Measurement for Overload?

[Shortwavewave]

Is there a way to tell or some kind of spec out there that determins how much antenna to TO much on a perticulir radio?

For Instance, Im considering the Icom R1500 (for backpacking, and motorcycle), How long or big an antenna would I be safe with? Also it has a BNC connector (which is not really a problem) but how do I know what that exatlly means? Would HF be worse on a BNC? or does it not really matter?

Not sure this is really an antenna question, kinda but, Icom R1500 is about the only thing I can think of that is small, has wideband coverage, 12v, but Im just scared how "good" the HF preformance would be, everyone I ask doesnt use the R1500 for HF enough to really evaluate it. I am assumeing it cant be any worse than a R75 between 150khz-30mhz? right?

Any thoughs?
Thanks.

[N_Jay]

No.

Well, yes, but you need to know the strength of the overloading signal, the strength of the desired signal, and the detailed specifications of the receiver.

So, in almost every case. "No!"

[Shortwavewave]

Ok, thanks.

So from personal experence, do you think as for a R1500(you may not have used this radio, but this genaral radio type) anything inbetween 50-100ft longwire would be ok?

Now when Im on the motorcycle, I will just use a whip, but for outdoors setup, Im going to try a Dipole, or longwire around 100ft? you think anything over would be ok or bad?

Ive never owned a "wideband" radio, I will mostly use it for HF and AM radio dxing, but will FM Dx, and police/safty radio occasionaly.

[rfradioconsult]

A 50-100 ft. "random wire" antenna would work well for your HF listening pleasure; VHF/UHF listening would be hit or miss, but do some expermentation you may be surprised with your results. Monitoring on a MC expecially HF most likely would be disappointing, due to lack of an effective antenna and motorcycles are usually very prolific producers of RFI (Radio Frequency Interference).

Antennas are a mix of a little bit of physics and a lot of magic.

[Shortwavewave]

Well I wouldnt listen to HF on the motorcycle, just CB ch 19, and Police Radio, oh and FM radio since it dont have one.

[hertzian]

Considering your mobile needs, you may want to look into the Icom IC-R20 for your wideband radio. Very nice receiver all around. It too has a bnc connector (no problem on hf). In fact, top this off with an antenna product (miracle-duck, miracl-whip, etc) from Miracle Antenna, and you'd have a pretty nice wideband package in a very mobile setup that is easy on power requirements- yet still nice for vacations, temporary desktop use etc:

Miracle Antenna - Welcome!

[prcguy]

The miracle antenna is known as a dummy load to the QRP/HF pack crowd. I guess if the receiver is fairly sensitive it may not be too bad.
prcguy

Originally Posted by hertzian

Considering your mobile needs, you may want to look into the Icom IC-R20 for your wideband radio. Very nice receiver all around. It too has a bnc connector (no problem on hf). In fact, top this off with an antenna product (miracle-duck, miracl-whip, etc) from Miracle Antenna, and you'd have a pretty nice wideband package in a very mobile setup that is easy on power requirements- yet still nice for vacations, temporary desktop use etc:

Miracle Antenna - Welcome!

[rfradioconsult]

Originally Posted by prcguy

The miracle antenna is known as a dummy load to the QRP/HF pack crowd. I guess if the receiver is fairly sensitive it may not be too bad.
prcguy

It's a Miracle if it works Baby!

[ratboy]

I have had several handhelds that received SW freqs and none of them could really tolerate more than about 50ft of wire without totally overloading, at least anywhere in my area, including out near nothing but some cell towers. Forty feet was just about ideal. I made up a bunch of banana plug and socketed 20ft lengths of wires, so I could add/remove it as desired, and soon just took 2 of the 5 I had made with me.