A shortwave antenna makes it possible for you to receive and send transmissions on the ham and amateur frequencies. On eBay, you can find a broad range of types, features, and manufacturers of new and used shortwave antennas. What are the compatibility options for a shortwave radio antenna? This is another good reason to consider a wire type antenna for your shortwave installation. However, if you already have a multiband vertical, feel free to put it to work! Wire antenna are the most popular on the shortwave bands, and for good reason.
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a Shortwave Antenna
When you enjoy ham or amateur radio broadcasting as a hobby, having the right equipment helps you make the most of your time. A shortwave antenna makes it possible for you to receive and send transmissions on the ham and amateur frequencies. On eBay, you can find a broad range of types, features, and manufacturers of new and used shortwave antennas.
What are the compatibility options for a shortwave radio antenna?The compatibility options for a durable shortwave antenna may include the following:
- Base station radio: These antennas have the longest lengths of the shortwave radios. They may be rated for indoor or outdoor use. They are designed to remain permanently attached to the base station radio.
- Portable or handheld radio: These shortwave radio antennas are short and compact. Some of them are designed to fit inside of the radio. Other models may telescope for storage.
- Vehicle radio: This type of antenna fits into a car or truck and it is designed to work with the ham radio. It can also pick up AM radio stations. It may have a detachable base for mounting on a dashboard or roof.
A shortwave antenna for a radio is able to pick up frequency bands such as:
- AM: These frequencies range from 535KHz to 1605KHz.
- HF: High frequency, or HF, ranges from 3MHz to 30MHz.
- VHF: Very high frequency, or VHF, radio frequencies are between 30MHz to 300MHz.
- UHF: Ultra high frequency, or UHF ranges from 300MHz and 3GHz.
The directional options for an affordable shortwave radio antenna may include:
- Mono-directional: This antenna picks up signals from one cardinal direction in relation to the antenna's orientation.
- Bi-directional: This type of antenna picks up signals from two directions in relation to its orientation.
- Omni-directional: These antennas pick up signals from all directions in relation to their positions.
When you are shopping on eBay for a shortwave antenna for ham radio, there are many options available to choose from. Consider the following features when making your decision:
- Brand: Some of the options include Alpha Delta, RadioShack, Sainsonic, and TECSUN.
- Antenna length: The antenna lengths range from two inches long to two feet in diameter.
- Wiring length: The length of wire for the antennas ranges from two to 100 feet.
- Type: Select a shortwave antenna for fixed radios or portable radios.
Shortwave radio is a fascinating hobby where a listener (DX'er) can pick up radio broadcasts from the other side of the world. While many of today's shortwave radios have decent antennas and can receive signals pretty well, building a homemade outdoor antenna will heighten your experience.
Safety
Whether you are building a simple indoor antenna or stringing a long, outside antenna, remember safety first. Do not hang your antenna near power lines or even near the drop wire from the line to the utility meter. This is for your own safety and because electricity creates interference that is picked up by the antenna. Also remember to adequately ground your antenna for the safety of your receiver, your home, and you.
Shortwave Antenna Basics
Ultimately you will want to build a specialized antenna that receives a specific frequency, but many beginning and even veteran DX'ers find that a multi-band longwire antenna is the best, all-around choice to pick up all shortwave frequencies.
Basic Longwire Antenna
A longwire is, as the name implies, a stretch of wire strung between two supports: for instance, two trees or the house and a tree. The length of the wire is unimportant, although the longer the better. Generally a stretch of between 30 and 100 feet will work. The lead-in wire from the antenna to your receiver should be insulated so that it will not short against anything as it enters your home, such as the metal screen in your window or aluminum siding. An no. 18 insulated wire will be adequate. The height of the antenna off the ground isn't critical, but it is best to try to keep it at least 20 feet off the ground. Make sure that the ends of the antenna are insulated by using commercial glass or plastic insulators or make your own by cutting 1 ½- to 2-inch in diameter PVC pipe into 3-inch long sections (at a minimum) and drilling holes in the ends to connect the wire to. Lastly, make sure you solder your connections together, such as where the lead-in wire connects to the antenna, and coat the connection with silicon to protect it from the elements.