knathan
Member
I've perused the radioreference.com forums and overwhelmed myself with web searching for a shortwave antenna to enhance the reception of my new Grundig G3. I like building things myself, so I first focused on plans and kits. I finally followed advice I had read in many forums about "throwing a wire out the window. Anything is better than the antenna on the radio alone." Well I got the point - just start. So I soldered a 50 foot wire to the center of a 1/8" plug and tried it. I had only minor improvement - I'm looking for better.
I've found some pre-made (receive only) antennae that don't require the usual 140 feet or so of distance. I have a roof ridge that is 56 feet long. Though they're shorter, they claim to work with a broad range of bands. One for example is the Eavesdropper-T (11-60M). It is 43 feet overall, so I could mount that easily. It is just one of many that I'm sure exists, and is mentioned only as a reference.
Before I spend my hard earned money or commit many hours of my valuable time, I thought it best that I ask for the advice from experienced radio operators. Understanding there are variables and uncertainties with any given antenna / location system, what is a good antenna for my space? I am not opposed to building, but it seems the DIY plans are either too general, assume I have more technical knowledge of things like baluns, or missing simple information that for me is a show stopper. I'm willing to wind wires, drive ground rods, and mount masts on my roof. And I'm willing to spend money. But I want to be able to proceed with a reasonable amount of confidence that I'm on the right path.
I'd appreciate any help.
I've found some pre-made (receive only) antennae that don't require the usual 140 feet or so of distance. I have a roof ridge that is 56 feet long. Though they're shorter, they claim to work with a broad range of bands. One for example is the Eavesdropper-T (11-60M). It is 43 feet overall, so I could mount that easily. It is just one of many that I'm sure exists, and is mentioned only as a reference.
Before I spend my hard earned money or commit many hours of my valuable time, I thought it best that I ask for the advice from experienced radio operators. Understanding there are variables and uncertainties with any given antenna / location system, what is a good antenna for my space? I am not opposed to building, but it seems the DIY plans are either too general, assume I have more technical knowledge of things like baluns, or missing simple information that for me is a show stopper. I'm willing to wind wires, drive ground rods, and mount masts on my roof. And I'm willing to spend money. But I want to be able to proceed with a reasonable amount of confidence that I'm on the right path.
I'd appreciate any help.