On 12/19/2010 9:25 PM, RHF wrote:

...
never-the-less the 'weak signals' e-x-i-s-t
most often other factors prevent you
from hearing them - iane ~ RHF
.
.

Absolutely. Indeed, I'd even speculate that if a mosquito farts in
Australia, it causes a "disturbance" in America! And, could be
detected--with a sufficiently sensitive detector ...

However, as stated, a longer and/or higher antenna will provide stronger
and more signals.

Point being, a small antenna can never be made to function as well as a
larger antenna. And that simply translates into the longer and higher
the better ... up to a point. Very long antennas (in relation to
wavelength become directional in the direction the wire travels.)

A complete SW setup (or even a good MW DX station) with have a decent
antenna, a balun/unun and matchbox/tuner and fed with a suitable feeder
(coax is best when the feeder goes though areas susceptible to noise,) a
filter(s) able to provide rejection of unwanted signals, an attenuator, etc.

A good antenna with a mediocre receiver will beat a better receiver with
a poor antenna every time ... And, of course, you must provide the
receiver with a usable signal before you get anywhere at all ... so much
for "Radio 101."

Regards,
JS