Advice: Realistic DX-160 and Eavesdropper Antenna Installation
Charlie Meyer
I traded my Sony ICF-SW20 portable tonight for a Realistic DX-160 and a
Antenna Supermarket Eavesdropper antenna. The reception I was getting
using the whip (my circa 1948 condo has lath walls with a mesh backing
throughout I think) left lots to be desired. This is a totally
low-budget operation and I hope I chose wisely. If the bug bites and I
get more work, then I'll spring for the modern digital sets later.
After untangling the mass of wire and nylon cord, I actually got better
reception (Duh!). As a condo dweller, I am forbidden, under pain of
death, to string an external antenna. I fear that a visible antenna
will immediately invoke the wrath of the condo board and they will
unleash Torquemada, the association's attorney, on me. All for the BBC
and a yen to discover DX'ing.
My plan is to run the dipole out to my walled 9 x 15 ft patio and run
each leg of the 13 meter long dipole round the inside of the wall. Four
questions:
1. Will my antenna work reasonably well in this configuration?
2. Can I paint the antenna wire and tuning blocks the same color as
my masonry to disguise my flagrant violation of the condo no external
antenna rule without destroying the antenna's effectiveness?
3. Is there a FAQ or manual reference for this 'legacy' receiver?
4. Are there ways to optimise/calibrate the performance of this
unit? I saw several pots inside the unit.
Advice and constructive criticism welcomed.
Rgds,
Charlie
Peter Maus
>Realistic DX-160 and a
>Antenna Supermarket Eavesdropper antenna.
>As a condo dweller, I am forbidden, under pain of
>death, to string an external antenna.
>My plan is to run the dipole out to my walled 9 x 15 ft patio and run
>each leg of the 13 meter long dipole round the inside of the wall. Four
>questions:
>1. Will my antenna work reasonably well in this configuration?
>
> 2. Can I paint the antenna wire and tuning blocks the same color as
>my masonry to disguise my flagrant violation of the condo no external
>antenna rule without destroying the antenna's effectiveness?
>
> 3. Is there a FAQ or manual reference for this 'legacy' receiver?
>
> 4. Are there ways to optimise/calibrate the performance of this
>unit? I saw several pots inside the unit.
1, 2, 3, 4: yes.
You can get data on the receiver by contacting Tandy Corporation, or trying a
Sams Photofact dealer for techincal sheets, and alignment data. You might also
ask an owner here for a photocopy of his/her manual
Alignment is simple, requiring only non magnetic tools and a good generator.
Calibration and optimization of this radio is a part of ownership...Just
replace the tubes first. And make sure its fully warmed up.
WJohn96600
>After untangling the mass of wire and nylon cord, I actually got better
>reception (Duh!). As a condo dweller, I am forbidden, under pain of
>death, to string an external antenna. I fear that a visible antenna
>will immediately invoke the wrath of the condo board and they will
>unleash Torquemada, the association's attorney, on me. All for the BBC
>and a yen to discover DX'ing.
>
>
decisions, condo boards will no longer be able to ban outdoor antennas and
satellite dishes. Does anyone have more info on this?
WQJ
Peter Maus
>I heard from my local Radio Shack manager that, because of recent court
>decisions, condo boards will no longer be able to ban outdoor antennas and
>satellite dishes.
I'm not exactly sure that anything a Radio Shack manager adds to the sound
profile in a room is relevant to any matter impacting real life, however, I
have heard rumors to this claim as well.
Condo associations have license where other bodies writing covenants do not,
by the nature of the condo. They manage the building. And physical attachment
to the building may, in fact be actionable. Here in Chicagoland, many of the
communities of freestanding single family homes also restrict outdoor antennae
of any kind. However, many of these covenants are specifically directed at
prevented ham radio operators from entering the community, at the same time,
preventing outdoor tv antennae, and earthstation installation, under the gentle
direction of local cable providers. But recent technological developments in
small dish satellite technology, and the fact that many cable companies do not
purvey services or programming that is now available from other sources, has
begun to erode the effectiveness of these convenants and restrictions.
Further, thinking in the courts has begun to drift in the direction of property
rights, and that confiscation of use rights is tantamount to confiscation of
the property without due process. And some of these covenants and restrictions
have been called into question.
I don't know if any have been successfully overturned, however you may wish to
consult local sources relating to your particular community.
Bill Barner
In <34A9D5...@bellatlantic.net>, Charlie Meyer <prof...@bellatlantic.net> writes:
>I traded my Sony ICF-SW20 portable tonight for a Realistic DX-160 and a
>Antenna Supermarket Eavesdropper antenna. The reception I was getting
>using the whip (my circa 1948 condo has lath walls with a mesh backing
>throughout I think) left lots to be desired. This is a totally
>low-budget operation and I hope I chose wisely. If the bug bites and I
>get more work, then I'll spring for the modern digital sets later.
>
>reception (Duh!). As a condo dweller, I am forbidden, under pain of
>death, to string an external antenna. I fear that a visible antenna
>will immediately invoke the wrath of the condo board and they will
>unleash Torquemada, the association's attorney, on me. All for the BBC
>and a yen to discover DX'ing.
>
>each leg of the 13 meter long dipole round the inside of the wall. Four
>questions:
>
> 1. Will my antenna work reasonably well in this configuration?
I have strung my Evesdropper in a similar configuration in my townhouse attic
and it works reasonably well.
Bill Barner
wb...@loc.gov