Modified 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection
RHF
Modified 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9097
As you have discovered, most of the time a 'portable' AM / FM
Shortwave Radio's Earphone Jack is also coupled to the Radio's
RF internal circuitry and is also RF Signal Ground.
Using a modified 1/8" Mono Plug can allow you to connect a
Ground Wire to the Radio for improved Signal and lower Noise.
MODIFIED - 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection :
1. Remove the Tip Section of the 1/8" Mono Plug leaving
just the Rear Barrel Section and Solder Terminal.
2. Solder a Wire (Ground Wire) to the Solder Terminal.
3. Connect the Wire to Ground or the Shack's Ground.
4. Plug the 1/8" Mono Plug into the Radio's Earphone Jack.
Your Radio is now Grounded.
TIP - This is also a good Travel Ground Connection to
have in your Travel Radio's Travelling Bag. Modified
1/8" Mono Plug on one end of a 3'-5' piece of Wire and
an Alligator Clip on the other end to clip-on to things.
WHAT ABOUT AN ANTENNA ?
* Collapse the Radio's Whip Antenna and connect an
External Wire Antenna directly to the Whip Antenna
for improved FM and Shortwave reception.
Note -Some times this also works for AM/MW reception too.
* Wrap a few turns of the Exteral Antenna Wire
around the Radio to couple the RF Signal to the
Radio's built-in AM/MW Ferrite Rod Antenna.
TIP - You may wish to consider using a "PWA"
Portable Wire Antenna (PWA) - by Tom Sevart
PWA => http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc/portablewire.html
READ - A Compilation of "Portable Wire Antenna" (PWA) Messages
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/5871
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/5894
hope this helps - iane ~ RHF
.
All are WELCOME and "Invited to Join" the
Shortwave Listener (SWL) Antenna eGroup on YAHOO !
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/>
SWL ANTENNAS GROUP => http://tinyurl.com/an6tw
.
Some Say: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.
I Believe : On A Clear Night You Can Hear Forever
. . . and Beyond , , , The BEYOND ! ! !
With a Shortwave Listening Antenna of your own making.
"If You Build It {SWL Antenna} You Will Hear Them !"
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/>
SHORTWAVE ANTENNA FORUM => http://tinyurl.com/an6tw
.
The Shortwave Listener's (SWL) Blessing :
May You Never Tire of Listening to the Radio and Always have
Strong Signals and Noise Free Reception ~ RHF {ibid}
.
.
. .
.
SOURCE => In Shortwave-...@yahoogroups.com,
POSTED BY => "Jeff Welty" <w*ltyj@...> wrote:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9046
>
> But the E100 doesn't come with an antenna jack,
> and not knowing beans about how PLL tuning works,
> does anyone know/think I could get a good ground by
> using the battery negative terminal? I found a schematic
> for the YB400PE and that is the case with that model
> (and conveniently the sleeve of the earphone jack is ground).
>
> Cheers,
> Jeff
> . . .
David
wrote:
>JW,
>
>Modified 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9097
>
>As you have discovered, most of the time a 'portable' AM / FM
>Shortwave Radio's Earphone Jack is also coupled to the Radio's
>RF internal circuitry and is also RF Signal Ground.
Warning: make sure you know what you're doing. Not all ''sleeve''
connections are allowed to be grounded.
Bob Miller
wrote:
>excerpted
Now be honest. Have you ever attached a ground wire and heard less
noise?
bob
k5qwg
David
wrote:
Only on my Garrard record changer.
Silfax
>
> MODIFIED - 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection :
> 1. Remove the Tip Section of the 1/8" Mono Plug leaving
> just the Rear Barrel Section and Solder Terminal.
> 2. Solder a Wire (Ground Wire) to the Solder Terminal.
> 3. Connect the Wire to Ground or the Shack's Ground.
> 4. Plug the 1/8" Mono Plug into the Radio's Earphone Jack.
> Your Radio is now Grounded.
>
I might be missing something here, but ....
If I plug the modufied plug into the earphone jack, the radio's speaker
would still be taken out of the circuit. Now that the earphone jack is no
longer usable, and the speaker is no longer inline, there would be no audio.
In a strange way it makes sense, no audio, much less noise.
junius
Silfax wrote:
> On 2006-04-19, RHF <rhf-new...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> >
> > MODIFIED - 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection :
> > 1. Remove the Tip Section of the 1/8" Mono Plug leaving
> > just the Rear Barrel Section and Solder Terminal.
> > 2. Solder a Wire (Ground Wire) to the Solder Terminal.
> > 3. Connect the Wire to Ground or the Shack's Ground.
> > 4. Plug the 1/8" Mono Plug into the Radio's Earphone Jack.
> > Your Radio is now Grounded.
> >
>
> I might be missing something here, but ....
>
> If I plug the modufied plug into the earphone jack, the radio's speaker
> would still be taken out of the circuit.
I think step 1 prevents that outcome.
David
In some sockets the switch is opened by the shaft.
junius
David wrote:
> In some sockets the switch is opened by the shaft.
>
> http://www.action-electronics.com/grc/gc33724.jpg
Ah, okay. Thanks for the visual.
RHF
RHF
and understanding - - - before commenting ~ RHF
.
.
. .
.
# 1 - "The Prime Directive" :
Read this Test Sheet Completely Before Doing Anything.
* Stand Up.
* Say : "Hello My Name is _________" {State Your Name} .
* Roll Your Eyes.
* Bark like a Dog.
* Clap Your Hands.
* Sit Down.
* Meow like a Cat.
* Stomp Your Feet.
* Look Around and Smile at Everyone.
* If Anyone is also Looking Around and Smiling at You
- Wave your Hand and Shout : "Smile !"
* Stomp Your Feet a Second Time.
* Turn this Test Sheet Over {Printed Side Down}
* Stand Up a Second Time.
* Say : "Hurry Up - I am Done !"
* Remain Standing.
# 2 - Remember # 1 "The Prime Directive" - Do None of the Above.
# 3 - Sign the Test Sheet with Your Name and Sit Quietly
until the Tester Collects the Test Sheets.
ah - those were the days ~ RHF
RHF
of the 1/8" Mono Jack used for the Earphone Output is
usually the Radio's Electrical Circuit Ground and is also
the RF Signal Ground.
NOTE - This idea and application is mainly for Radios
that do not have a built-in External Antenna Input that
offers a Grounding "Attachment" Point for the Radio.
iane ~ RHF
Telamon
"junius" <junj...@yahoo.com> wrote:
I don't think it likely that you would find this type in a portable SW
radio. This looks like something that belongs in a cordless phone.
It's possible it could though.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
Telamon
Bob Miller <NOS...@neosoft.com> wrote:
You could use the "ground" to attach to the other side of a dipole.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
David
wrote:
Why? For what purpose? Ever owned a Drake SW series?
Mark Zenier
Yes.
Remember, a receiver works on the voltage difference between the antenna
input and its local ground. If your treat the ground wiring as a sort
of antenna, the local noise becomes common mode* and you can (sometimes)
arrange the wiring so that the junk cancels out. (*The local receiver
ground has the noise added to it, and if it's about the same voltage as
on the antenna input, cancels out the noise). I've done this with both
my FR-200 and my R-1000.
Best case was with a transformer coupled random wire (using an isolated
winding to the coax). The arrangement was the ground rod, about 15
feet of wire, the matching transformer, and then the 70-80 foot random
wire all in a straight line away from the noise source (my neighbor's
dining room lights, I think). This worked well on one band at a time,
as the level of noise and pickup from the ground side wire varied.
(But an adjustable noise bridge down by the receiver is a heck of a lot
more convenient).
Mark Zenier mze...@eskimo.com
Googleproofaddress(account:mzenier provider:eskimo domain:com)
Mark Zenier
The cutout switch is driven off the contact for tip of the plug (which
is removed). But that also provides the spring detent force to keep
the plug from falling out.
David
wrote:
>In article <t0gc42tufo3njemjs...@4ax.com>,
>Bob Miller <NOS...@neosoft.com> wrote:
>>On 19 Apr 2006 04:09:02 -0700, "RHF" <rhf-new...@pacbell.net>
>>wrote:
>>
>>>excerpted
>>
>>Now be honest. Have you ever attached a ground wire and heard less
>>noise?
>
>Yes.
>
>Remember, a receiver works on the voltage difference between the antenna
>input and its local ground.
>
I thought it worked on resonance.
RHF
RHF
NOTE - This idea and application is mainly for 'portable'
AM / FM Shortwave Radios that do not have a built-in
External Antenna Input {Jack} that offers a Grounding
"Attachment" Point for the Radio.
- - - Be Advised - There are exceptions and ymmv.
David - FWIW Somewhere in OK-Land, Cali-4-Ni-A
down in sub-basement # 3 is a Drake SW1 Radio
-aka- People's Radio Network PRN1000 Radio
SW1 => http://www.dxing.com/rx/ssr1.htm
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/1100.html
http://www.dproducts.be/drake_museum/prn-1000.htm
http://www.dproducts.be/drake_museum/prn-1000_pic.htm
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1313
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1314
http://www.radionetherlands.nl/features/media/productreviews/receivers/sw1.html
FWIW - Bought the Drake SW1 Radio used
and it came with a TinyTenna
TINY-TENNA => http://www.hamradiofun.com/tinytenna.htm
ABOUT - Chuck Harder's "People's Radio Network" (PRN)
and The Radio Program "For The People" by Chuck Harder.
PRN => http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Harder
CHUCK HARDER => http://www.chuckharder.com/
http://www.pilotproject.tv/view_finalist.php?id=267
FOR THE PEOPLE => http://www.talkstarradio.com/
FTP => http://www.talkstarradio.com/hosts/chuckpage.htm
HOSTS => http://www.talkstarradio.com/hosts/meetourstars.htm
whoa - end of ramble ~ RHF
clifto
Resonance is one of many things that goes into receiving signals,
but when you come right down to it the receiver is nothing more
than a device which processes the voltage (or current) fed it from
an antenna. You use it to select one of many signals (using
resonance), amplify the heck out of it and extract the information
from the result.
--
All relevant people are pertinent.
All rude people are impertinent.
Therefore, no rude people are relevant.
-- Solomon W. Golomb
David
>David wrote:
>> On Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:17:19 GMT, mze...@eskimo.com (Mark Zenier)
>> wrote:
>>>Remember, a receiver works on the voltage difference between the antenna
>>>input and its local ground.
>>>
>> I thought it worked on resonance.
>
>Resonance is one of many things that goes into receiving signals,
>but when you come right down to it the receiver is nothing more
>than a device which processes the voltage (or current) fed it from
>an antenna. You use it to select one of many signals (using
>resonance), amplify the heck out of it and extract the information
>from the result.
What's that got to do with a current flowing to ground?
David
wrote:
>David - Here is a re-write :
I was thinking more about the floating audio that cannot be grounded.
clifto
Ohm's Law. When you put a voltage across an impedance, current flows.
The voltage induced in a typical antenna is with respect to ground.
David
>David wrote:
>> On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:09:32 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>Resonance is one of many things that goes into receiving signals,
>>>but when you come right down to it the receiver is nothing more
>>>than a device which processes the voltage (or current) fed it from
>>>an antenna. You use it to select one of many signals (using
>>>resonance), amplify the heck out of it and extract the information
>>>from the result.
>>
>> What's that got to do with a current flowing to ground?
>
>Ohm's Law. When you put a voltage across an impedance, current flows.
>The voltage induced in a typical antenna is with respect to ground.
So, radio doesn't work in outer space? If I had a six transistor
radio 50 miles up I couldn't hear Limbaugh?
clifto
You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up
there, but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the
transmitting antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna
design has always been black magic to me.
RHF
Flows to ground ? ;-) ~ RHF
FWIW - There is a lot of Dipole Antennas out there
free floating above ground that must not be working :o)
IIRC - The Antenna Input has a characteristic impedance
50, 75, 300, or 500 Ohms. Subsequent to that the internal
circuity of the Radio can be Resonated to Select and
Amplify an RF Signal and then process it into an Audio
Sound that we can Hear.
yes it is that simple ~ RHF
RHF
HOW TO - REMOVE THE TIP OF THE 1/8" MONO-PLUG :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9133
Use two Pairs of Pliers to carefully remove the End-Tip of the body
of the 1/8" Mono Plug.
Oops - Some people just use a Pair-of-Diks and snip-it-off :-(
Next - Ever-so-Gently -squeeze- the Barrel and deform it 'just enough'
(into an Oval) to make it a "Pinch-Fit" for the 1/8" Jack.
FWIW - If you only have a SO-239 Jack on the back of your Radio
or other equipment; and want to connect a simple Insulated Wire
feed-in-line form a classic LongWire {Random Wire} Antenna.
Then a {1/8"?} Banana Plug will 'fit into' the Center Female Pin of
the SO-239 Jack. -Note- Sometimes you have to gently spread the
four sections of the Banana Plug Tip to get a Snug-Fit with the
Center Female Pin of the SO-239 Jack.
Back in the Good Old Days on the Farm the Answer . . .
would be Baling Wire :o)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baling_wire
The Modern Day Urban Answers are now things like :
a Paper Clip, a Rubber Band and some Duck Tape :o)
http://tinyurl.com/mlpty
http://www.texasescapes.com/DelbertTrew/BalingWire-DuctTape-DrywallScrews-Caulking.htm
yes it is that simple - iane ~ RHF
RHF
David
>
>You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
>that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up
>there, but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the
>transmitting antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna
>design has always been black magic to me.
Basic Nicola Tesla. Resonance. Has nothing to do with ground or
waves travelling through space. An antenna sets up a field by
resonating at the frequency of a connected generator. An antenna
samples energy from the field in a similar manner and this can be
detected.
David
wrote:
>David - So are you claiming that 'only' Resonant Current
>Flows to ground ? ;-) ~ RHF
>
No. The opposite, actually.
Telamon
clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
> David wrote:
> > On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 17:41:31 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >>David wrote:
> >>> On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:09:32 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>>Resonance is one of many things that goes into receiving signals,
> >>>>but when you come right down to it the receiver is nothing more
> >>>>than a device which processes the voltage (or current) fed it
> >>>>from an antenna. You use it to select one of many signals (using
> >>>>resonance), amplify the heck out of it and extract the
> >>>>information from the result.
> >>>
> >>> What's that got to do with a current flowing to ground?
> >>
> >>Ohm's Law. When you put a voltage across an impedance, current
> >>flows. The voltage induced in a typical antenna is with respect to
> >>ground.
> >
> > So, radio doesn't work in outer space? If I had a six transistor
> > radio 50 miles up I couldn't hear Limbaugh?
>
> You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
> that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up there,
> but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the transmitting
> antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna design has always
> been black magic to me.
EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
Air has a dielectric value of 1 and space or vacuum is about the same.
This means that in space/vacuum/air EM waves propagate at the same speed
and the impedance of these mediums are about the same.
<http://members.gcronline.com/cbrauda/0007.htm>
We have drifted a long way from the topic.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
clifto
But nonresonant antennas work quite well, probably even in space.
Resonant antennas work better, but your explanation doesn't account
for the long-wire antenna that works on 19M and 49M too.
clifto
> clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
>> that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up there,
>> but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the transmitting
>> antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna design has always
>> been black magic to me.
>
> EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
I've granted that the electromagnetic field works a treat out there.
But electrostatic fields rely on charge in a medium, no?
> Air has a dielectric value of 1 and space or vacuum is about the same.
> This means that in space/vacuum/air EM waves propagate at the same speed
> and the impedance of these mediums are about the same.
The dielectric value can't have anything to do with EM waves, just
the electrostatic ones.
> <http://members.gcronline.com/cbrauda/0007.htm>
>
> We have drifted a long way from the topic.
That's why God invented Usenet.
Telamon
clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Telamon wrote:
> > clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
> >> that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up there,
> >> but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the transmitting
> >> antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna design has always
> >> been black magic to me.
> >
> > EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
>
> I've granted that the electromagnetic field works a treat out there.
> But electrostatic fields rely on charge in a medium, no?
No they do not rely on a charge in the medium. Electric fields exist
from a charge. If that charge is in a medium other then vacuum then it
can slow and compress the volume of the field.
> > Air has a dielectric value of 1 and space or vacuum is about the same.
> > This means that in space/vacuum/air EM waves propagate at the same speed
> > and the impedance of these mediums are about the same.
>
> The dielectric value can't have anything to do with EM waves, just
> the electrostatic ones.
Yes it does affect EM waves. The dielectric value of the medium
determines the speed of propagation.
> > <http://members.gcronline.com/cbrauda/0007.htm>
> >
> > We have drifted a long way from the topic.
>
> That's why God invented Usenet.
God invented Usenet for people to post news and information.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
Carter-K8VT
> David wrote:
>> On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 18:09:23 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
>>> that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up
>>> there, but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the
>>> transmitting antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna
>>> design has always been black magic to me.
>> Basic Nicola Tesla. Resonance. Has nothing to do with ground or
>> waves travelling through space. An antenna sets up a field by
>> resonating at the frequency of a connected generator. An antenna
>> samples energy from the field in a similar manner and this can be
>> detected.
>
> But nonresonant antennas work quite well, probably even in space.
> Resonant antennas work better, but your explanation doesn't account
> for the long-wire antenna that works on 19M and 49M too.
>
...nor the unfolded paper clip in the back of the Drake SW-4 that picked
up Radio Havana just fine.
David
>David wrote:
>> On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 18:09:23 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>You know, I've wondered about that, too. The closest to explaining
>>>that I've conjured is that the electromagnetic field works up
>>>there, but I can't imagine how the electrostatic field from the
>>>transmitting antenna could work on a space antenna. But antenna
>>>design has always been black magic to me.
>>
>> Basic Nicola Tesla. Resonance. Has nothing to do with ground or
>> waves travelling through space. An antenna sets up a field by
>> resonating at the frequency of a connected generator. An antenna
>> samples energy from the field in a similar manner and this can be
>> detected.
>
>But nonresonant antennas work quite well, probably even in space.
>Resonant antennas work better, but your explanation doesn't account
>for the long-wire antenna that works on 19M and 49M too.
It's in the field and absorbing energy. The lack of resonance
requires more amplification.
Carter-K8VT
> We have drifted a long way from the topic.
Yes, but it's still about radio and you're still complaining ...and who
appointed you as a "Net Policeman" anyway? You gonna show us your
"steenking bodge"?
RHF
Like most suggestions - This is not a perfect suggestion
that works for everyone all the time.
This is simply one of those suggestions that if you try it;
it just may work for you; this time and the next time it
may not do anything or even make things worse.
The main idea is to see 'if' by adding a Ground to the
un-grounded Radio {Grounding the RF Signal Ground
Side of the Radio's internal circuitry}
So starting with a low cost 'portable' AM / FM Shortwave
Radio with a Plastic Case that does not have an External
Antenna Input or an Exposed Ground Connection.
FOUR TRICKS TO TRY FOR BETTER
AM {MEDIUM WAVE} RECEPTION :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9137
1. Touch a Finger Tip to the Tip of the Whip Antenna
- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
Try this on the AM, FM and Shortwave Bands
2. Touch a Finger Tip to Exposed Ring of Earphone Jack.
- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
Try this on the AM, FM and Shortwave Bands
3. Take a 15-20 Foot piece of Insulated Wire and strip-off
an Inch of Insulation from one end and attach the Wire to the
Collapsed Whip Antenna. Route the Wire around the Room.
- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
Try this on the AM, FM and Shortwave Bands
Finally we get to the root of this suggestion . . . # 4
4. Take a 3-6 Foot piece of Insulated Wire and strip-off
an Inch of Insulation from both ends and attach one end
to a ground within the room (Cold Water Pipe?). Make
sure that the Radio's Whip Antenna is fully extended.
Next "Touch" this Wire to the Exposed Ring of the
Radio's Earphone Jack.
- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
Try this on the AM, FM and Shortwave Bands
HEY - Even try Touching this Ground Wire to the
Radio's Collapsed Whip Antenna :o)
- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
"IF" - When you "Touch" the Wire to the Exposed Ring
of the Earphone Jack the Radio's Reception Improves.
Then Modify an 1/8" Mono-Plug to put into the Earphone
Jack to connect a Ground to the Radio for Improved
Reception all the time {most of the time}.
READ - Antenna's for AM/MW Reception:
http://www.marcspages.co.uk/tech/antmwrec.htm
Marc's Technical Pages - by Marc Dekenah
Choosing the AM/MW Antenna:
- The Short-Low Capacitance;
- The Medium Impedance -
- Low Impedance Antennas.
READ - AM Radio Reception - Tips and Links
-by- Rich Lee Bruce
http://www.geocities.com/richleebruce/amradio.html
READ - How to Get Better AM Radio Reception
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/3332/amradio.html
-by- The Pilot of the Airwaves
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/3332/index.html
hope clarifies a few things and helps - iane ~ RHF
Telamon
"RHF" <rhf-new...@pacbell.net> wrote:
All righty then, I ask why should you care about picking up the ground
side? Will this make the reception less noisy? Is it worth the trouble?
Theoretically it should help but like all things pertaining to antennas
it will depend on the situation at hand.
If you connect the radio ground to the other half of a dipole or other
Hertzian type antenna it should reduce common mode pickup, which is the
main mode of local noise pickup.
I'll explain why this is if anyone cares to know.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
RHF
"I'll explain why this is if anyone cares to know."
I will take you up on your offer, please enlighten
and educate me ~ RHF
-
-
-
-
-
Telamon,
The Four Tricks to Try for Better AM {Medium Wave}
Radio Reception are just that 'tricks' "Something to Try"
# 1. May encompass 10 Variables some known
and some yet to be considered . . .
# 2. May encompass 100 Variables some known
and some yet to be considered . . .
# 3. May encompass 1000 Variables some known
and some yet to be considered . . .
# 4. May encompass 10000 Variables some known
and some yet to be considered . . .
Sometimes . . . What Works - WORKS !
and 10 x 100 x 1000 x 10000 is a very big number
when compared to the life of a man ~ RHF
Science my be simply Finite - Due to the limit of our
knowledge at any point in time : tick, Tick. TICK !
Reality is Always Infinite : Simply because it is
everywhere at once : THEN ! Now. and forever, {Silence}
Telamon
"RHF" <rhf-new...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> >
> > In article
> > <telamon_spamshield-E...@newsclstr02.news.prodigy.com>,
> > Telamon <telamon_s...@pacbell.net.is.invalid> wrote:
> >
> > If you connect the radio ground to the other half of a dipole or other
> > Hertzian type antenna it should reduce common mode pickup, which is the
> > main mode of local noise pickup.
> >
>
>
> I will take you up on your offer, please enlighten
> and educate me ~ RHF
< Snip >
A portable using a whip antenna or using a single wire extension is a
Marconi type, which is a common mode voltage antenna. Locally generated
noise is picked up best by this type of antenna.
The whip or extension wire picks up common mode energy, generated nearby
or from a distance, which travels across the radio input impedance into
the radio chassis return. If you hold the radio or if it is plugged into
an AC converter supply then you and the mains become part of the RF
return. The radio chassis return, you or the mains look like a low
impedance path for the RF to go into so the circuit is the one element
generating a voltage with the RF current across the radios input
impedance into a low impedance ground or return.
This is contrasted with a Hertzian balanced antenna where the RF current
travels from one element to the other through the radios input impedance.
Here locally generated noise tends to couple to both elements more or
less equally so a potential voltage difference does not appear across
the radios input impedance for the local noise source energy. However, a
distant EM waves at 1/2 wavelength of the dipole or smaller will
generate a potential voltage between the two elements, which causes RF
current to flow through the radios input impedance.
This action between local and distant energy on a Hertzian type antenna
is situationally dependent but should show a marked improvement over a
Marconi type antenna for distant signal to local noise. This improvement
is best shown with the portable on batteries so the antenna arrangement
is best balanced. Using a AC supply will have a tendency to unbalance
the Hertzian antenna.
--
Telamon
Ventura, California
David
wrote:
The topic is why should you ground a radio that doesn't want to be
grounded. Telemon is uptight.
David
<telamon_s...@pacbell.net.is.invalid> wrote:
>A portable using a whip antenna or using a single wire extension is a
>Marconi type, which is a common mode voltage antenna. Locally generated
>noise is picked up best by this type of antenna.
>
It's an active antenna. Not a ''Marconi''. A Marconi is a ceneter
fed half-wave vertical, where the ground forms the bottom half of the
antenna.
Guy Kudlemyer
mains, such as, say, an older FRG-7?
On 4/20/06 7:48 PM, in article
1145587736.8...@v46g2000cwv.googlegroups.com, "RHF"
m II
> EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
We all know there is a medium and is called ETHER.
Let's get with it..It IS the nineteenth century, after all...
mike
m II
The antenna will develop maximum signal at it's resonant frequency. This
signal energy will then be transfered most efficiently to the radio when
the impedance of the antenna is the same as that of the radio.
A power generator works the same way..the antenna is just a stationary
conductor in a moving field looking for a suitable load to drive.
mike
m II
> David - Switched or un-switched the Exposed Outer Ring
> of the 1/8" Mono Jack used for the Earphone Output is
> usually the Radio's Electrical Circuit Ground and is also
> the RF Signal Ground.
>
> NOTE - This idea and application is mainly for Radios
> that do not have a built-in External Antenna Input that
> offers a Grounding "Attachment" Point for the Radio.
My car radio is isolated from ground by four large rubber doughnuts and
still manages to outperform most of the in-house am radios, using an
obscenely small antenna on top of it all.
Your advice would imply that dragging ten or twenty feet of logging
chain from the chassis would reduce signal noise, at least on wet days.
Is that really a logical conclusion? I'm having problems with your
assumptions.
mike
clifto
> Telamon wrote:
>> EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
>
> We all know there is a medium and is called ETHER.
Everybody knows that. But there is no Ether Bunny.
RHF
Until the individual 'portable' AM / FM Shortwave Radio
Owner tries - The Four Tricks to Try for Better AM
{Medium Wave} Radio Reception - They Don't Know.
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.radio.shortwave/msg/de227b009aa19478
Until Then - One does not know whether their 'portable'
AM / FM Shortwave Radio "Wants" a Ground or an
Antenna or both or neither.
Sometimes What Works - WORKS ! - "IF" - You Give It A Try !
{ Remember 'if' at First You Don't Succeed :
try, Try and TRY ! again, Again. and AGAIN ! :o}
http://www.bartleby.com/59/3/ifatfirstyou.html
http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/1841
http://www.answers.com/topic/if-at-first-you-don-t-succeed-try-try-again
overly redundantly yours - iane ~ RHF
Mark Zenier
RHF <rhf-new...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>MZ - Right on both points. ~ RHF
Which is why the battery eliminator jack (coaxial power socket) may be
a better bet. If it's hooked up so that the center pin is ground,
you may be able to get a crimp on terminal (as used in a Molex connector
or RS-232 plug) that fits on the center pin without activating the
disconnect switch (that's pushed by the outer barrel). A bit of shrink
tubing is recommended to keep from shorting the two contacts. (There's
no disconnect switch on an FR-200, so I just use a (size N?) plug from
Radio Shack).
Mark Zenier mze...@eskimo.com
Googleproofaddress(account:mzenier provider:eskimo domain:com)
m II
> m II wrote:
>
>>Telamon wrote:
>>
>>>EM waves, radio or light, do not depend on a medium to propagate.
>>
>>We all know there is a medium and is called ETHER.
>
>
> Everybody knows that. But there is no Ether Bunny.
>
That's preposterous. Next you will be telling me that Yagi Bear didn't
make my antenna. Get a grip, man!
mike
<RJ>
>On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 17:41:31 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>David wrote:
>>> On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:09:32 -0500, clifto <cli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>Resonance is one of many things that goes into receiving signals,
>>>>but when you come right down to it the receiver is nothing more
>>>>than a device which processes the voltage (or current) fed it from
>>>>an antenna. You use it to select one of many signals (using
>>>>resonance), amplify the heck out of it and extract the information
>>>>from the result.
>>>
>>> What's that got to do with a current flowing to ground?
>>
>>Ohm's Law. When you put a voltage across an impedance, current flows.
>>The voltage induced in a typical antenna is with respect to ground.
>
>So, radio doesn't work in outer space? If I had a six transistor
>radio 50 miles up I couldn't hear Limbaugh?
You'd use a "loop".... where the second wire simulates a ground.
<rj>
<RJ>
>4. Take a 3-6 Foot piece of Insulated Wire and strip-off
>an Inch of Insulation from both ends and attach one end
>to a ground within the room (Cold Water Pipe?). Make
>sure that the Radio's Whip Antenna is fully extended.
>Next "Touch" this Wire to the Exposed Ring of the
>Radio's Earphone Jack.
>- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
>Try this on the AM, FM and Shortwave Bands
>HEY - Even try Touching this Ground Wire to the
>Radio's Collapsed Whip Antenna :o)
>- - - Does the Radio's Reception Improve or get Noiser ?
>
>"IF" - When you "Touch" the Wire to the Exposed Ring
>of the Earphone Jack the Radio's Reception Improves.
>Then Modify an 1/8" Mono-Plug to put into the Earphone
>Jack to connect a Ground to the Radio for Improved
>Reception all the time {most of the time}.
Easiest "ground" is to use the ground socket on your AC outlet.
I find a banana plug fits about right....
<rj>
RHF
That is because Paper Clips Transcend both Space and Time.
a paper clip kind of guy ~ RHF
RHF
Hence the AGC Circuitry in Radios, so that a Strong Signal
that is developed by a Resonant Antenna is Averaged 'down'
-and- a Weaker Signal that is developed by a the same Antenna
at a non-resonant frequency is Averaged 'up' : So that both
Signals 'appear' to sound about the same to the ears.
NOTE - The Stronger and Weaker Signals are what the Radio
receives at the Antenna Input. In reality both Signal are
relatively the same strength around the Antenna.
* One Signal is at Resonance with respect to the Antenna
and therefore the Antenna develops a greater signal
"A Stronger Signal" that is sent to the Radio's Input.
* The 'other' Signal is Not at Resonance with respect to
the Antenna and therefore the Antenna develpos a lessor
signal "A Weaker Signal" that is sent to the Radio's Input.
and that is why the proper antenna is important
to good radio reception - iane ~ RHF
RHF
where the second wire simulates a ground."
please explain - i am lost in space - iwtk ~ RHF
David
wrote:
>David,
You're going to explain circuitry to me? HAH!
David
wrote:
A loop works by the priciple of a magnet moving past a coil. No
ground required.
cuh...@webtv.net
them wimmins over yonder on Ventura Beach,,, auld Hansom Larry (cuhulin)
Loves them all.
cuhulin
(but Telamon is too coy,I know he is too uppity to tellem that)
cuh...@webtv.net
station.(U.S.Army,,, Scott Air Force Base,Illinois,ARADCOM,Nuclear
Missiles)That Here we go loop the loop,here we go loop the lai,song
thingy was rollin (by the way,my name aint Joe,Objective,Burma! movie on
Radio tv now)
cuhulin
Ran
jack...so, can I connect a wire to the ground side of the headphone
plug and connect that to ground, then continue using my headphones
normally?
RHF
RHF
and sometimes the noise level goes sky high when attempting
to use it as a Radio's RF Ground. - iane ~ RHF
The Third Pin (Bottom-Center-Round) of a standard Convenance
Outlet can be used as a 'quikie' RF Ground -sometimes- .
.
.
. .
.
RHF
Here are Two other Alternative Methods of establishing
and using an RF Ground with a 'portable' AM / FM Shortwave
Radio; that has NO External Antenna Input or Identifiable
Ground Connection.
BATTERY TERMINAL :
Most of the Times the Negative Terminal (Side) of the Batteries
is the Chassis Ground of the Radio and is both Power Ground
and the RF Ground. If this is the Case then a Washer with a
short piece of Insulated Wire soldered to it can be used as an
easy RF Ground Connection for the Radio.
CASE SCREW :
Check the Case Screws with an Ohm Meter to the Ground
Side if the Radio's Circuit. Usually one of the Case Screws
will be connected to the Chassis Ground of the Radio.
Remove the Case Screw and wrap the striped end of a
short piece of Insulated Wire around it; then re-install the
Case Screw. This Wire is now your RF Ground Connection
for the Radio.
when all else fails - think of the possibilities ! - iane ~ RHF
David
wrote:
You are a dork. If the cabinet is all plastic it's because it ain't
suppose to be grounded. Only ground the external antenna input. Your
obsession with ground is borderline pathological.
PowerHouse Communications
news:1145444942....@g10g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> MODIFIED - 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection :
> 1. Remove the Tip Section of the 1/8" Mono Plug leaving
> just the Rear Barrel Section and Solder Terminal.
OK, I'll bite...
How do you get the "modified plug" to stay in the socket once you remove the
only part that keeps it in there? Sounds useful, yet at the same time
worthless...
D Peter Maus
I have a table radio that's pretty much all noise, all the time on
MW, where I am. Ferrite rod antenna, and no real provision for ground.
I connected an earth ground to the sleeve nut on the headphone output
jack and that quieted things down dramatically.
Works on some of my other receivers as well.
David
<DPete...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>
>
> I have a table radio that's pretty much all noise, all the time on
>MW, where I am. Ferrite rod antenna, and no real provision for ground.
>I connected an earth ground to the sleeve nut on the headphone output
>jack and that quieted things down dramatically.
>
> Works on some of my other receivers as well.
>
>
>
Ever since I nearly killed myself with an S-38 back in 1965 I've been
afraid of ground.
Michael Lawson
"D Peter Maus" <DPete...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:EYK3g.3750$xX5...@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
Peter, did you run an earth ground from the outside for it,
I presume?
--Mike L.
D Peter Maus
Yes, I connected it to my earth ground system. Multiple 8 ft ground
rods driven into the yard circling the house, bonded together with a 4"
strap, but not completing the circle. I use it for both the audio system
and the radio system.
But for a single table radio, I could easily (and have) use the cold
water pipe entering the building. It comes in under the foundation,
copper from the meter at the street, and running about 60' to the
building at a depth of about 8 feet.
More than enough for a table radio.
> --Mike L.
>
>
clifto
> Ever since I nearly killed myself with an S-38 back in 1965 I've been
> afraid of ground.
Yeah, that was one of the cheapo Halliscratchers that didn't use a line
transformer. Also tons of fun for outdoor people who touch the antenna.
RHF
RHF
I have been "Lit-Up" \\\ ZAPPED /// more than a few times.
But the Earth Is My Friend -and- I still enjoy bare-footing-it
in the summer time and feeling one with nature :o)
David - Beware - The Hot Side ! ! ! ~ RHF
{ When You Are Well Grounded }
RHF
HOW TO - REMOVE THE TIP OF THE 1/8" MONO-PLUG :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9133
Use two Pairs of Pliers to carefully remove the End-Tip
from the body of the 1/8" Mono Plug.
Oops - Some people just use a Pair-of-Diks and snip-it-off :-(
Next - Ever-so-Gently -squeeze- the Barrel
and deform it 'just enough' (into an Oval)
to make it a "Pinch-Fit" for the 1/8" Jack.
yes it is that easy - iane ~ RHF
RHF
That sometimes you fail to communicate.
David - Besides you, there are others out there who
may wish to have some of the blanks filled in.
David - Thus my reply was directed at all readers and not only to you.
Sorry instead of 'David" I should have used "For One and All".
David - Rec.Radio. Shortwave is Bigger that 'you' Bubba ;-) ~ RHF
RHF
DaviD - You Can't Handle Dork !
David - I have been very specific, Specific. SPECIFIC !
First Stating the basis {reason} for using the Modified
1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground Connection.
# 1 - Modified 1/8" Mono Plug for a 'portable' Radio's Ground
Connection
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/message/9097
As you have discovered, most of the time a 'portable' AM / FM
Shortwave Radio's Earphone Jack is also coupled to the Radio's
RF internal circuitry and is also RF Signal Ground.
# 2 - So starting with a low cost 'portable' AM / FM Shortwave
Radio with a Plastic Case that does not have an External
Antenna Input or an Exposed Ground Connection.
NOTE - Not designed to use with AC Power; so the Radio
simply runs off a set of Batteries. Although the Radio may
have a Jack for an External {WalWart} DC Input.
# 3 - NOTE - This idea and application is mainly for 'portable'
AM / FM Shortwave Radios that do not have a built-in
External Antenna Input {Jack} that offers a Grounding
"Attachment" Point for the Radio.
- - - Be Advised - There are exceptions and ymmv.
# 4 - The Premise "IS" - So starting with a low cost
'portable' AM / FM Shortwave Radio with a
Plastic Case that does not have an External
Antenna Input or an Exposed Ground Connection.
{ Using the Whip Antenna and Battery Power Only }
# 5 - Here are Two other Alternative Methods of establishing
and using an RF Ground with a 'portable' AM / FM Shortwave
Radio; that has NO External Antenna Input or Identifiable
Ground Connection.
david - 'there is an exception to every rule'
-and- that itself is a rule ~ RHF
.
David - If A Dork I Be - A Dork I Be ~ RHF
.
.
hope this helps - iane ~ RHF
.
All are WELCOME and "Invited to Join" the
Shortwave Listener (SWL) Antenna eGroup on YAHOO !
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/>
SWL ANTENNAS GROUP => http://tinyurl.com/an6tw
.
Some Say: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.
I Believe : On A Clear Night You Can Hear Forever
. . . and Beyond , , , The BEYOND ! ! !
With a Shortwave Listening Antenna of your own making.
"If You Build It {SWL Antenna} You Will Hear Them !"
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortwave-SWL-Antenna/>
SHORTWAVE ANTENNA FORUM => http://tinyurl.com/an6tw
.
The Shortwave Listener's (SWL) Blessing :
May You Never Tire of Listening to the Radio and Always have
Strong Signals and Noise Free Reception ~ RHF {ibid}
RHF
The Premise "IS" - So starting with a low cost
'portable' AM / FM Shortwave Radio with a
Plastic Case that does not have an External
Antenna Input or an Exposed Ground Connection.
{ Using the Whip Antenna and Battery Power Only }
m ii - enjoy driving your car
and listening to your radio ~ RHF
David
wrote:
>David - You know so much :
>That sometimes you fail to communicate.
>
>David - Besides you, there are others out there who
>may wish to have some of the blanks filled in.
>
>David - Thus my reply was directed at all readers and not only to you.
Indeed.
Then why did you beging your patronizing with my name followed by a
comma?
RHF
David - You know so much :
That sometimes you fail to communicate.
David - Besides you, there are others out there who
may wish to have some of the blanks filled in.
David - Thus my reply was directed at all readers and not only to you.
* READ HERE - Sorry instead of 'David"
I should have used "For One and All".
David - Rec.Radio. Shortwave is Bigger that
both you-and-me Bubba ;-) ~ RHF
PowerHouse Communications
>
> Next - Ever-so-Gently -squeeze- the Barrel
> and deform it 'just enough' (into an Oval)
> to make it a "Pinch-Fit" for the 1/8" Jack.
>
OK then...