Hi,

Being a Newbie, in West London, to this hobby of SWL, I am seeking advice on
best antenna to use.

I have ICOM PCR1000 and Yaesu FRG100. At present I use a 25MHz-1300MHz
(TANDY/RADIO SHACK) Discone for the ICOM and a long wire with HOWES ATU on
the FRG. Both rigs used in first floor room so grounding is a problem as I
would nead around 10m cable run to get to a ground rod, at moment connected
to water pipe. The ICOM performs well with the Discone throughout its range,
even on the HF. The longwire is not as long some mentioned on the
websites/books, its around 8m long and slopes east/west direction, cannot
install in any othe direction or increase its length. The FRG performs well
but only seems to receive channels from the East and sometimes from west,
channels North and South seem to be elusive. The broadcast bands work well,
but HF Airband and Datamodes seem to be very weak and noisy.

Since my main interest is Airband and Datamodes I would like to be able to
improve my reception of these.

So I hope answesrs to the following questions will help me in reolving the
problems:
1/ I understand that Longwires can be directional so limit whats
being received, so considering my available space would one of the vertical
wide range give better alround performance with restrictions on direction.

2/ Are Dipoles directional as ?

3/ Do Dipoles need to be mounted horizontally ?

4/ Is it possible to have dipole with both elements parallel to
each other or do they need the traditional arrangement of being opposite
each other.

5/ Can the Dipole be made using wire with the Elements arranged
in an inverted V formation ?

6/ Can Longwire be folded/bent round corners ?

7/ Is it possible to use several long wires in different
directions connected to the rig simulatenously ?

Any help and suggestions in resolving the above will be most appreciated.
Regards
Birderman
West London, UK