by Michael Martens | Jun 1, 2012 | 6 Meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, VHF
June is here, and now that the days are getting longer and warmer, my attention turns to VHF propagation, most notably the 6 meter band. Six Meters really starts to heat up in June, just in time for the ARRL’s VHF QSO Party. June marks the opening the...
by Michael Martens | May 19, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, Scanner, UHF, VHF
A common question I get asked is ‘What is the best VHF/UHF amateur radio antenna?’ There’s no simple answer to that question since there’s countless antennas on the market, but in reality, the best amateur radio antenna is the one that works...
by Michael Martens | May 4, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Antennas, emcomm
A very common question that I receive from people inquiring about my antennas is “Does a J-Pole antenna need to be grounded?” Of course there is a very easy answer: no and yes. J-Pole antennas are half wave antennas by design. Actually they are a half wave...
by Michael Martens | Apr 21, 2012 | Amateur Radio, Antennas, UHF, VHF
Most of the instructions and plans you see online for J-Pole antennas often include the admonition to use a choke balun with the antenna. The purpose of the balun is to limit the amount of RF radiation coming back down the feedline and into the radio. Even though...
by Michael Martens | Apr 8, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, Reviews
Brian of Anaheim, CA recently purchased one of my 2 meter J-Pole antennas for his shack. The antenna has installed on the chimney of his house above the DTV antenna. He’s put together a great story about the installation and operation of the new antenna. Head on...
by Michael Martens | Mar 11, 2012 | 2 meter, Amateur Radio, Antennas, slidedeck
Are you a new Amateur Radio operator? Just received received your callsign and are now excited to get on the air. Congratulations and welcome to the Amateur Radio Service! Amateur Radio is a great hobby that will offer years and years of exploration, fun, and...
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