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Old February 11th 08, 04:52 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
Art Harris Art Harris is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Nov 2006
Posts: 42
Default Balcony railing a good antenna?

cadillac_eldorado wrote:

I do have a decent Sony portable radio, and I feel like I'm just on
the verge of getting some good signals. My question is this--I have a
small balcony off of my radio listening room, and I'm wondering if
there's a way I can use the metal railing of the balcony as an
antenna. *It's just about what you think, a large metal railing. *Can
I wrap some wire around part of it, and alligator-clip the other end
to my whip antenna?


Sure, just try it. What have you got to lose? In a pinch I've even
connected a short wire to the metal ground screw on an electrical
switch plate with fair results. If you're on the 2nd floor, a "ground"
can be a decent antenna.

If the railing works, a stainless hose clamp would be a better way of
securing the wire to the rail.

Good Luck,

Art N2AH