I'm considering purchasing the equipment below for SWLing and
aviation-band listening in conjunction with an R. L. Drake R-8B
receiver with VHF converter. If anyone has firsthand experience with
these items, or recommends alternate equipment, I would appreciate
hearing your comments and advice.


HF Antenna:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/3377.html
The Alpha Delta DX-ULTRA is specifically designed for high
performance, full spectrum short wave coverage plus medium wave (AM).
The "Ultra" covers 500 kHz to 30 MHz. Absolutely remarkable low-noise,
high-gain results are achieved as a result of the tapered wing design
and ISO-RES inductors and parallel wire elements. The Delta-C Center
insulator with built-in SEP Arc-Plug static protectors, provides
protection for sensitive receiver components. This antenna must be
center fed with a PL-259 type plug. The recommended center elevation
is approximately 20 feet. The overall length is approximately 80 feet
(25 meters). Mounting poles are not supplied. The Ultra is fully
assembled - no cutting or soldering required. We recommend this
antenna for receive only.


VHF Antenna:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...ants/1205.html
The Hustler DCX is a discone base antenna that provides good
omni-directional coverage from 40 to 999 MHz. This 55 inch high (1.4
m) omnidirectional antenna easily mounts to any mast (not supplied)
with supplied hardware. The disc elements are 20 inches. Weight is 2.5
lbs. Has SO-239 to accept PL-259 plug.


Ground Block:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...tect/4310.html
The Caltronics 46-7094 Ground Block accommodates two coaxial lines. F
female input and F female output. Includes two mounting screws. 0-1000
MHz.


Lightening arrestor and static discharger for VHF antenna:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...tect/1502.html
Present day receivers utilize solid-state components and have very
sensitive "front ends". These radios are much more susceptible to
lightning and static problems than their tube-type predecessors.
Fortunately, protection technology has improved. Unlike the old
"air-gap" lightning arrestors, the Transi-Trap LT utilizes a
hermetically sealed gas filled cylinder which has very reliable and
predictable switching characteristics.

In operation, the application of sufficient voltage across the element
causes an arc to form between the sealed electrodes changing its
impedance from greater than 10,000 megohms to a few milliohms in less
than 100 nano-seconds! Unlike other suppressors, the Transi-Trap
directs the discharged current to an isolated ground terminal versus
the coaxial ground system. The Transi-Trap model LT has a replaceable
plug. Protect your equipment. The LT is for receive and transmit up to
200 watts and under 30 MHz.