[PCR-1000] re: Adding Shortwave Antenna

[Russell Johnson]

For HFreception, I use a dipole antenna, located outside, as far as
practible from power lines. I also use an antenna tuner at the radio end of
the feedline. The antenna tuner will add gain and (most importantly)
selectivity. An additional benefit is the ability to "tune out" adjacent
signals and noise. An inexpensive and decent tuner is available from MFJ
enterprises for $40.00. This is probably the most important and often
overlooked addition to improve HF reception! Using an antenna tuner will do
wonders for the 20 - 30 foot wire strung temporarily when traveling! I've
even used a clip lead and an antenna tuner with the house's gutter and down
spout for the antenna.

For the HF lead-in wire, preferably use a 50 ohm impedance coax, like RG58.
This cable is low loss at HF frequencies and the shield will prevent the
coax  from accepting locally generated signals (noise). Also install the
twinlead perpendicular to the dipole, so it won't interact with the antenna
elements.

You could also use good old 75 ohm TV twinleadwhich has low loss and the
antenna tuner will compensate for the impedance mismatch. Twisting the
twinlead approx. 3-4 turns per foot, while installing, will also offer a
good amount of noise rejection.

Don't use a TV splitter. They insert too much loss on the UHF frequencies.

Good Luck!
Russ

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