Joe Analssandrini wrote:

Dear Cuhulin,

Probably, for general shortwave listening (not concentrating on one or
two particular bands) and also for keeping expenses to a minimum, it is
my opinion that the best outdoor antenna is the random long-wire. Note
the word "long" - it has to be as long as is possible.

All you need is some heavy insulated wire, a couple of stand-off
insulators, some rope or chain to attach the antenna to your supports
on both ends (and they better be good supports), and some lead-in wire.
(And a soldering gun!) Lightning protection is also necessary and
probably you'll need a ground wire soldered to a copper stake driven
into the earth as deep as possible.

I don't think the whole setup would cost much more than $30.00 (that's
a "guestimate") and it might even cost less. You could get everything
at a local hardware store.

Just remember - if you can't run a LONG straight wire, you'll need to
try something else. 100 feet would be a bare MINIMUM.

Actually 70' to 100' works well for all 'round use. If one starts to go longer
than that you'll start to wind up with directivity issues the farther up the
bands one goes.

dxAce
Michigan
USA