Gregg wrote in message ...
Behold, Warpcore flashed in code from a keyed 4-1000A filament:

How 'bout I connect one line to the sheilding on the coax, and one line
to the center conductor of the coax - is that considered balanced, or do
i need something between the receiver and the antenna line to create a
balanced connection ?

Nope, not balanced. You should use a proper balanced line/antenna for best
results. You can use a BALUN between the coax and balanced inputs of your
RX.

TV types are 4:1 and the quality types can be used down to 5 MHz, with the
typical RS things good down to 15 MHz.

A 1:1 balun is probably your best option. You can wind your own (se ARRL
Radio Amateur's Handbooks) or purchase one called a "W2AU" balun, but
they're big. Only about $20 though. They are good from 160 to 6M.

I hope you don't mind my asking questions about these fundamentals. If
there is a website to explain in simple terms, taht would save you the
effort of typing s. I DO appreciate the response.


Typical balanced antennas are the dipole (folded full-wave [300 ohm] and
1/2 wave [72 ohm]), quad, delta and other loops.
An antenna will give proper performance if it's tuned to the lowest
frequency you expect to receive. For a 1/2 wave antenna, like a dipole,
the length should be:
Lmetres=150/fMHz
Balanced antennas are relatively independent of a ground, but the RX
equipment should be grounded for reduced noise and safety.

IIRC: Generally these types of 'free standing' ~ 'up in the air'
antennas are required to be elevated high enough for the designed
frequency to reduce or elimated the ground effect to achieve the
designed antenna reception pattern.
Properly Constructed + Positioned + Elevated = Antennas Independent
from Ground


Unbalanced types are like
end-fed anything (longwires), J-poles, 1/4 wave verticals, etc.
For unbalanced antennas, a good ground is neccessary. Cold water pipes
are OK, but a counterpoise is better.

The Ground/Counterpoise is 'part' of the antenna (1/4, 1/2 or full
wavelength reflector).

iane ~ RHF




If you have limited property, you can helically wind it on a form.



Hope this helps.