Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

On Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:46:07 -0800 (PST), PJ
wrote:

Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

Hi PJ,

With your location in Sweden, a long wire should pick up a lot of
stations unless you are buried deep in a valley. That long wire can
be as simple as 10 meters of wire with a clip to attach it to the whip
of the Sangean. When I was in Africa last year, that was enough to
fill my cheap SW set with signals from everywhere in Africa up into
Europe. Toss the wire out a window up into a tree. It is at least a
cheap, first attempt to see if you need anything more than that.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

On Dec 23, 10:23*am, Richard Clark wrote:
On Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:46:07 -0800 (PST), PJ
wrote:

Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

Hi PJ,

With your location in Sweden, a long wire should pick up a lot of
stations unless you are buried deep in a valley. *That long wire can
be as simple as 10 meters of wire with a clip to attach it to the whip
of the Sangean. *When I was in Africa last year, that was enough to
fill my cheap SW set with signals from everywhere in Africa up into
Europe. *Toss the wire out a window up into a tree. *It is at least a
cheap, first attempt to see if you need anything more than that.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

Should be very careful when connecting the whip to the ATS-909 antenna
with a metal clip - the radio is quite sensitive and should be turned
off while "clipping". For my connection, I just wound a coil of
insulated wire that would slip over the whip - the inductance alone is
enough to bring in signals strongly, and avoids the chance of possible
static and internal damage. About 20 turns is enough to get you
started; wind more if you want a stronger signal.

Bruce

"Richard Clark" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:46:07 -0800 (PST), PJ
wrote:

Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

Hi PJ,

With your location in Sweden, a long wire should pick up a lot of
stations unless you are buried deep in a valley. That long wire can
be as simple as 10 meters of wire with a clip to attach it to the whip
of the Sangean. When I was in Africa last year, that was enough to
fill my cheap SW set with signals from everywhere in Africa up into
Europe. Toss the wire out a window up into a tree. It is at least a
cheap, first attempt to see if you need anything more than that.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC


try the superskyhook sloper it works wonders over hear!
http://i40.tinypic.com/2ykgg05.jpg

mary xmas

"KC8QJP" wrote in message
. ..

"Richard Clark" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:46:07 -0800 (PST), PJ
wrote:

Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

Hi PJ,

With your location in Sweden, a long wire should pick up a lot of
stations unless you are buried deep in a valley. That long wire can
be as simple as 10 meters of wire with a clip to attach it to the whip
of the Sangean. When I was in Africa last year, that was enough to
fill my cheap SW set with signals from everywhere in Africa up into
Europe. Toss the wire out a window up into a tree. It is at least a
cheap, first attempt to see if you need anything more than that.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC


try the superskyhook sloper it works wonders over hear!
http://i40.tinypic.com/2ykgg05.jpg

mary xmas

That looks like junk,KC8QJP . You're better off sticking to the bogus tax
returns or are you still in prison for that?

FORMAL DISCIPLINARY HEARING-KATHLEEN R. LEE
Chairman Woods noted that Kathleen Lee was issued CPA certificate 36,525
on July 15, 1998. The hearing was to consider disciplinary action
against Ms. Lee's CPA certificate pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section
4701.16(A)(5), conviction of a felony under the laws of any state or of
the United States. Ms. Lee was convicted in the United States District
Court, Northern District of Ohio of five counts of Aiding & Assisting in
Filing False Tax Returns, a violation of 26 USC 7206(2), on June 12,
2000. Ms. Lee did not appear at the hearing. The Board agreed to
deliberate the disciplinary action in a later executive session.
Action taken.
Kathleen R. Lee, CPA 4701.16(A)(5)-Convicted of aiding & assisting in
filing of false tax returns. CPA certificate revoked.

PJ,

I've discovered there is no best antenna for everyone for shortwave
listening. Ignore the trolls here, start off with your wire antenna,
then experiment if you wish. I've tried a few things over the past few
weeks and for me, just running a wire along the ground about 60 feet
works best for me. I guess the only certain thing is that an antenna
that runs outside will work better than an inside antenna. If you
can't run one outside, try to put it by a window or up high in your
house/apartment. Experimenting is part of the fun, just google around,
play around, and have hours of fun on your new radio. I only in the
last few weeks have rediscovered listening to SW radio.

Happy listening.

On Dec 23, 8:06*pm, SC Dxing wrote:
PJ,

I've discovered there is no best antenna for everyone for shortwave
listening. Ignore the trolls here, start off with your wire antenna,
then experiment if you wish. I've tried a few things over the past few
weeks and for me, just running a wire along the ground about 60 feet
works best for me. I guess the only certain thing is that an antenna
that runs outside will work better than an inside antenna. If you
can't run one outside, try to put it by a window or up high in your
house/apartment. Experimenting is part of the fun, just google around,
play around, and have hours of fun on your new radio. I only in the
last few weeks have rediscovered listening to SW radio.

Happy listening.

SC,
Did you inductively couple the antenna to your whip? If you didn't you
will notice a marked improvement if you do it that way. Just in case
you don't know (I think I posted this already) grab you some wire (I
use 11 or 12 gauge) and tightly wrap five-seven turns around your whip
and cut the rest off. Pull about an inch of the plastic off and clip
onto that. At one time I was doing the "exact" thing you are except I
think my stretch of wire was 70ft. But I picking up a lot rf here and
there, pretty high noise floor on some bands. When I coupled it that
way the noise floor dropped to nothing.

On Dec 23, 9:46*am, PJ wrote:
Folks,

I have purchased a Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver. It is equipped with
an internal ferrite antenna för MW and LW, and a telescope antenna for
SW and FM. It also comes with a portable SW antenna (ANT-60), seven
meters long. Is this external antenna generally sufficient for SW
reception, or should I get a different antenna? If yes, is there a
solution that doesn't cost all that much money? I have a copy of the
2009 World Radio TV Handbook, and they are talking about a Wellbrook
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

PJ

PJ,

So your objective is to 'buy' a relatively low cost
Antenna for Shortwave Radio Listening (SWL)
to use with your Sangean ATS-909 World Receiver.

Check-Out the / Sangean ATS-909 Users Group
-aka- RadioShack DX-398 Users Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DX398/

Consider using a "Portable Wire Antenna" with your
Sangean ATS-909 AM/FM Shortwave Radio :
http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc/portablewire.html
* WebPage presented by Tom Sevart, N2UHC
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.r...c73c4c94625fc7
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.r...89c8fd6fcb38f2

First "About" the Antenna Input of the Sangean
ATS-909 AM/FM Shortwave Radio :
The Sangean ATS-909 uses a 1/8" Stereo Jack
for the External Antenna Input.
Barrel = Circuit-Board-Ground (RF Signal Ground)
Tip = Shortwave Antenna RF Signal Input
Middle-Ring = AM/MW Antenna RF Signal Input

READY-MADE - Shortwave Listener (SWL) Antenna
that fits into the 45 Foot Long Range is the Par
Electronics EF-SWL Antenna. [~$75US]
It come with the Matching Transformer and 45 Feet
of Flex-Weave Wire Antenna Element; and all you
need to do is Install your Ground Rod; Rig the Wire
Antenna Element; and Attach your Coax Cable.
http://www.parelectronics.com/swl_end.htm
http://www.grove-ent.com/ANT8.html
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/2205.html

The Par EF-SWL is a moderate size Inverted "L"
Antenna with 'low noise' characteristics : The PAR
is the simplest Antenna for most of these 'portable'
AM/FM Shortwave Radios and lends itself to the
Inverted "L" Antenna configuration of about 45 Feet
long with a 15 Foot Vertical-Up-Leg and a 30 Foot
Horizontal-Out-Arm. With an Eight Ground Rod
at the base and a Coax Cable feed-in-line.

NOTE - Your biggest problem with using a Coax
Cable with your Shortwave Antenna is coming up
with an "Adapter" or Jumper Cable from the Coax
Connector to the Radio's 1/8" Stereo Jack.

Here is another 'low cost' SWL Antenna listed on eBay
"Super Longwire All Band SW. Antenna and 9:1 Balun"
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ180315835723
* Has 80 Feet of Antenna Wire with a 9:1 Matching
Transformer; plus 50 Feet of Coax Cable.
* Rig as much of the 80 Feet of Antenna Wire in the
Inverted "L" Configuration
* Add an 8-foot Ground Rod
* Run the Coax Cable to you Radio

hope this helps - iane ~ RHF

ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

This is my favorite:
http://www.antenna.it/military/log-periodic.htm

But seriously folks, the cheapest for me was busting open a junk TV for the
deflection coils. A qrp type ham antenna tuner will certainly help. Easy
to build L type by using an AM tuning cap and hind wound coil on toilet
paper roll. Use a piece of scrap brass for a slider. Put the whole thing
on a block of wood and use clip leads to change it around for the best
signal.

The earphone jack can often be used for a ground point.

JB wrote:
ALA-1530+ loop antenna, and let me tell you, that one is well past my
budget, because it costs $466... I am looking for something a lot
cheaper... :-) If it is recommended to replace the ANT-60, that is.

This is my favorite:
http://www.antenna.it/military/log-periodic.htm

But seriously folks, the cheapest for me was busting open a junk TV for the
deflection coils. A qrp type ham antenna tuner will certainly help. Easy
to build L type by using an AM tuning cap and hind wound coil on toilet
paper roll. Use a piece of scrap brass for a slider. Put the whole thing
on a block of wood and use clip leads to change it around for the best
signal.

The earphone jack can often be used for a ground point.



Huh, you triggered some memories. Best antenna I ever had was when I
was very young, probably ~8-10 years old, or so. Long-wire which ran
diagonally to property lines of my parents. And, certainly, longer than
120 ft. That antenna filled the bands, as I remember!

No baluns, no matching, no knowledge of what I consider now, krist, it
was most likely a very poor match to the input on the Collins,
Hallicrafters, Zeniths, Gonsets, etc. which it was hooked to. But, ya'
know what? Those were the best times of my life. And, to be absolutely
truthful with you, I did hope to hear aliens--as well as military,
gov't, etc. Some, I accomplished--but, no aliens which I am aware of
.... :-(

But, I never have had that much fun in my whole life, since those times
.... the rest of life has been rather easy.

I only hope youngsters can still find the same ... :-)

Regards,
JS