 2M, 440 antennas and also dual band antennas. Most of these designs are from DK7ZB of Germany. These designs are very popular over in Europe. I have built one of the dual band antenna (2M/70 cm) and it works very good.
SATELLITE Antennas - In this section are some of the antennas I have made for communicating over LOE satellites. These can be made using commonly available hardware etc.
J Poles - J Poles are popular antennas used mostly on 6M and up. The most known J Pole is called the Copper Cactus made from copper pipe and it looks like cactus, thus the name. These can also be made from twin lead. You have one of the twin lead J Pole in your emergency Go-Kit. I don't know how many of these antennas I have made over the years.
BUDDISTICK Antenna - Buddistick antennas are small vertical antenna used for portable operations. I have instructions on home built Buddistick antenna. Bud W3FF has released information for amateurs to build their own Buddistick. These are inexpensive to build (< $30). I have built mine a little different than the instructions.
Antenna Matching - This section has infromation matching antenna to coax etc. Some of the antennas on this site have a driven element impedance of 28 ohms. This can be matched very easily with 1/4 wavelength coax match. You can calculate how to match other impedances and also calculate the lenghts of coax for a given frequency.
VERTICAL T BAR Antennas - Vertical T Bar antennas look like an 'H' turn 90 degrees. They are shortened vertical antennas that uses capatance loading to reduce their lenght. There are several commerical companies that are now building this type of antenna (Force & Transworld).
10M VERTICAL Antenna - I built this antenna using copper plumbing pipe. The price for copper has raised significantly so it might be better to build it out of aluminum tubing now. They are half wave dipoles and are mounted close to the ground which give a very low angle of radiation. You can also build a similar vertical antenna for 6M.
4BTV Add-Ons - In this section I describe how to make an Add-On for the 4BTV vertical antenna. I made Add-Ons for 17M and 30M. These are made from PVC pipe and wire.