Man, sometimes a topic starts going through your head, you do a little research and then start going all over the place. This is one of them – antenna analyzers. I’m a huge fan of them and run antenna clinics for our local club. This tool is one quick way to get a snapshot of your antennas performance in a jiffy.
For those that have seen the MFJ analyzers, they basically consist of a low power transmitter and various circuitry to do the math and display the antenna or feedline information on an LCD screen.
Oztales strikes again with a very well done video. The descriptions should give hams without an engineering background a very strong understanding of what is going on behind this “mystery box”.
While I’m “down under” let me show you a really neat analyzer kit that can be had for a fraction of the cost of the larger analyzers like the MFJ. If you’re willing to burn a little solder, you can make a very sweet analyzer (I’m thinking of getting this kit as well, seems a good companion piece to my AADE LCR Meter). As of this writing, the kit mentioned here costs $150.00 AUD for DX orders – which is a bargain!
As you can see, it has many things in common with the higher priced analyzers as far as layout and such. Just keep in mind, from what I’ve seen in the picture and on their site, this is an HF only analyzer and does not have six meters – strictly 10 and up.
The kit is available from the South Coast Amateur Radio Club and on their website at:
Across the pond, someone built one of these kits and you can get a really good idea of what is inside the kit. This video is what is now making me consider purchasing this kit:
BYRONLOCAL’s Youtube channel has a few other videos that may be part of the kit (components) but I haven’t watch them yet, so check his channel if you want more information.
While I’m “down under” let me show you a really neat analyzer kit that can be had for a fraction of the cost of the larger analyzers like the MFJ. If you’re willing to burn a little solder, you can make a very sweet analyzer (I’m thinking of getting this kit as well, seems a good companion piece to my AADE LCR Meter). As of this writing, the kit mentioned here costs $150.00 AUD for DX orders – which is a bargain!
Oztales has scratched the surface of what you can do with an analyzer. If you practice your google-fu, you’ll find lots of other great uses/mods for analyzers to expand their capability.
This time I’ll keep it short and sweet. “oztales” over at YouTube has a great antenna theory video. Only runs about 10 minutes, but is packed full of good information.
This video would also make a great showing for new hams. I run regular workshops and think this video will be in the normal offering.
Today, I humbly submit, for your approval, an incredible AzEl project from Dave Matthews, KI4PSR.
Dave has submitted a project to Parallax (the microcontrolller/stamp people) This is a neat AzEl setup that you can build from off the shelf parts (mostly) that allows you to use your computer to track the birds as they fly overhead.
It doesn’t get easier than this, but the project seems really neat. He lists the materials he’s using as well as sites where you can obtain parts.
Might I add, he also brings my favorite Ham Radio Deluxe into the mix!
For project info, schematics and such, check out the Parallax website at:
Antenna modeling is something I try to use as much as possible when I work on building a new antenna. What better way is there to get a visual on how an antenna is going to work. There are many pay programs on the market, also the ARRL has an entire course (that uses the pay program) online.
As many have noticed, I watch a LOT of ham radio videos on Youtube. This is a program I found through a Youtube video.
The program, 4NEC2, is a free program that can be found at:
There are plenty of screen shots and a forum to help you as you move along using this program. There is even a model of a “ship” made in the program, really, a ship! I also like the good size antenna library included with the program. It really helps you navigate your way around the program.
Now, for the Youtube link….
I hope this gets you started on antenna modeling (if you’re haven’t done so already). There are other programs (some free) that I plan on posting about in the future. As always, if you have some good, relevant information on topic, please post below.
OK, not to sound like Rod Serling, but…..
Antenna modeling is something I try to use as much as possible when I work on building a new antenna. What better way is there to get a visual on how an antenna is going to work. There are many pay programs on the market, also the ARRL has an entire course (that uses the pay program) online.
