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September 13th 04, 12:35 PM

Telamon wrote in message ...
In article ,
(David Drumheller) wrote:

I've been listening to shortwave radio since the mid-1970s, and so
I've done a fair amount of tinkering with antennas. Like everyone
else, I've been on that quest for the best all-around antenna that
really doesn't exist. Right now I use a 42-ft, longwire, attic
antenna that's feed with 450-Ohm feedline that terminates in a tuner
(T-network) in a closet near the receiver. I use 50-Ohm coax between
the tuner and receiver, which is also my amateur transceiver. I
"tune" the antenna using an MFJ-259 analyzer. Why did I settle for
this system:

- It fits in my attic. - It's radiation patterns are dipole-like on
the bands I listen to (and operate on as an amateur). - I don't fear
lightning strikes. - It isn't in the weather, so it isn't a
maintenance problem. - I don't run high power as an amateur, and
operate mostly CW, so efficiency isn't a big issue for me. - It's
stealthy.

Giving up is pointless.

Hmmm. I'm not sure what this remark is supposed to mean. But I
suppose my original my original post was a little defeatist. What I
should have also said is:

- My attic antenna works quite well, as I have had no problems working
anyone as an amateur.
- I still fool around with outdoor antennas. These are mostly
single-band systems, leaving my attic antenna to play the role of "Old
Standby."

I'm very happy with this arrangement.

-Dave, K3WQ