Subj : Antennas
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Sat May 28 2016 07:30 pm

Size DOES matter...in the scope of ham radio antennas. :)

And, depending on what band you operate on, along with the desired rig,
determines the length of your antenna.

Those operating with handi-talkies on 2 meters and 70 centimeters need only a
simple rubber duck antenna, although a magmount antenna will likely provide
better dB gain. It also helps to have a rig that will put out more than QRP (5
watts). While ham radio operators with a Technician Class license or higher can
use up to 1500 watts in most bands (some bands have lower limits, as they do
with the Novice Class license), the bottom line is "use the minimum amount of
power to carry out communications".

There are several antennas that one can build themselves (DIY or
do-it-yourself), and can be used in VHF and UHF operation, such as a J-Pole.
For HF operations, Yagis and others, are used, and depending on the band, the
length of the antenna greatly increases the higher in meters/lower in
frequencies that you go. Those General, Advanced, and Extra Class licensees
operating "top band" (160 meters) have huge antennas on massive towers. Wire
antennas and G5RV antennas can still do quite a bit on the HF bands.

I will try to have more posted on this in the coming days.

Daryl, WX1DER

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