Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Antennas
#1

I've been thinking about antennas for my Model 20 and other radio projects. I live in a high-rise apartment building, so running wires into an attic or to a roof aerial are out of the question.

However, the building I live in is a 1950s Mid Century deal of poured concrete with the outer wall entirely made up of floor to ceiling glass surrounded by steel framework/support. I'm thinking the whole building could be the antenna. Bonus is I have a direct, almost uninterrupted line to the towers that broadcast our stations just 5 miles away.

Could I run antenna leads to underneath the steel sill of my living room window and tap it in with sheet metal screws?

Greg

"We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."
#2

Well, it depends on if the window frame is isolated from ground. Usually metal building structure is grounded down to the foundation for lightning protection.

If it is isolated, then it might be possible to use it for an antenna. You might try it and see how well it works.
#3

Good point, will try and see what happens.

Greg

"We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."
#4

(04-06-2017, 11:03 PM)WallaceRoger Wrote:  I've been thinking about antennas for my Model 20 and other radio projects. I live in a high-rise apartment building, so running wires into an attic or to a roof aerial are out of the question.

However, the building I live in is a 1950s Mid Century deal of poured concrete with the outer wall entirely made up of floor to ceiling glass surrounded by steel framework/support. I'm thinking the whole building could be the antenna. Bonus is I have a direct, almost uninterrupted line to the towers that broadcast our stations just 5 miles away.

Could I run antenna leads to underneath the steel sill of my living room window and tap it in with sheet metal screws?

I live in downtown LA and own several Philco's that need an aerial to operate. I took a 25' length of cloth covered hookup wire and moved it around to get the best reception. I ended up running it under my sofa. I pick up stations all across the dial. I did need to do a good alignment to as well as found the ground was a necessity on the 20 and 21. I connected the ground to the AC outlet safety ground. My building is concrete (which means a lot of rebar) and uses all steel framing, under the sheet rock. My window frames are aluminum, which means they won't work as an aerial.




Users browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)
[-]
Recent Posts
Philco 60 Squealing
I seem to remember eliminating a squeal by changing the IF frequency by a few KHz. Not that you should put too much tru...fenbach — 08:48 PM
Philco 42-390, code 121 speaker
These speakers pop up on eBay regularly, even if at bloated prices. Honestly, have not seen many parts on swapmeets.morzh — 08:38 PM
Philco 38-7 Speaker
The put-put is not like the speaker problem.morzh — 08:29 PM
Mission Bell Model 19A Car Radio
Hello everyone,  As mentioned in my last post I was going to see if the vibrator / rectifier section could be persuaded...Antipodal — 08:21 PM
Philco 60 Squealing
Wondering if I did it backwards. If a coil was wound backwards, the oscillator would not work at all. Old school...Chas — 07:23 PM
Philco 38-7 Speaker
4-ohm speaker. Black, Green leads.tludka — 07:00 PM
Philco 42-390, code 121 speaker
#87 on the schematic.  This radio had a 8" Zenith  speaker attached to it when I got it. I do don't know the hist...Stevelog — 06:39 PM
Philco 60 Squealing
I'm pretty sure I now have the litz wire soldered. This did not make any difference. Back in April I rewound the seconda...dconant — 06:25 PM
Philco 38-7 Speaker
Just to make sure, you chose either 4 ohm into 5K or into 10K? (blk-org or blk-grn)morzh — 06:23 PM
Philco 38-7 Speaker
I have let this one sit because of other duties. Now I am back, and I have a couple of questions. I hooked up a Hammond ...tludka — 05:34 PM

[-]
Who's Online
There are currently 4981 online users. [Complete List]
» 2 Member(s) | 4979 Guest(s)
AvatarAvatar

>