Exciting news! This year’s Hamfest will feature not one but two “Building Day” sessions!
On Friday afternoon from 3-5, we’ll be building a self-contained END FED RANDOM WIRE antenna system suitable for portable and field use. It’s conservatively rated at 10W CW and 20W PEP SSB. This unique project is built around a crank-type antenna winder and is totally self-contained. The project even includes the antenna and counterpoise wire!
Then, on Saturday morning from 10-12 noon, we’ll build a higher-power END FED HALF WAVE antenna system suitable for use at higher power levels (conservatively rated at 50W CW and 100W PEP SSB). The matching unit will be constructed in a plastic box with a see-through top. This project also includes an antenna winder as well as antenna and counterpoise wire.
Each project will give you a complete antenna system that will be ready for you to put on the air. You’re welcome to attend both sessions, if you’d like, and build one of each!
Steve Hudson, AA4BW, will be presenting these sessions. Steve, an award-winning writer and teacher, speaks frequently on ham radio topics and has shared programs with ham groups across the US and in Europe. He enjoys POTA and field operation and has used each of these antennas extensively in the US, Europe and the Western Pacific. “They work!” he says. “And they’re fun to build!”
For each Building Day, cost of the materials kit and instructions is $40. Please bring cash and settle up with Steve at the session.
What about tools? You’ll need to bring a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, pliers, a small adjustable-end wrench, and slotted and Philips screwdrivers.
IMPORTANT: You will also need to bring a single-edge razor blade or X-acto-type craft knife for removing insulation from the wire used to wind the transformer.
We will start each building session with a brief introduction to the project and a quick look at how/why each antenna works. Then we’ll do the building! We have plenty of time for a relaxed building experience, and you’ll leave with an antenna system that you can put to work on the way home if you wish!
Please note that space is limited. Currently, we have room for 12 builders during each session. First come, first served!
Some additional kits with build instructions will be available if you’d like to get one (either one) to build on your own. Cost of each kit is $40.
We are excited to share these special hamfest building sessions with you and look forward to seeing you there!
Antenna Build Links:
Here are links to the 2 antenna builds to read about each antenna project, and at the end of their pages is a link to the Google Sign Up Form. Each Antenna Build is $40.
End Fed Random Wire ( QRP Antenna ) Friday 3-5 PM
End Fed Half Wave (EFHW 100w SSB) Saturday 10-Noon
