I am using the simple 20 Ft Wire Antenna "Clipped" to the whip
Antenna. I guess I'll need to go to radioshack.com and get some
parts. This is frustrating. Thanks RHF!

Rich


(RHF) wrote in message . com...
RS,

Are you using the 1/8" External SW Antenna Jack on the side of the
radio with the simple 20 Ft Wire Antenna strung outside ?

Or, are your using the simple 20 Ft Wire Antenna strung outside
"Clipped" to the Sony ICF-Sw77's WHIP Antenna ?
* Something like RadioShack Catalog #: 278-1374 = Portable Shortwave
Antenna

You did not identify whether you were using a Ground Connection; or
not.
- - - Are you using a Ground with the radio and antenna ?

PARTS: Here are two simple SWL Antenna Ideas using a few common
RadioShack TV Antenna type parts:
Catalog #: 15-1174 = 50-Ft. 300 Ohm (Flat) TV Twin-Lead
Catalog #: 15-1230 = 75 to 300 Ohm Matching Transformer (2 Ea.)
Catalog #: 15-1148 = 75 to 300 Ohm Mini-Plug Adapter
Catalog #: 15-1547 = 8 Foot Coax Cable with F Connectors (8Ft~25Ft)
Catalog #: 274-286 = 1/8" Mono-Plug

Two "TV" Parts SWL Antennas with Noise Reduction Properties:

INDOOR - Wall/Ceiling Perimeter Loop Antenna made from 300 Ohm (Flat)
TV Twin-Lead and using a 75 to 300 Ohm Mini-Plug Adapter to connect
the Antenna Element to the radio.
* The Loop Antenna Element circles the Ceiling of the Room (or a Wall
of the Room).
* The Loop Antenna Element forms a continous double loop around the
room.
* The Down Lead (FeedLine) connects to the ends of the Loop Antenna
Element.
* The TV Twin Lead is connected to the 300 Ohm Terminals of the
Mini-Plug Adapter.
* The 75 Ohm (1/8" Mono-Plug) is plugged into the radio's External
1/8" Antenna Jack.
NOTE: The Horizontal Ceiling Loop Antenna should
balance-cancel-reduce most man made noise and be Omni-Directional.
The Vertical Wall Loop Antenna will have more noise but may show some
directional properties.

OUTSIDE - Vertical [Skinny Flat Loop] Antenna 300 Ohm (Flat) TV
Twin-Lead and using a Coax Lead-In. The Coax Lead-In would be a 300
to 75 Ohm Matching Transformer; 8 Foot Coax Cable with F Connectors;
75 to 300 Ohm Matching Transformer; and 1/8" Mono-Plug to connect the
Antenna
* The Loop Antenna Element is dropped outside vertically from your
window.
* * The Loop Antenna Element is formed by connecting the two ends of
the bottom tip of the 300 Ohm TV Twin Lead.
* * This forms a continuous single skinny vertical flat loop going
down and back up.
* * This also represents a Balance 300 Ohm Load to match-up with the
300 Ohm Matching Transformer.
* The 300 Ohm Leads of the Matching Transformer connects to the ends
of the Loop Antenna Element.
* The 75 Ohm F Connector of the Matching Transformer is connected to
the 75 Ohm Coax Cable.
* The 75 Ohm Coax Cable acts as the Lead-In from the Outside to
inside the room.
* The other end of the 75 Ohm Coax Cable is connected to the 75 Ohm F
Connector of the Matching Transformer.
* The 300 Ohm Leads of the Matching Transformer are connected to the
Center/Tip and the Outer/Barrel of the 1/8" Mono-Plug.
* The 1/8" Mono-Plug is plugged into the radio's External 1/8"
Antenna Jack.
NOTE: Using the 300 Ohm TV Twin Lead in a Skinny Flat Loop Antenna
should balance-cancel-reduce most man made noise and be
Omni-Directional.

OBTW: Once this Vertical Antenna is 'assembled' it makes a good
travel SWL Antenna.

GROUND: Find a Grounding Point within/about your dwelling.
* Secure a good Grounding Point for your Radio and Antenna.
* Run a Heavy & Short Ground Wire to your Radio.
* Locate a good Case/Signal Ground Point on your Radio.
* Attach/Secure the Ground Wire to the Radio's Ground.

FWIW: Both these Antennas using common TV Antenna type parts should
be effective as SWL Antennas above 5MHz and beyond 30MHz.


iane ~ RHF