ultravista skrev 2012-09-20 06:11:
I recently acquired an Icom IC-706MKII radio. My plan, before I get my
license and begin transmitting, is to use the radio for a general
coverage and shortwave receiving.

The IC-706 has two coaxial antenna ports and I am looking for antenna
suggestions for monitoring shortwave. I live in a house and have the
ability to string just about anything up.

Looking for recommendations for a great all-around shortwave antenna
that will connect to the coaxial port.



A very nice antenna is the horizontal loop. If you feed it with a open
ladder line you can work the whole HF band. At the station side you need
to use a balun, the guanella balun does a great job.

You don't even have to make the loop resonant, I have a loop with 135
meters circumference, the feeder is an open ladder line ending in a
guanella balun. I can use all bands from 160m to 10m on that antenna,
using my rigs internal match.

No matter what antenna you finally choose, you have to get it up as high
as you can, if you want to get connections from far away anyway.

/Ben - SM0KBW