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In article . com,
"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. (You do realize that all of the above applies to an antenna for a table-top shortwave receiver, or a sophisticated lap or porta-top radio, NOT a small portable.) Single element common mode antennas are a poor choice for anyone that lives in town. This type just picks up a lot of local noise. This type works very poorly for me. If you live in at a semi-rural or rural area it could be a good choice but that is not where most people live. In addition if you live in a low noise area so this type of antenna is a sensible choice then you should also have a good outside ground and use a transformer to match the impedance of the wire. The transformer with also prevent static electricity buildup on the wire from getting to the radio input. -- Telamon Ventura, California |
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