SMA connector for SW longwire

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Moose

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Got my rtl-sdr dongle w/SDR# up and running on the VHF/UHF bands using a male SMA to BNC female jumper cable. Can anyone tell me what I should get to use it with a longwire antenna? A single SMA male and solder the wire in? Thanks
 

slicerwizard

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FYI, you need to connect the balun to a good RF ground.

It sounds like you plan to have the longwire and balun right next to your dongle? Indoors? You might have to get creative with the grounding.
 

bharvey2

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Post deleted - I missed the link to the balun above. I won't discount the proper grounding however.
 

Moose

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Post deleted - I missed the link to the balun above. I won't discount the proper grounding however.

I'm in a garden style apt. building. Fortunately I'm on the 2nd floor with an access hatch to the attic where I mounted the long wire. Not sure what I can ground the balun to. I can't run any wires outside and there is
only a baseboard heater which uses hot water to heat the apartment.
 

bharvey2

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I'm in a garden style apt. building. Fortunately I'm on the 2nd floor with an access hatch to the attic where I mounted the long wire. Not sure what I can ground the balun to. I can't run any wires outside and there is
only a baseboard heater which uses hot water to heat the apartment.

As slicerwizard pointed out, you may need to get creative. A hot water supply pipe isn't the best solution but it may be okay of the building is old enough. Cold water is usually better. If it's a newer, steel framed building then contact with the building frame may be an option.
 
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