I want to install another long wire outdoor antenna. This time I want to protect it from lightning. If I run it under my deck, can I make a square run to get the length I need for short wave? Anyone done this before and get good reception? Just wonder if a straight run vs. a square run is the same if the total length is the same.

Jon, first, I don't think that the deck will necessarily protect against lightning. For that, it would be best to use a lightning arrestor.

Lightning is a strange phenomenon. I have some expertise: my house was once struck by lightning, blasting through a wooden roof gable, and then traversing all through the house's wiring, zapping my electronic equipment. The wooden house structure didn't shield the wiring, so your deck probably won't either.

Here are my crack-pot theories on lightning protection: http://www.enginova.com/lightning.htm

"Long wires" are somewhat directional. Thomas asserts that if an antenna doubles back on itself, then the induced signal will somewhat cancel in the opposing legs.

:I want to install another long wire outdoor antenna. This time I want to protect it from lightning. If I run it under my deck, can I make a square run to get the length I need for short wave? Anyone done this before and get good reception? Just wonder if a straight run vs. a square run is the same if the total length is the same.

If you want to make a "square" antenna, you can try experimentally to make a really big loop antenna in the side of your house (so that the flat of the antenn faces horizontally, not vertically, like it would if mounted under your deck). The center wire will have to be connected to ground, and the outer lead will connect to your radio's antenna terminal. Once the correct turn count has been established, you can remove all of the boards on the side of your house and mount the antenna under the siding. The siding must be wood or vinyl. Can't be metal. This, in itself is rediculous, though...too much work. Also, a loop antenna is terribly directional, as can be found with any AC/DC with a loop. You'll miss out on a lot unless you put your house on a carousel. Also, if the side of your house is struck, it'll still damage your radio.

As Doug said, folding a wire back on itself will cancel out reception. Try it to see for yourself. Make a nice long wire antenna and then fold it in half. The signal will get much quieter.

Something to keep in mind with lightning, too: An antenna isn't going to make lightning want your house more. Your wet house is a much better choice over that thin wire. The power wire going into your house is a better choice over that thin antenna wire. Stringing it above your house does encourage lightning more, though. The real danger, however, is that the wire brings the lightning surge inside of your home to somewhere where the lightning probably wouldn't normally go, and it can destroy your radio.

T.