Antenna
 

Hi there, I have a Drake R8B radio and I am not getting the most out of it
because of the antenna. I have a 80 foot lot and want to improve my current
antenna setup. Right now I have 50 feet of wire strung between 2 trees 6
feet off the ground which I twisted a feed in line in the center of the
length. I was wondering if I raise the antenna if it would make a big
difference and also I can lengthen it if it doesn't need to be straight I.E.
90 degrees around a tree. Where should I connect the feed in line( I am
thinking of using coax)? Also how do I connect the wires? Ground and center.

I realize these might be stupid questions but I am very new to doing this.

Thanks very much for your help.

yes - make it higher - high as you can get
yes - make it longer - even if it can't be straight.
no - questions are not stupid

"Peter" wrote in message
.. .
Hi there, I have a Drake R8B radio and I am not getting the most out of it
because of the antenna. I have a 80 foot lot and want to improve my
current
antenna setup. Right now I have 50 feet of wire strung between 2 trees 6
feet off the ground which I twisted a feed in line in the center of the
length. I was wondering if I raise the antenna if it would make a big
difference and also I can lengthen it if it doesn't need to be straight
I.E.
90 degrees around a tree. Where should I connect the feed in line( I am
thinking of using coax)? Also how do I connect the wires? Ground and
center.

I realize these might be stupid questions but I am very new to doing this.

Thanks very much for your help.

"Hal Rosser" wrote in message
. ..
yes - make it higher - high as you can get
yes - make it longer - even if it can't be straight.
no - questions are not stupid

And the higher & longer you make it, the more you need to have a grounding
antenna switch. Leave the antenna grounded when not in use - and don't use
it when there are electrical storms nearby. Note: Grounded antennas are less
likely to get struck directly than floating wires because they will drain
off a static charge that might actually attract the lightning. Also, most
receivers are damaged by "close" strikes, not direct hits - and the grounded
wire will take care of the induced current easily. On a direct hit, it may
do the job, but insurance is always good to have.