Which Aerial / Antenna to use? - Printable Version
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Which Aerial / Antenna to use? - philcobenz - 12-09-2007
My 5 band, Philco 37-116 Deluxe was built to use the 1/2 wave dipole Philco High Efficiency Aerial. Well, being as this is no longer available, what sort of new antenna would anyone recommend? I want to be able to receive all 5 bands well, with little interference (obviously).
I have seen these new, dipole "slinky" antennas advertised, anyone ever try these? Does size (length) really matter?
- 49Stude63 - 12-09-2007
The pop up all the time on ebay, I think I have 3 or 4 that came in the boxes with all the stuff. Or you can just use a long wire and connect it to the one antenna lead and that will work also.
- Guest - 12-10-2007
For those who have a long wire antennas I would be interested in how everybody has set up their antenna. The old diagrams I have found call out the use of a lighting arrestor. What if any kinds of lightning protection are you using? I have posted the articles I have found. I would like to build a longwire antenna but do not want my house struck by lightning.
http://www.synchrophase.info/Articles/grPopRadio2508.html
http://www.angelfire.com/mb/amandx/longwire.html
http://www.moonlightsys.com/otr/antenna.html
http://www.techlib.com/electronics/antennas.html
http://www.abc.net.au/reception/radio/am_antenna.htm#long_wire
http://members.aol.com/djadamson7/articles/antenna1.html
- 49Stude63 - 12-10-2007
You can find those(lightning arrestors) on Ebay all the time also and you can find them at places like Tractor Supply for electric fences. I don't want a big ole bolt of lightning in my house either.
Ok, let's try again - philcobenz - 06-10-2008
I'm reviving this topic in the hope for more answers.
Which antennas do you all like to use to receive both AM and Shortwave signals? Which are most effective? How do you have yours set up?
I've read things about different lengths of wire being used for different bands. I do not have the luxury of running an outdoor wire, but I DO have a large 3rd-level attic.
I am absolutely lost when it comes to antennas. All I know is that my Philco 37-116x was originally supposed to use a Philco High Efficiency Aerial, which, of course, is no longer available. What is a good substitute so that I can still receive all 5 bands clearly?
- PhilcoPhil - 06-10-2008
Hello,
Of course I am no expert but I have always used random wires. Any length from 20' to 80' plus. I like to go into my attic and then go back and forth between the rafters to get out as much wire as possible. I have used #14 stranded wire but for receiving anything would work. This is just one option and there are many more out there. This has worked great for me with the added benefit of being "hidden" in the attic. Good Luck and let us know what works best for you.
- philcobenz - 06-10-2008
Hi PhilcoPhil,
Does this arrangement that you've set up in your attic receive both AM and Shortwave signals? Did you create a loop then?
- exray - 06-10-2008
Ditto here. Hard to beat a random-wire for simplicity vs performance. Mine is about 115 feet. Out the window to the roof and out to a tree in the back yard, then back down at an angle. Thats why they call them random-wires.
Zero complaints with it. I use it on all sorts of sets ranging from crystal radios to 50-ohm boatanchors. I've taken down a G5RV and a couple of cut dipoles because this one justifies its 'all-around' place in my limited airspace.
My recommendation would be to just run something 'random' in that big attic.
The Philco didn't REQUIRE that sort of particular antenna mentioned. Thats something they sold as an adjunct. Many people didn't have the outdoor space to use something like that so the radio is made to work with a variety of options.
- Ron Ramirez - 06-10-2008
Philcobenz,
As Phil and exray have mentioned, it's hard to beat a good longwire antenna if you are able to erect one where you live. If so, remember...the longer and higher you can make, it, the better. Be sure it is placed away from any power lines!
- philcobenz - 06-11-2008
Thank you all for your responses.
Still a few questions have I:
With a 'random wire' antenna, do any of you use a balun or a coaxial cable to/from the wire antenna? Is that even desirable? Do your 'random wire' antennas pick up all 5 band frequencies that there are on the 37-116x, in other words, from .5 MHz to 22 MHz ?
- exray - 06-11-2008
I personally don't use any cables or baluns although some report thats worthwhile when you need to get the antenna AWAY from the house and its electronic noise.
I'm content with the effectiveness of my wire. Logged 102 stations on BCB on a crystal set with it.
- phly guy - 06-13-2008
If you are truelly interested in antennas and building them go find a copy of the ARRL Antenna Handbook. It should answer just about all your questions.
You can often find older copies (still good, antennas don't know 'old') on e-bay and used bookstores as well as your public library. You can obtain a new copy from the ARRL directly.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/index.php3?category=Antennas%2C+Transmission+Lines+%26+Propagation
lots of other good info on the site.
Yes, size does matter. Generally the more wire in the air, the better the reception. However, exact size matters. If you want to go with a dipole, look to size it to 1/2 wavelength of the frequency/bandwidth you are interested in. For long wire antennas the formula are a bit different.
Random wire antennas are just that, random length. Just throw out a length of wire and see what you get. Best used with a good ground as well.
Do a search and check out the 'ham' sites and you'll find more info than you can read in a month.
John
KC0EYF
- philcobenz - 06-15-2008
Thanks, phly guy. I'll try to obtain a copy of the book. 8)