Newbie antenna build

[vintage guy]

I'm new to amateur radio and on a budget. I have a vintage hf rig and want to get started. I plan to build an antenna and read that a noise bridge would be an inexpesive approach to tuning. Should I get something ling an old heathkit hd-1422 or use a k7qo bridge from qrpguys?
Thanks

 

[BJ radionut]

JETSTREAM JTWXHF Used [.21680] - $79.00 : R&L Electronics, Amateur radio store

R&L Electronics JETSTREAM JTWXHF Used [.21680] - JETSTREAM JTWXHF NICE,WORKING JETSTREAM PWR/SWR METER NICE,WORKING JETSTREAM PWR/SWR METER

www2.randl.com

NB are good tools...but wattmeter/SWR bridge to me even more critical to have. I prefer cross needle versions...show output power and SWR(reflected power) both in real time.
Many here to help...ask away
All the Best
Gary/W9FNB

 

[BJ radionut]

Amateur Radio Antenna Projects

Amateur Radio, Antenna Theory, Homebrew Antennas, Hidden and Stealth Antennas, CC&R's, and Antenna restriction.

www.ac6v.com

5 Great Multiband Wire Antenna Projects-The DX ZONE

5 Great Multiband Wire Antenna Projects-The DX ZONE

www.simplehamradioantennas.com

The All Band HF Doublet - 80 thru 10 Meter Ladder Line Multiband Antenna

Homebrew Antenna Tuner - A Best of Breed Version

After having studied many possible configurations, I explain why I chose a modified version of the FRI-Match for my homebrew antenna tuner.

www.hamradiosecrets.com

 

[BJ radionut]

Tell Us all what equipment you have....nothing wrong with "vintage"

 

[vintage guy]

I'm new to amateur radio and on a budget. I have a vintage hf rig and want to get started. I plan to build an antenna and read that a noise bridge would be an inexpesive approach to tuning. Should I get something ling an old heathkit hd-1422 or use a k7qo bridge from qrpguys?
Thanks

 

[vintage guy]

I have a Drake TR4CW , a Bencher iambic key and an MFJ 442 Keyer. Just took tech and general test and now studying for extra. Really want to get into cw. Also, I want to get into antenna builds. Got my eye on building a swiss quad for 15 meter ( not too big and some really good plans).

 

[vintage guy]

Also, if I buy a used power/swr meter, what is a good option? TR4 will put out a lot more than 100 watts.

 

[sp5it]

Hello.
If you want to build antennas swr meter is not enough. I would say for that task is not needed at all.
VNA is a tool you need. At least original Hugen H4.
Than you will measure antenna parameters you should know.
SWR- it is least important antenna parameter.
Mike

 

[9C1Driver]

NANOVNA NANOVNAH4 [NANOVNAH4] - $109.95 : R&L Electronics, Amateur radio store

R&L Electronics NANOVNA NANOVNAH4 [NANOVNAH4] - 10kHZ-1.5GHz Antenna analyzer 4 TOUCHSCREEN NANOVNA-H4 SWR ANALYZER RADIO ACCESSORIES

www2.randl.com