02-25-2026, 08:42 AM
The trick is to find inexpensive wire. This does not exist. My "long wire" is #14 THHN. This is the individual conductor used in "Romex" (Type NM) house wiring. Relatively inexpensive. There is also bare wire antenna wire available.
Others have used their former telephone cable from the house to the pole, or if a relatively new 4 conductor wire, the yellow and black wires which are unused if you did not have 2 lines. However, I think that there are "standing waves" even in reception, making the actual length of the wire a variable that should be optimized. The direction of the wire also has a bearing on strength of the signal. the length of the wire varies based on whether you desire reception of the Broadcast Band, shortwave or both.
Several of our members are HAMs. Starting a thread on optimal long wire antenna construction should be helpful.
Others have used their former telephone cable from the house to the pole, or if a relatively new 4 conductor wire, the yellow and black wires which are unused if you did not have 2 lines. However, I think that there are "standing waves" even in reception, making the actual length of the wire a variable that should be optimized. The direction of the wire also has a bearing on strength of the signal. the length of the wire varies based on whether you desire reception of the Broadcast Band, shortwave or both.
Several of our members are HAMs. Starting a thread on optimal long wire antenna construction should be helpful.
"Do Justly, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God"- Micah 6:8
"Let us begin to do good"- St. Francis
Best Regards,
MrFixr55
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