Hi All,

Thanks to some discussion here, I have set up an 'eavestrough' antenna that seems to work reasonably well on an 'all-band' basis. It provides better reception and sensitivity than an 85' long wire antenna I set up in the basement. I appreciate that it probably breaks a lot of antenna rules (several right angles, bad standing wave patterns etc.).

One of the problems is that I use a very wide range of frequencies for DXing (basically 400KC-175MC, including CB, using a number of vintage receivers). If I used manufactured whip antennas for the various frequency blocks the house roof would look like a porcupine...

To be specific re. advice: i) does anyone have suggestions about a manufactured all-band antenna, particularly in a 'whip' form and, ii) if my homemade eavestrough antenna is the best solution, how can I connect a coax lead in from it? At the moment I just have a piece of Radio Shack 'hookup wire', with one end screwed in the aluminum eavestrough, the the other end attached to the antenna screws at the back of the vintage sets. I want to use a coax to cut down on interference/electronic noise; I understand where the core wire would go (directly to the eavestrough connection), but where would I connect the braided shield wire on the coax at the eavestrough? Would I connect it to another 'ground' source?

As before, thanks for the help and sorry for the long-windedness.

Leslie

Leslie,
You may have the best of 2 worlds!! If you're getting the reception you desire, why worry about the refinements. That single wire connection won't pick up any more noise than the rain gutter, and probably less. AM radio is fraught with noise sources interferring with reception, but are more likely to be bombarded with internal noise ie TV, computers, routers, modems, light dimmers, flourescent fixtures, computer monitors, microwave ovens, and the list is endless. Purchase and attach a good lightning arrestor at the point of entry to the house, and follow mfrs connection diagram for ground connection. Enjoy.

marv

:Hi All,
:
:Thanks to some discussion here, I have set up an 'eavestrough' antenna that seems to work reasonably well on an 'all-band' basis. It provides better reception and sensitivity than an 85' long wire antenna I set up in the basement. I appreciate that it probably breaks a lot of antenna rules (several right angles, bad standing wave patterns etc.).
:
:One of the problems is that I use a very wide range of frequencies for DXing (basically 400KC-175MC, including CB, using a number of vintage receivers). If I used manufactured whip antennas for the various frequency blocks the house roof would look like a porcupine...
:
:To be specific re. advice: i) does anyone have suggestions about a manufactured all-band antenna, particularly in a 'whip' form and, ii) if my homemade eavestrough antenna is the best solution, how can I connect a coax lead in from it? At the moment I just have a piece of Radio Shack 'hookup wire', with one end screwed in the aluminum eavestrough, the the other end attached to the antenna screws at the back of the vintage sets. I want to use a coax to cut down on interference/electronic noise; I understand where the core wire would go (directly to the eavestrough connection), but where would I connect the braided shield wire on the coax at the eavestrough? Would I connect it to another 'ground' source?
:
:As before, thanks for the help and sorry for the long-windedness.
:
:Leslie
:

There is a lot of 'best practice' hints for antenna construction. I have a 1970's copy of the ARRL Antenna Handbook that covers everything that you want to know about propagation/reception. Almost every situation is different and it's fun to experiment with different length, location and polarizations, etc.
The house came with a Philco longwire in the peak of the roof. It was dormant for decades and hidden behind drywall. I have started using it again. It is above a lot of the digital noises in the neighborhood.
Collapsible masts are tuneable to what wavelength you are interested in listening to.
Whenever we go camping, I bring a spool of wire to string through the trees. We're miles from any real electrical noise. DXing has always amazed me with what is out there.

Many thanks. Stuff to think about...I'll do some more research.

: There is a lot of 'best practice' hints for antenna construction. I have a 1970's copy of the ARRL Antenna Handbook that covers everything that you want to know about propagation/reception. Almost every situation is different and it's fun to experiment with different length, location and polarizations, etc.
: The house came with a Philco longwire in the peak of the roof. It was dormant for decades and hidden behind drywall. I have started using it again. It is above a lot of the digital noises in the neighborhood.
: Collapsible masts are tuneable to what wavelength you are interested in listening to.
: Whenever we go camping, I bring a spool of wire to string through the trees. We're miles from any real electrical noise. DXing has always amazed me with what is out there.
: