Antennas:
The Basics & Beyond
By Robert Gulley AK3Q

Take control over your antennas - learn, try and see the results

n this book, read along with Robert as he grew at the start from a newcomer radio amateur to a more advanced level. Learn as he did, starting at the same place everyone must—the beginning with much to learn about all aspects of getting on the air. For the more advanced, take a refresher course to remember what you forgot or may have overlooked when starting out and progressing to more advanced levels.

No matter what stage you have reached, you’ll find a wealth of practical information for getting the most out of your radio’s antenna. While antenna theory is covered when needed, this is not just a book of formulas and dry classroom lectures. Instead, the author has taken the approach of one radio enthusiast talking to another, passing on experiences and guidance in clear, down-to-earth discussions of relevant topics.

Like many of us, the author didn’t think much about antennas at first:

“One area of the radio hobby which did not get a lot of attention when I was a boy was antennas. I didn’t think much about them more than whatever was needed to receive a signal. My police scanner had an antenna on the back; my transistor radio had a telescopic antenna which seemed to work fine; and my shortwave radio had a piece of wire running out the window which gave me all kinds of things to listen to at night. I never really gave antennas a second thought.

Fast-forward 30+ years to when I got my amateur radio license. Suddenly antennas were very important to me. They became one of the most interesting pieces to the amateur radio puzzle because I realized antennas were my silent partners for getting the most out of the radio hobby . . . .”

This book is designed to take the beginner through their first steps to realizing the importance of a good antenna system. From basic theory to helping them decide which antennas will be right for their particular situation, the goal of the book is to help folks get on the air.

The author believes that a good foundation in antenna basics will provide years of radio enjoyment, and that newcomers to the hobby really need an accessible resource to help them find their way through the maze of information available to them. While no book will ever take the place of an “Elmer” (ham-speak for a mentor), it is hoped the reader will find the information both easy to understand and to apply. By understanding the basics one becomes more able to assess his or her needs, ask the appropriate questions, and get satisfactory results.

The author notes:
“While I have participated in various aspects of the radio hobby for quite a while, it has only been in the last few years that I have come to take antennas more seriously. From my own studies I know how confusing all the conflicting information about antennas can be. It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the dizzying array of antenna possibilities out there. Far too many people have all the reasons in the world why a particular antenna won’t work—I call them the perennial prophets of doom and gloom. Where’s their sense of adventure?! I would rather take an approach which says “let’s see what will happen if I try this . . . .””

The book itself is divided into three parts:

- Part One deals with how antennas work, learning to listen, antenna myths and misunderstandings, and testing results in the real world.

- Part Two looks at some of the components of an antenna system and how they work together, including feedlines, tuners, SWR, and the effects of ground around an antenna.

- Part Three looks at some classic antennas, antenna supports systems, and some of the most common frustrations (and fixes!) faced by many newcomers to the field.

While each chapter can stand on its own, the book is laid out so that a newcomer who so desires can start at the very beginning and build a logical foundation for understanding antennas, while at the same time maximizing their radio enjoyment.

If you are new to radio or if you know there must be more your antennas can do for you, this is the book for you. If you like to experiment, test and tweak and see the results change and know why, this book is for you. And if you’ve just been itching to get your hands dirty building your own antennas, this is definitely the book for you!

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PART 1

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2

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PART 2

PART 3

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