Antenna Options - Way Too Many!!! Help Needed Please
Brian Anasta
In conjunction with my previous query (thanks so much too for the
emails guys, the info provided is proving extremely useful in terms of
which radio to purchase) the question of WHICH antenna to hook up to
the Kaito (IF that is the unit I decide upon) is somewhat baffling
considering the huge variety of antennas out there. At the moment, I
have my heart set on either an external outdoor wire antenna or an
active antenna to give me greater capabilities in terms of listening
to more obscure broadcasts. Now what I am needing to know is if any of
you guys have had any experience with the McKay Dymek, Datong or MFJ
range of antennas? In particular, I am very much considering the
MFJ-1020B Active Antenna, as from reports I have read, this particular
model is not only very reliable in terms of build quality, but also
because it has a range of between 300KHz to 30MHz, which if I am
correct, would allow me access to international short-wave as well as
HF bands. Please correct me if I am incorrect on this assumption guys.
Also, would anyone have any info on whether this particular model unit
would work as an amp/pre-selector too?
Thanks so much everyone for your time and advice,
Brian Anasta
~ RHF
- Hi again Guys,
-
- In conjunction with my previous query (thanks so much too for the
- emails guys, the info provided is proving extremely useful in terms
of
- which radio to purchase) the question of WHICH antenna to hook up to
- the Kaito (IF that is the unit I decide upon) is somewhat baffling
- considering the huge variety of antennas out there.
BA - Most 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios
can't take to big {long} of an Antenna or Active
{Amplified} Antennas.
- At the moment, I
- have my heart set on either an external outdoor wire antenna or an
- active antenna to give me greater capabilities in terms of listening
- to more obscure broadcasts.
BA - For 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios a
Moderate Length Antenna* is generally advised.
* Note Moderate Length Antenna is around a
24~36 Foot piece of Wire.
+ Ground Rod
+ Matching Transformer [MLB]
+ Coax Cable feed-in-line
- Now what I am needing to know is if any of
- you guys have had any experience with the McKay Dymek, Datong or MFJ
- range of antennas? In particular,
- I am very much considering the
> MFJ-1020B Active Antenna, as from reports I have read, this particular
> model is not only very reliable in terms of build quality, but also
> because it has a range of between 300KHz to 30MHz, which if I am
> correct, would allow me access to international short-wave as well as
> HF bands. Please correct me if I am incorrect on this assumption guys.
> Also, would anyone have any info on whether this particular model unit
> would work as an amp/pre-selector too?
>
> Thanks so much everyone for your time and advice,
> Brian Anasta
BA,
Versus the MFJ-1020B Active Antenna -consider-
http://universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1131.html
LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
-why- An "Outside/Outdoor" Active Antenna is
generally preferred to an 'Indoor' Active Antenna
because in most locations most of the time it
will provide clearer strong signals with less noise.
-result- Better Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio from
the Antenna Output to the Radio's Antenna Input.
Review : LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
http://brneurosci.org/antenna-lfh800.html
LF Engineering H-800 Skymatch Active Antenna
http://www.grove-ent.com/ANT15.html
Covers : Longwave, AM/Mediumwave/BCB
and Shortwave Bands
http://www.lfengineering.com/products.htm
Range : 10 kHz through 50 MHz
http://www.lfengineering.com/pdf/H800inst.pdf
.
.
Read these Messages Posted here on the
Rec.Radio.Shortwave Newsgroup :
* All Wave Vertical Antenna
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/0aecc76902c8b1f7
* Limited Space All Wave Vertical Antenna :
The MFJ-Snake Vertical Antenna !
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/00b4587908f285cf
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/4f0482421d02e624
* The In-Door Shortwave Listener (SWL) Antenna
-with- An Out-Side Antenna Element
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/80a916f4cc134e1d
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/3eb0d610a70a61f2
* Why Not a simple Backyard Wire Antenna ?
Like the Par Electronics EF-SWL Antenna Rigged
as an Inverted "L" Antenna !
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/a0a3ae144ddb0fd8
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/431de01e1c8688cd
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/4bd7a0c185e7b454
* Setting-Up the PAR EF-SWL Shortwave Antenna as
an Inverted "L" Antenna - About As Good as It Gets !
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/22eb2ae9ea9496eb
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/9537e60eacf3de76
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/1ef8c7d2341dc271
let's all wave and say antenna - iane ~ RHF {pomkia}
.
Are You Interested in building a better Shortwave Listening*
(SWL) Antenna ? {SWL Group} => http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf
GoTo => http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/
.
RHF's Standard "Shortwave Radio Listener (SWL) Antennas Group"
Reference Message Signature-Line => http://tinyurl.com/25zbrg
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/411dac3b4a1798e0
.
* Remember 55.5% of Shortwave Radio Listening (SWL)
is the Shortwave Antenna =>http://tinyurl.com/ogvcf
.
RHF's Radio Shack in Twain Harte, California -USA-
SHACK INFO =>http://tinyurl.com/2skmxm
Shortwave Radio / Receiver and SWL Antenna Info
.
-=2SKMXM=-
-=25ZBRG=-
SWR3:SWL:INFO
.
SC Dxing
is because in most cases, the antenna isn't the problem. It's
interference or obstacles or the radio itself. An example is the
longer the antenna, it will both pick up signals better and all kinds
of noise better also. Placement of the radio and antenna is the key.
Sometimes running a insulated coax cable from your radio to an antenna
outside might help.
Experiment like crazy. I found the best solution for me is to simply
run about 30 foot of cable speaker wire out of my door across the
yard.
Cheers!!
Bushcraftgregg
That is basically the same thing I did. I used some
type of Belden low loss coax. Ran it roughly 40-45ft.
away from the house.
Something else that will help along with what they
have already told you Brian, is try to get that antenna
as high as you can.
That solved the only problem that I originally had
with my sloper, once I got it pretty high, all interference went away.
Good luck and have fun
experimenting.
LarbGai
>
> That is basically the same thing I did. I used some
> type of Belden low loss coax. Ran it roughly 40-45ft.
> away from the house.
>
> Something else that will help along with what they
> have already told you Brian, is try to get that antenna
> as high as you can.
>
> That solved the only problem that I originally had
> with my sloper, once I got it pretty high, all interference went away.
> Good luck and have fun
> experimenting.
******* Errrrrr Greg, you may want to check out our Brians previous
posts in SCT and knives.
He's a real slippery character, but a lot of fun.
;-)
Brian Anasta
>
> BA - Most 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios
> can't take to big {long} of an Antenna or Active
> {Amplified} Antennas.
> Versus the MFJ-1020B Active Antenna -consider-http://universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1131.html
> LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
> -why- An "Outside/Outdoor" Active Antenna is
> generally preferred to an 'Indoor' Active Antenna
> because in most locations most of the time it
> will provide clearer strong signals with less noise.
> -result- Better Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio from
> the Antenna Output to the Radio's Antenna Input.
Dear RHF, SC Dxing and Bushcraftgregg,
Guys thank you so much for the extensive information you have
provided. I have spent a good part of this afternoon reading over your
posts several times to try and get my head around everything you have
all mentioned. RHF, I took particular notice of your comments,
particularly as you gave a wonderful overview and list of links
pertaining to both the pros and cons of external wire antennas as well
as the active antenna variety. Now, after checking on several of the
links provided, AS well as grabbing myself a couple of books from the
local library (the superb Shortwave Listening Guide Book, authored by
Harry Helms is a must have for beginners I believe) this morning, I
have several queries. Firstly, I am concerned that if I settle on the
active antenna, AM I at risk of picking up much more noise and
interference? Secondly, if I instead choose the external wire type of
antenna, isn't there a much greater chance of problems and issues due
to extensive overhead high voltage powerlines in my area? The more I
read, the more confused I become....arghhhh heh.
Thanks so much guys and sorry for being a painful newbie at all this,
Brian Anasta
Krypsis
mothballs and firing it up with a longwire connected. I have a long
block of land away from those nasty power lines and will get a really
good signal here. I used to use a Yaesu FRA7700 active antenna with it.
It was OK on the higher frequency bands but lacked a bit at the lower
end of the spectrum. It probably needs retrimming.
I wouldn't mind getting hold of a Yaesu FRG8800 in good condition as
they can interface with my computer here.
Krypsis
Brian Anasta
>
> Too right Brian. I'm considering dragging my old Yaesu FRG7700 out of
> mothballs and firing it up with a longwire connected. I have a long
> block of land away from those nasty power lines and will get a really
> good signal here. I used to use a Yaesu FRA7700 active antenna with it.
> It was OK on the higher frequency bands but lacked a bit at the lower
> end of the spectrum. It probably needs retrimming.
>
> I wouldn't mind getting hold of a Yaesu FRG8800 in good condition as
> they can interface with my computer here.
>
> Krypsis
Hey Krypsis,
I must admit I don't know too much about the Yaesu models, although on
one website I found it was mentioned this brand is usually very good
in terms of SSB reception, due in large to the stock filters. Just
wondering Krypsis, do you ever experience any problems with the RX on
the low bands on the 7700? I have heard that can be an issue with the
Yaesu models, but as you sorta mentioned, there will probably be fewer
issues with the later model FRG8800.
Kind regards,
Brian
dave
You need a transformer to match the High Z random wire to the Low Z
cable at most frequencies. Otherwise you will lose most of the signal
(which may reduce overloading a cheap receiver). It's been my
experience that a good antenna needs a good radio.
dave
My MFJ-1024 works very well. I understand they will overload in Europe
and the N. Am. east, but way out west this thing works great!
~ RHF
> On Aug 4, 4:39 am, "~ RHF" <rhf-newsgro...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > BA - Most 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios
> > can't take to big {long} of an Antenna or Active
> > {Amplified} Antennas.
> > Versus the MFJ-1020B Active Antenna -consider-http://universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1131.html
> > LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
> > -why- An "Outside/Outdoor" Active Antenna is
> > generally preferred to an 'Indoor' Active Antenna
> > because in most locations most of the time it
> > will provide clearer strong signals with less noise.
> > -result- Better Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio from
> > the Antenna Output to the Radio's Antenna Input.
>
-
- Guys thank you so much for the extensive information you have
- provided. I have spent a good part of this afternoon reading over
your
- posts several times to try and get my head around everything you
have
- all mentioned. RHF, I took particular notice of your comments,
- particularly as you gave a wonderful overview and list of links
- pertaining to both the pros and cons of external wire antennas as
well
- as the active antenna variety. Now, after checking on several of the
- links provided, AS well as grabbing myself a couple of books from
the
- local library (the superb Shortwave Listening Guide Book, authored
by
- Harry Helms is a must have for beginners I believe) this morning, I
- have several queries.
- Firstly, I am concerned that if I settle on the
- active antenna, AM I at risk of picking up much more noise and
- interference?
Yes Active Antennas can be Noisy so you usually
have to do two things to get them to preform well :
1 - Placement / Location
a - Find a Location above the Peak of your Roof
by 5~10 Feet that places the Vertical Antenna
Element away from the envelop of Noise that may
surround your House.
b - Find a Location in your Backyard 15~25 Feet
away from the envelop of Noise that may surround
your House.
2 - Grounding - Most Active Antenna need to be
well Grounded via the Support and Coax Cables
using a 21 Foot piece of free-stand 'metal' Top-Rail
and an 8 Foot Ground Rod at its Base
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/e4d9abcf73ef3971
- Secondly, if I instead choose the external wire type of
- antenna, isn't there a much greater chance of problems and issues
due
- to extensive overhead high voltage powerlines in my area? The more I
- read, the more confused I become....arghhhh heh.
Yes there is the 'potential' for Power Line Noise
pick-up with an backyard Random Wire Antenna.
The Far-End-Fed Shortwave Listener's (SWLs)
Inverted "L" Antenna
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/22cfc6b9cb2447c0
1 - Inverted "L" Antenna
2 - Ground Rod at the base of the Antenna
3 - Matching Transformer at the base of the Antenna
4 - Coax Cable feed-in-line from the base of
the Antenna into the Radio Shack
hope this helps - iane ~ RHF
.
- Thanks so much guys and sorry for being a painful newbie at all
this,
- Brian Anasta
Bushcraftgregg
> On Aug 4, 4:39 am, "~ RHF" <rhf-newsgro...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > BA - Most 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios
> > can't take to big {long} of an Antenna or Active
> > {Amplified} Antennas.
> > Versus the MFJ-1020B Active Antenna -consider-http://universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1131.html
> > LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
> > -why- An "Outside/Outdoor" Active Antenna is
> > generally preferred to an 'Indoor' Active Antenna
> > because in most locations most of the time it
> > will provide clearer strong signals with less noise.
> > -result- Better Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio from
> > the Antenna Output to the Radio's Antenna Input.
>
> Dear RHF, SC Dxing and Bushcraftgregg,
> links provided, AS well as grabbing myself a couple of books from the
> local library (the superb Shortwave Listening Guide Book, authored by
> Harry Helms is a must have for beginners I believe)
That's the way to do it Brian, that is exactly what
I did when I started. I went to the Barnes & Noble
store and picked up the "Passport to World Band
Radio" and a issue of Popular Communication
and Monitoring Times and read like a mad man
and started reading this newsgroup.
I
> have several queries. Firstly, I am concerned that if I settle on the
> active antenna, AM I at risk of picking up much more noise and
> interference?
You have to tell us a little more to help. What is your
setup like? By that, I mean - do you have a home
or apartment? Do you have access to any tall trees
etc. etc.
> Secondly, if I instead choose the external wire type of
> antenna, isn't there a much greater chance of problems and issues due
> to extensive overhead high voltage powerlines in my area? The more I
> read, the more confused I become....arghhhh heh.
Read - read- read. The best part of the hobby IMO
(other than getting a new receiver) is maintaining
my antennas or putting up a new one.
Just start with throwing twenty feet of wire outside
and go from there. I don't have any experience with
the Kaito that you referenced too before, so I don't
know if a long length of wire will overload your receiver or not, but
you'll easily be able to tell if it
does.
>
> Thanks so much guys and sorry for being a painful newbie at all this,
We were all newbies at one time. :-)
Bushcraftgregg
> Too right Brian. I'm considering dragging my old Yaesu FRG7700 out of
> mothballs and firing it up with a longwire connected.
Good deal Krypsis, maybe something good came
out of something bad. :-)
I have a long
> block of land away from those nasty power lines and will get a really
> good signal here.
I am somewhat lucky in that I live wayyy out in
the country so I have never had the problems
that many have spoke about in here. But there is
always (99% of the time IMO) a solution, no matter
your setup.
I used to use a Yaesu FRA7700 active antenna with it.
> It was OK on the higher frequency bands but lacked a bit at the lower
> end of the spectrum. It probably needs retrimming.
I've never really owned an active antenna, I wouldn't
mind have one though. The closest I have to it is
the old Radio Shack Amplified antenna which works
well but not really needed out here.
>
> I wouldn't mind getting hold of a Yaesu FRG8800 in good condition as
> they can interface with my computer here.
I'm hoping to one day be able to do that, interface
a receiver with my computer. I've read the pros and
cons of it, but I think the pros outweigh the negatives.