slinky antenna

[Saint]

I see on ebay they have some of the slinky antenna's for sale, could some
one on the list tell me what antenna would be the best to buy for my IC-R75
Receiver. I really don't know that much when it comes to antenna's for
shortwave reception. They have one of the slinky antenna's with only one
slinky, and then they have another slinky antenna that's called a Dipole
slinky antenna, that has two slinky's that you can stretch to the left and
right. what one of these antenna's would be better across all the bands for
utility listening. ??
Steve

 

[kb5udf]

Slinky's

One common double slinky is the Cliff Dweller series. I have a cliff dweller 2, by an outfit, I think, handihams (bought on ebay). It seems reasonably well made. These are obviously limited space, extreme compromise antennas, and I believe your reception will be accordingly. You may find differences in reception (you almost certainly will in SWR across bands if xmitting) depending on the lengths.

I'd be inclined to go with the double/dipole models if you have the room. My advice would be if you have a large attic or the room outside, and you want something decent and cheap, it's hard to beat a good old G5RV type dipole. But if your attic is small, or outside use is forbidden, the slinkys may be as good a compromise as any.

 

[Saint]

re-slinky

Thanks for the information, I'll check into the G5RV type dipole.
Steve

 

[Al42]

Also check http://users.tellurian.com/jdegood/coaxtrap/. You can adjust the traps for the bands you want.

 

[ka3jjz]

Also take a look at the Antennas Wiki - you might get some ideas there as well. The PAR End-Fed has been getting a lot of attention lately. Personally if I had the parts, a carpet loop (described in detail on the Hard Core DX site under 'Hidden Antennas'), the Broomstick (found on the AC6V site) and a few others all merit some attention. Building antennas is a great way to get your feet wet, and you learn by doing. 73s Mike

 

[Saint]

New antenna

Thanks Mike for the information, I have been working today on putting up a Long Wire Antenna, I have 100 feet up along where the Ceiling meets the the walls I'm using good speaker wire. I think I can put another 100 feet up so it will go compleatly around the apartment, that would be North, South, East and West.
Steve