Antennas
Antennas are one of the most crucial components of an amateur radio station. They are responsible for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and their performance can significantly impact the overall quality of communication.
There are many types of antennas used in amateur radio, each with unique characteristics and suitable for different purposes. Understanding and experimenting with antennas is a key aspect of the amateur radio hobby.
General Ham Resources
Antenna Examples
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Dipole Antennas: Dipole antennas are one of the simplest and most effective types of antennas used by hams. They consist of two conductive elements and are easy to construct and install. Learn more about Dipole Antennas.
- Vertical Antennas: Vertical antennas are popular for their omnidirectional radiation pattern, allowing them to receive signals from all directions. They are often used for HF bands and are easy to install in limited spaces. Read about Vertical Antennas.
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Loop Antennas: Loop antennas are compact and can be used in situations where space is limited. They are effective for both transmitting and receiving and are often used for HF bands. Learn more about Loop Antennas.
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Beam Antennas: Beam and so-called "Yagi" antennas are directional antennas that provide high gain, making them ideal long-distance communication, reducing interference, and weak signal work. They are often mounted on rotators to allow operators to point them in different directions. VHF beams and UHF beams are small enough to be easily made out of readily available parts. HF beams are great for making contacts over long distances.
Local Club Activities
RARS members have great experience with all these kinds of antennas. If you come to a RARS Gathering, you can learn about them and ask questions.
Also, look at the RARS Discord server antennas channel.