Hi, first I am new at this SWL stuff so I have a few questions.

My current setup.

Icom PCR-100 with a Scantenna mounted on the roof.

I would like to get an antenna to listen to shortwave broadcasts. I have
been looking at long/random wire. I understand that these are relatively
easy to make and RatShack has one for 9.99 (278-758).

Any website out there that show construction pictures?

How do I connect the the one wire lead from the antenna to my BNC connector
on my ICOM??

Also I use my scanner quite a bit and I need a way to switch between
antennas. Can I have them both hooked up, or do they make a switch of some
sort?


Thanks for all yoru replies!

Ant
Bay City, MI

The AMANDX web site has some simple easy to follow ideas that may help out. Scroll down to the antenna section for longwires and other info

73 and Best of DX
Shawn Axelrod

Visit the AMANDX DX site with info for the new or experienced listener:

http://www.angelfire.com/mb/amandx/index.html

REMEMBER ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN HEAR FOREVER



ASW wrote:

Hi, first I am new at this SWL stuff so I have a few questions.

My current setup.

Icom PCR-100 with a Scantenna mounted on the roof.

I would like to get an antenna to listen to shortwave broadcasts. I have
been looking at long/random wire. I understand that these are relatively
easy to make and RatShack has one for 9.99 (278-758).

Any website out there that show construction pictures?

How do I connect the the one wire lead from the antenna to my BNC connector
on my ICOM??

Also I use my scanner quite a bit and I need a way to switch between
antennas. Can I have them both hooked up, or do they make a switch of some
sort?


Thanks for all yoru replies!

Ant
Bay City, MI

Ant,
You're the second person posting from Bay City today - my old hometown
area (Essexville to be exact).

The other two posters gave good websites that will show you how to
install an antenna. I would forego the insulated wire lead-in that
RatShack provides and use coax cable - the inner conductor to the
antenna and the ground to an earth ground; you can use the ground rod
from your electrical service which is the safest way to go (or to bond
the antenna ground to your home electrical). There are antenna
switches commercially available, browse the sites shown below.

There are devices called diplexers (commonly referred to as duplexers)
that would allow both antenna's to be connected at one time - though a
two position coax switch would do just fine and make a smaller dent in
your pocketbook. Suggest you use 75 ohm cable as used in TV
installations - your radio won't care, you'll save some bucks and you
can pick up a switch at RatShack for a lot less than the ones
'designed' for amateur radio/shortwave use. To bring that to your
radio, just get a short 75 ohm jumper and go ahead and use an adapter
that goes from the F connector to BNC - also available at RatShack.
Now I'm no RatShack shill, but as I recall there weren't too many
other options in your neck of the woods and buying there can save you
time over mail-ordering connectors & adapters.

AES, Amateur Radio Supply http://www.aesham.com/
HRO, Ham Radio Outlet http://www.hamradio.com/

If you have further questions I or many others on this newsgroup will
be happy to answer - most of us will even give correct information

Good Luck,
Howard

On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 18:26:08 GMT, "ASW" wrote:

Hi, first I am new at this SWL stuff so I have a few questions.

My current setup.

Icom PCR-100 with a Scantenna mounted on the roof.

I would like to get an antenna to listen to shortwave broadcasts. I have
been looking at long/random wire. I understand that these are relatively
easy to make and RatShack has one for 9.99 (278-758).

Any website out there that show construction pictures?

How do I connect the the one wire lead from the antenna to my BNC connector
on my ICOM??

Also I use my scanner quite a bit and I need a way to switch between
antennas. Can I have them both hooked up, or do they make a switch of some
sort?


Thanks for all yoru replies!

Ant
Bay City, MI

Thanks all.

Ant