I have a Dipole Antenna kit that I purchased 19 years ago and never used. I want to install a better antenna for my Shortwave Receiver and thought I would string this Dipole wire kit in the attic. If I do, it comes down to the Shortwave Receiver as two wires. My Receiver only has antenna and ground connections. If I connect an earth ground to the GND on the Receiver, there is only a single ANT connection. What is the best way to connect the two wires from the Dipole? Or, should I not use a Dipole but just string some wire?

-- Carl

Hi Carl

Unless you are interested in listening to a specific frequency a long wire would be best. A long wire isn't tuned and works well for short wave. A dipole will be cut for a specific range of frequencies.

Norm

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:I have a Dipole Antenna kit that I purchased 19 years ago and never used. I want to install a better antenna for my Shortwave Receiver and thought I would string this Dipole wire kit in the attic. If I do, it comes down to the Shortwave Receiver as two wires. My Receiver only has antenna and ground connections. If I connect an earth ground to the GND on the Receiver, there is only a single ANT connection. What is the best way to connect the two wires from the Dipole? Or, should I not use a Dipole but just string some wire?
:
:-- Carl
:

Hi,
I second Norm's statement. Besides, the average home is not long enough to string an effective dipole- For 40 meter listening, you would need to have about 20 meters clear (about 65 feet) for an effective dipole configuration.

I use a random length wire on two sets, and at one I have an antenna matching network that really does make a difference in reception. On the other I also have a 10 meter vertical that I altered the loading coil so it would not have a path to ground (since I was not going to use that one for transmitting at all) The vertical helps in some noisy situations, but overall the matching network works the best for sensitivity.

:Hi Carl
:
: Unless you are interested in listening to a specific frequency a long wire would be best. A long wire isn't tuned and works well for short wave. A dipole will be cut for a specific range of frequencies.
:
:Norm
:
::
::I have a Dipole Antenna kit that I purchased 19 years ago and never used. I want to install a better antenna for my Shortwave Receiver and thought I would string this Dipole wire kit in the attic. If I do, it comes down to the Shortwave Receiver as two wires. My Receiver only has antenna and ground connections. If I connect an earth ground to the GND on the Receiver, there is only a single ANT connection. What is the best way to connect the two wires from the Dipole? Or, should I not use a Dipole but just string some wire?
::
::-- Carl
::