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Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - Printable Version

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Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - Rich K. - 11-29-2013

I was looking around on EBay and found a seller who was trying (hopefully out of ignorance...) to pass off the wire "Mystery Control" pickup loop for a model 39-116 as an "aftermarket loop antenna with hardware". I set them straight as to what they really had, but it got me wondering: were there any aftermarket (or even OEM) indoor antennas made for the various late-1930's Philco models that were set up for long-wire or balanced outdoor aerials?

I have to say, such an item would be not only an interesting addition to my collection, but also it would fill a real need I have. I live in my parents' house, and they don't want me drilling holes in their walls to run antenna and ground wires outside. The only ground I have available is the mains ground, but it, too, is hard to use since our outlet boxes are the newer plastic sort so I can't just use the screw(s) securing the faceplate to the box. The few times I have used the mains ground for other radios (by using a broken-off ground prong soldered to the end of the ground wire), it proved to be electrically noisy due to all the RFI generating devices in the house, from the wi-fi to the CFL bulbs in the lamps, to even the HVAC motor when the heat or A/C kicks on. I have heard that loops are good for rejecting QRM like this...

RE: Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - Bill Kinghorn - 11-30-2013

There is no longer any reason for a good AM radio antenna. Unless the signal is strong, the S/N ratio is hopeless.

RE: Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - Phlogiston - 11-30-2013

Look at this:

http://makearadio.com/loops/

RE: Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - Alan Douglas - 12-04-2013

I don't recall seeing anything from the 1930s, other than the ubiquitous "20 feet of wire strung along the picture molding."

RE: Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - TA Forbes - 12-04-2013

Having made a very small (~12" each side) loop system with a 2-gang variable resistor I can attest to the effectiveness of these antennas.

My first attempt was to "work the bugs out," after which I plan to make a large (~4' per side) one that should be even better.......

If you pay attention to the instructions and the respective equations and make accurate measurement of your variable capacitor you end up with an antenna system that dramatically improves your reception.

RE: Aftermarket indoor antennas in the 1930's? - codefox1 - 12-08-2013

Somehow my last post got trashed. Agree that a 2'X2' loop with about 14 or so windings spaced out 1/4" apart and tuned with a 365 mfd or so variable capacitor ( you can add more fixed caps if your scrounge value is less) Add a sensing loop of one turn to hook up to your Antenna and Ground connections, or operate closely in parallel with your set's loop antenna, and in no way make direct connections to a transformerless set! You do have to get the receiver and the antenna to agree to a peak to do the magic.

Results will astound you unless you are in a sub basement or an iron clad home. Tons of information on the net try "Loop Antennas."

Of course program material is another matter, but I did chat with DJ 900 miles away after picking up a signal on my 1946 Philco portable a couple of years ago on a winter's night.

Anyway hope this one sticks. Best of luck!