HAMsters Antenna Building Workshop a Huge Success!
20/06/26 14:44
Building Knowledge, Building Antennas, Building Better Operators
The HAMsters Amateur Radio Group enjoyed an outstanding day of hands-on learning, construction, testing, and camaraderie on Saturday, June 20th, as members gathered for our Carolina Windom Antenna Building Workshop.
This project actually began at our May meeting, where we introduced the Carolina Windom antenna concept to our newer and less experienced operators. During that session, we explored how the antenna works, discussed its unique design characteristics, reviewed the materials required, and explained why the Carolina Windom has earned a reputation as a strong-performing HF antenna capable of providing excellent multi-band performance.
Over the past month, members gathered the necessary components, prepared materials, and came ready to put theory into practice.
Today was build day.
Working together in multiple teams, our members assembled two full-size Carolina Windom antennas designed primarily for 80-meter operation. Once construction was completed, we moved outdoors to the American Red Cross grounds where the antennas were temporarily installed among the trees for live testing and tuning.
One of the most valuable portions of the workshop involved teaching the practical skills that every HF operator eventually needs to master:
- Understanding SWR and antenna resonance
- Determining whether an antenna is too long or too short
- Learning how frequency shifts indicate required adjustments
- Properly lengthening or shortening antenna elements
- Setting realistic performance expectations
- Understanding the tuning process from start to finish
The results were excellent.
By the end of the day, three HAMsters members headed home with antennas that should provide many years of strong HF performance and countless enjoyable contacts across the amateur bands.
Just as importantly, everyone left with a much better understanding of antenna theory and practical station building skills.
The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic. We had enough participation to divide into multiple build teams, allowing experienced operators and newer hams to work side-by-side, share ideas, answer questions, and learn from one another. That spirit of mentorship and fellowship is exactly what amateur radio is all about.
Personally, I had an absolute blast. Judging by the smiles, conversations, and enthusiasm throughout the day, I believe everyone else did as well.
A special thank you goes out to everyone who participated, helped organize the event, and contributed their time and expertise to make the workshop a success.
Photos from the event, courtesy of Ruth Lewis (KE5MHJ) and Frank (K5GNU), have been uploaded to our Events and Activities Photo Library for everyone to enjoy.
In addition, the complete Carolina Windom construction and tuning guide used during the class has been added to our Technical Library for future reference.
This workshop demonstrated something we've always believed within the HAMsters organization: when experienced operators share their knowledge and newer operators are willing to learn, everyone benefits.
Today wasn't just about building antennas.
It was about building skills, building confidence, and building the future of amateur radio.
A great day, great people, and great radio.
73,
Greg Lewis, N5XO Founder, HAMsters Amateur Radio Group
