While longer is usually better, it's actually more important for the antenna to be resonant on the received frequency. This usually means it's a whole number fraction of the wavelength of the received frequency. This is why you'll see half-wave, quarter-wave, etc. antennas. I'd experiment with raising and lowering the included whip to optimize for a given frequency before I'd go buy a replacement.
HF receiver Eaton 750
- Thread starter bearcatrp
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Don't think there is much to play with raising or lowering it. If I could find one twice the length, could start long, then cut half inch off at a time to see the difference. Since finding out my discone picks up HF as well as my 60 foot wire, am just wondering if a longer whip would help for HF.
If you can find a 30 foot whip, then, yes, it probably would. Short of that it's unlikely to make a discernible difference. The exception would be if you listen primarily to a single frequency and can find an antenna matched to that frequency. Bear in mind, HF covers a fairly wide range with a wavelength of roughly 10m at the top and 150m at the bottom. Ideally your antenna length is a whole number fraction of the wavelength. It should seem fairly obvious a whip antenna, actually any single antenna, is going to be a compromise over much of this range. Spending a lot of time worrying about finding the best whip antenna is pointless. The best you're ever going to be able to do is raise or lower the antenna to best match your target frequency, and even that is unlikely to be noticeable.
Thanks patch42. Will take this into consideration. Now to find a whip antenna that will fit and try out.
I remember buying one many years ago that extended to about six feet. It had a PL-259 connector and an articulated base so it could be attached at a right angle. But I haven't seen anything like that in ages. I'm pretty sure I bought it from a specialty retailer along with a radio.
Since most of the specialty radio stores have closed, you may need to settle for a replacement FM telescoping whip and some matching connectors. I know Amazon has some.
I must advise, though, that unless your location is much better than most any where I've tried listening, you're not likely to be terribly pleased with the results. If you can at all get an antenna outside, at least 3-5 meters from a building (the further the better), you'll be much happier with the results. Most houses today are giant RFI generators. Condos and apartments are even worse. I used to have to go sit on the balcony of my condo and put the loop antenna as far from the building as I could get.
Since most of the specialty radio stores have closed, you may need to settle for a replacement FM telescoping whip and some matching connectors. I know Amazon has some.
I must advise, though, that unless your location is much better than most any where I've tried listening, you're not likely to be terribly pleased with the results. If you can at all get an antenna outside, at least 3-5 meters from a building (the further the better), you'll be much happier with the results. Most houses today are giant RFI generators. Condos and apartments are even worse. I used to have to go sit on the balcony of my condo and put the loop antenna as far from the building as I could get.
I live out in the country. My discone is about 30 feet in the air, just above the roof line. Have toyed with the idea of a loop that high but don't want to deal with a rotor. Don't think I would want more that 2x the current length. Will have to look around and see whats out there to try this before winter hits.
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