Antenna Gain ?

[Shortwavewave]

I have a question, now this might not make sence, but you have, lets say 100ft of wire is it better to have more noise?(like an s7) or none (s0 or s1) the reason i ask is because i seem to pick up more on a loop thats 100ft(s1) than a random wire thats 100ft(s7) everything is covered up by noise

Ive been trying to figure out this dilima for some time and some even have 1300ft wires??
whats the point if its all covered up by noise?
Can anyone help?

 

[rfradioconsult]

First try and track down the source of your noise; it may be generated within your house, then address the antenna situation. Antennas that are electrically long (relating to wavelength) become directional toward the far end; more bi-directional if terminated with a resistive load. Check a Beverage antenna, same theory applies to a Rhombic antenna. In other words try a resonable antenna length, about 30-60 ft. for general HF listening.

 

[N1BHH]

Loops are generally quieter than other wire antennas, mainly because they are a closed circuit, compared to the others which are an open circuit. If you eliminate the noises in the vicinity such as power pole transformers, doorbell buzzers, touch lamps and any other natural and unnatural hash, you will have the ability to hear more, even though it is weaker on a loop than with other types of antennas. It's not a gain issue, per se, it's more eliminate the noise and make the ears happier. To understand about antennas better, take a look at this link, it's a bit extensive, but everybody should learn and be reminded of the antenna basics: http://www.cebik.com/tales/nc.html

I found another link for you to study, and using your favorite search engine, you can find many more examples to read up on loops: http://www.frontiernet.net/~jadale/Loop.htm

Loops can be any shape, wire antennas can take on any shape. They don't have to be straight line, they work no matter what they look like.

 

[Shortwavewave]

Thank you for your help, I thought i didnt have all that much noise in home, but maybe i need to look harder?
I just cant seem to fathom, the idea that I connect the other end of the antenna(loop) to ground, and all the noise goes away and the signal i want to hear(hams, or WWV) shows up.

 

[k9rzz]

What kind of noise is it? Steady roar? buzz? wierd noises on different frequencies?

 

[Allan_Love_Jr]

Electrical noise is the most common type. You talk about annoying.

 

[Shortwavewave]

It just noise like static, I guess it sounds like electric noise

 

[zz0468]

If the noise level is so high, you may want to invest in an active noise canceler. I use the JPS ANC-4 with great success. It makes the difference between hearing the weak stuff, or having to take up stamp collecting. A noise canceler coupled with whatever works as a lower noise antenna in your particular circumstances is hard to beat.

 

[kb2vxa]

Good grief, the guy asked the time and you tell him how to build a clock! The simple answer to the simple question IS, what is of major importance is the signal to noise ratio. If the signal is weak and there is little noise it's the same as if the signal were strong with a lot of noise.

Short, you basically answered your own question, I only confirmed your conclusion. FYI, a wire HF antenna doesn't need to be up high to receive signals, sometimes all that does is pick up more noise. Try running a loop around the yard perimeter about 2 feet off the ground, signals will be lower but the noise should all but disappear. Hams use this receiving technique all the time, the transmitting antenna is way up there but noise isn't a factor.

Just a little common sense is in order, along a fence and out of the way so nobody trips on it of course and I wouldn't use it for transmitting just in case the dog pees on it.

"Real radios can kill you."
And so can the dog if you're not careful.

 

[Shortwavewave]

kb2vxa, thank you for the information.