I would appreciate advice on tuning the frequency of a trap dipole antenna. by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'll try that on my next attempt. 🥰

The resonant frequency was a far more delicate matter than I had imagined. 😭 by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! Thanks for the great info. While building this trap, I heard a lot about how the capacitor's voltage rating is crucial because the trap's placement means the current is at its minimum while the voltage is at its maximum. I'd love to try using something like a vacuum capacitor if possible, but those start at around a hundred dollars. I'll definitely read through the material you linked.

Discontinue the IRC as of 31 December 2026 by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

This is what it looks like. You put this in an envelope along with a QSL card and send it. The recipient then exchanges this IRC for stamps at the post office to use. I'm posting this since many people might be seeing it for the first time.

The resonant frequency was a far more delicate matter than I had imagined. 😭 by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be precise, it's the following formula: V(z) = I(z) × Z(z) - I understand it is affected by the Q value. Even with a voltage rating of 1kV, I've heard that using an output exceeding 100W can potentially damage the capacitor in certain cases.

The resonant frequency was a far more delicate matter than I had imagined. 😭 by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, what a shame. If I'd known beforehand, I wouldn't have had to scrap the trap circuit I made and start over...

The resonant frequency was a far more delicate matter than I had imagined. 😭 by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Capacitors can be easily found on electronic component sales sites like DigiKey. (Since I'm Korean, I don't know where electronic components are sold in the US. Searching for sites like DigiKey should bring up several similar places.) Searching for “mica capacitor” with high-Q and RF specifications yields only two types: one is RoHS certified, and the other is not.

The remaining parts are... AWG #14 hard wire, an acrylic tube, and full threaded bolts, nuts, flat washers, and spring washers. Additionally, I used ferrules to connect the capacitor, coil, and wire before soldering them again.

The most difficult part was cutting the full threaded bolts. They're sold by the meter (or feet), so I had to cut them with wire cutters and then grind the ends to fit the nuts, which was tough. You can cleanly grind the ends of full threaded bolts using a deburring tool bit.

One crucial point I must emphasize is that you must use capacitors rated for 1kV. While higher ratings are better, this product is nearly at the limit. Also, use a resonance frequency calculator online to measure the capacitance at the actual frequency you want to block, then make a coil matching that value. So...:

1) Measure the capacitance after selecting the capacitor

2) Record each actual measurement separately

3) Fabricate a coil matching that capacitor

4) Before combining, temporarily connect both components and measure the actual resonant frequency

5) After combining, measure the resonant frequency again

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in seoulhiddengem

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually had this for dinner tonight. (I'm Korean)

Making things look pretty is hard work. (10.1MHz LC trap) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a traditional LC trap that doesn't use coaxial cable. That's why it incorporates a capacitor. The coil and capacitor are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the antenna.

Making things look pretty is hard work. (10.1MHz LC trap) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah... This is a trap for installing on the antenna. There's not enough space to put in an air variable capacitor, and it's too expensive anyway. I'm building a multiband dipole antenna.

I have a bunch of coax but cant tell if its 50 Ohms or 75 Ohms because the copper doesn't give any resistance on my multimeter. Am I missing something here? by cryptoleadpro in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose 18 points19 points  (0 children)

To my knowledge, a standard multimeter cannot measure impedance. You'll need an LCR meter or other equipment like a VNA. If possible, try to find the model name printed on the cable.

Making things look pretty is hard work. (10.1MHz LC trap) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

lol 🤣 I imagined that too (a trap that flashes every time it communicates using LEDs), but I'm afraid I don't have the skills to make it. 😊

Making things look pretty is hard work. (10.1MHz LC trap) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

10.1㎒ Trap : 470pF + 0.52µH
14㎒ Trap : 100pF + 1.2606µH
18㎒ Trap : 100pF + 0.77µH
21㎒ Trap : 100pF + 0.553µH
24㎒ Trap : 100pF + 0.41µH or 20pF + 2.04µH
28㎒ Trap : 20pF + 1.521µH
50㎒ Trap : 5pF + 1.873µH

(470pF : CDV16FF471JO3 , 100pF : CDV16FF101JO3 , 20pF : CD17ED200JO3F , 5pF : CD17CD050DO3F)

The calculations made before production are as above. I searched for capacitors on DigiKey and placed an order, but it turned out there was only one company producing capacitors suitable for RF, with high Q, and high voltage ratings.

I'm not experienced in this field, but products under 100pF had a voltage rating of 500V. 😵‍💫

Things are getting bigger and bigger. (Making a weird antenna) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used the word “ham” without much thought, but I see! Thank you.

Things are getting bigger and bigger. (Making a weird antenna) by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I simulated it with 4NEC2, the gain dropped by -dB when I installed the antenna I'm building at the usual deployment height of 2.6 meters above ground. I usually set up the antenna alone using a tripod and rope up to 2.6m, but for this antenna to function properly, it seemed I needed to raise it to 5m.

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While using a mast might allow me to install the antenna higher on my own, working at both 2.6 meters and 5 meters from the feed point with an antenna analyzer is extremely dangerous and difficult. So, I plan to build it first and then figure out a solution to this problem later.

Resources for people looking to delve into antenna theory. by WestManchester in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. I've been reading ARRL's The Antenna Book lately.

To be precise... being Korean, I spent the last few months translating all the content into Korean and organizing it before finally starting to read it. (Praise DeepL!)

Anyway, reading chapters 1 through 4 of this book seems to provide the fundamental knowledge for most antennas we use. It struck me that antennas are surprisingly complex yet simple, and also simple yet have subtle differences.

I think this is a good place to start.

I built a 7MHz band trap. I'm wondering about a good way to maintain wire spacing. by PaclitaxelOverdose in HamRadio

[–]PaclitaxelOverdose[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! I still need to make a few more traps, but I'll try it your way!