Moe wrote:

Hi Group,

I'm an "apartment dweller" in the crowded Dallas metroplex, with a
Grundig Satellit 800. Setting up an outside antenna in the patio isn't
an option. U see, the "fine", anally retentive apartment complex
managment folks would crossify me for having the thought crossing my
mind

After reading pretty much all reviews in "Passport to World .." and
reading this group's posts, I've decided to try a (#1) slinky dipole
antenna (found on eBay from 3 or 4 basement-based manufacturers) along
with a (#2) Vectronics AT-100 preselector (to filter and boost).

I'm to extend the slinky antenna inside the apartment along the
longest straight ceiling stretch which is about 25 or 26 feet (The
overall wire length used in making the two slinkies is 150 ft) to come
down via a coaxial and into the AT-100 and from there into the
Satellit 800.

My question is, is this type of antenna directional? I'm primarly
interested in weaker West Europe stations, should I point it to the
east? or should I just stretch it along the longest clear path??

Also, what do you think of my overall thinking/approach, and do you
think this approx $110 spent on the antenna and preselector better be
spent elsewhere? I'm VERY new to this and will benefit from any
constructive advise/comment.

Thanks in advance,

Moe

Rather than spend the $110 in your situation it may be better to simply
add some wire along the ceiling and alligator clip it to the whip antenna
or plug it into the antenna jack of the receiver if it has one.

Later on you might wish to get a preselector, but even in this case it may
simply be overkill. You are in a bad receiving situation, and tossing a
bunch of money at it may not solve it.

Start off simple first!

Steve
Holland, MI
Drake R7, R8 and R8B

http://www.iserv.net/~n8kdv/dxpage.htm