DIY Antennas, QRP, SDR & Ham Radio Projects from VU3DXR
Build high-efficiency magnetic loop antenna for HF. Explore DIY projects, tuning tips, and compact antenna designs for limited-space radio setups
Height is often the biggest hurdle for Hams, but what if you could trade verticality for horizontal real estate? This detailed guide explores the 21.3m-per-side hexagonal loop—a low-profile powerhouse that offers multi-band performance with minimal visual impact.
Build a triband delta loop antenna for 80M, 40M & 30M. This trapped delta loop antenna guide covers traps, matching section & construction details
Struggling with limited space or high local noise? The Magnetic Loop antenna is the ultimate “stealth” solution for hams. We dive deep into the PA0WIT design, featuring a 1/5 ratio Faraday loop for a perfect 1.1 SWR and peak performance from 7MHz to 18MHz.
The W8JI Super Mini Loop antenna is a compact full-wave loop design that delivers multi-band HF performance. Learn how it works, why it’s efficient, and how to build and optimize it for your stati
DIY 80 m magnetic loop antenna: 1.5 m copper tubing loop with gamma-style feed and air-variable capacitor, delivering low-noise 3.5 MHz HF performance in small areas
Can’t fit a full-sized 80-meter dipole in your backyard? Or maybe you’re tired of the high noise floor of a vertical? It’s time to look at the Half-Loop. This “open-loop” design provides a fantastic balance between the quiet reception of a loop and the simplicity of a wire antenna.
In this project, we explore a multiband Half-Loop configuration that covers everything from 80 meters down to 15 meters. We’ll discuss the radiation pattern, the importance of a good ground or counterpoise, and how to use a simple tuner to jump between bands. If you’re looking for a “stealthy” antenna that punches above its weight on the low bands, this build is for you. Let’s get that wire in the air!
The RA9SUS simple loop is a compact HF antenna covering 14–30 MHz using a 4.7 m rectangular loop and variable capacitor tuning. Ideal for balconies and small spaces, it enables efficient multiband operation without large wire antennas or ground systems
Looking for an effective HF antenna for a high-rise or apartment balcony? This practical guide from VU3DXR details the construction and performance of a Loaded Loop Antenna—a compact, high-efficiency solution designed specifically for radio amateurs facing severe space constraints.
The delta loop antenna represents one of the most versatile and efficient antenna designs for HF amateur radio operations. This triangular closed-loop antenna configuration offers excellent performance characteristics while maintaining relatively simple construction requirements. Understanding the fundamental principles, design considerations, and performance characteristics of delta loop antennas is essential for amateur radio operators seeking to […]
This article explains a terminated mini loop antenna designed for small spaces, combining loop geometry with resistive termination to achieve directional reception and reduced noise. It covers construction using wire, a terminating resistor, and a matching transformer, delivering wideband HF performance without a tuner for compact installations.