Tips and tricks for the Shortwave Radio beginner Part 3 Antenna

[@gabrielv.4358]

I have attatched the antenna to my cable tv antenna, and it did wonders!

[@gabrielv.4358]

It was thundering so i tested for 20 mins but I heard some cool stuff on the radio

[@BarefootBeekeeper]

I built my first crystal radio about 1960, and with a 20 foot wire antenna I could pick up several stations. I soon graduated to transistor circuits, but that simple wire brought in signals from all over the world.

[@Laura-kd3gp]

Thank you from 2023!

[@espalding3]

Check your surroundings before throwing. Neighbor (into ham long before me) threw the end of a wire while holding part of the coil in his other hand. The thrown end made contact with a power line and the hand holding the coil had to be amputated.

[@escapetherace1943]

smart

[@dp4racing]

A fuse would be jumped by voltage in the thousands

[@Cherry-bq4oh]

jesus christ man

[@bleikrsound6127]

Ham radio hobbyist 23 years - grounding is crucial for any radio on the AM / SW bands. Small radios can be grounded by making a ‘dead plug’ - clip the ‘hot’ or tip off of a connector such as the headphone plug (remove two tips for stereo). Find which of the plug lines are connected to the negative. You now have a ground by connecting this line to any metal object driven into the ground ( like a nail ), and inserting the clipped plug into the radio. AM / SW stations will come in so strong, you may have to retract the antenna to prevent signal overload, especially listening at night. You can also ground using the USB cable, but it’s a little more complicated. Simply put - Grounding is the third component to radio reception - voltage enters the radio through the antenna. The radio ‘uses’ the energy. The energy has to be ‘vented’ out of the radio through a ground connection, or there will be a buildup of unreleased voltage / static.

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

useless on portable receivers and most people do not do a good ground, unless you are close to the rod... it is not a ground at all

[@bleikrsound6127]

@@OfficialSWLchannel I checked out the V115, pretty good little radio. The Line In and Phones port activates even when only a ground sleeve makes contact, so it’s useless for grounding. I tried grounding through the USB and it works. USB cables have two grounds ( or only one if it’s just a charging cable), so be sure to earth ground the chassis ground wire and not the electrical one, which is used when two devices are linked. You are correct - grounding is usually done sloppily or ignored altogether.

[@gabrielv.4358]

With that you cant use the headphone

[@Grunta5]

An antenna that is too long can overload the front end of these receivers. 20 feet is about right. If overloading ( lots of stations received at once and too much Noise) occurs you can leave the insulation on and wind the wire a few times around the telescopic antenna and a good signal will be had via induction.

It should not be an issue with the Tecsun receivers. At least I don‘t have any with a PL-380 and 30/60 meter band antenna.

[@georgehanson1658]

years ago I used a jumper wire with clips to connect to my bed springs.

[@sandasturner9529]

I like the "buzzed" creativity 🤣🤣🤣🤣🫣

[@horrido666]

Great advice - TY. Old frayed extensions cords have good wire inside.

[@weidnermusic]

Totally newbie here, i was under the impression that AM loop like antenna are completely independant from the FM telescopic like antenna and that therfore it wouldn't work to put attach some kind of loop antenna to a telescopic antenna ? (please correct me, i'm really a confused newbie !)

[@kh-ro5su]

i think it depends on the radio. i've heard that as well, but i have also attached wire to the telescopic antenna and do in fact get much better AM reception

[@grahamjones6712]

The more expensive tecsun model that also covers more bands also has a 3.5mm jack for an external antenna

[@SteveKN4POP]

Just want to say I have learned a lot watching Your channel and want to say thanks for all the info and advice. I love the culture from other countries (music) and listening to the outside politics of our own country. You have been very informative and inspiring. I am now an amateur radio operator. KN4POP sending you 73s

[@suttonkenzo5851]

Instablaster.

[@sandasturner9529]

Nice!!!! 🤠👍

[@philipboug]

I was a SWL years ago and am just getting back into it. I have an old Kenwood QR-666 receiver, it is OK but not brilliant. I used to own a Yaesu FRG-7 years ago. It was much more sensitive. 73s from Australia. Subscribed!

[@TheRadioNerd11]

Just cut some old coax cable that was for a old CB car antenna (cut both ends off). This made a huge difference. Thanks!

[@GeertMeertens]

Just a long wire picks up a lot of noise as well, as mentioned. Antenna tuners are cumbersome so I am glad I found the MLBA from RF systems, Magnetic Longwire Balun Antenna, which has 50 Ohm shielded coax coming in to your home. There is a 12.5 meter and a 20 meter long version. I got the 20 meter long and the reception is way better than the whip antenna!

[@spqa2004]

Could you give us the link to the antenna, please?

[@sandasturner9529]

Sounds like an advertisement though 😜

[@sharonjuniorchess]

@@sandasturner9529 More like a step into history and how they used to do things then. I have just googled: magnetic long wire balun by RF systems and found an interesting write up about the antenna by radio timetraveller. He even has a warning: "Be careful directly connecting wire to any of these DSP radios. Modern chip electronics is not so forgiving as the old tube stuff from my generation. I have fried several radios with static discharge."

[@N4TCM]

Hooked a 25ft piece of wire to my Grundig G3 with an alligator clip. Checked to see how long a windup reel antenna was. 23ft. Thought Id take a stab at it. Works much better now. Should have know that being a ham for over 25 yrs but thought it wouldn't make much difference unless you hooked to the oscillator. I was an swl in the late 70's till around 2000 when all the big stations left.

[@sandasturner9529]

Do you have any ideas as to why the big shortwave radio stations left in the year 2000?????

[@oceanqueen3573]

I use my shortwave radio while taking breaks on my bike rides, its nice for setting my radio on a elevated place.

[@sandasturner9529]

Interesting 🤔🧐 I may try this next time I try to ride my bike. Ya now combine/integrate my hobbies into one, if possible.

[@RenoLaringo]

What would be better in the case of an existing antenna jack on the radio : a simple wire, or a coax connected to both poles of the jack?

[@7316bobe]

A demonstration showing how effective the wire is would have been nice.

[@SaItyStudios]

thats just common sense bud

[@usernamemykel]

I would be able to rig a dipole to my house, each leg at 12'. Without a balun/transformer/impedance matcher, what band(s) should I expect to receive? Many thanks! 73 N4ANO

[@edwie101]

Great video! Can't wait to see an ideas for the antenna location

[@danishdxmaniac6451]

Use alligator clips

[@mikeindiadxer8158]

Great video and I've a loop antenna so its nice combination to receive mW when the telescopic antenna is no help.

[@DNYS8N]

There must be some secret radio club that tells its members how to set up an external antennae that works. Seems like someone would just sell it without the need to Jerry rig. The wire you are using is insulated? Good tip on alligator clips! Any kind of wire? I was wanting to listen to short wave radio for under $200. After research, you tube, and reviews I am more lost than when I started. Even if I buy a 300 dollar unit I am doubtful it will work. I live in a valley so I think I’ll need to make some funky antennae modifications. I guess I’ll need an external jack for an antennae, maybe wire. Not sure what kind of wire. I was thinking about connecting it to some fencing. Any ideas? (My experience is seldom does anything work unless you know the trade secrets.)

[@sun622]

Could you discuss where to place the antenna away from indoor power lines, away from computers, TVs etc. I have our power line coming in right near my window where I wanted to send out my antenna. Is the interference that great? I'm just using 30ft of speaker wire. Thanks!!

[@ertyuiiknbvcx]

Does the wire need to be straight up in the air or a few meters up and horisontal along the ground or can it be a more or less a loose coil of wire wrapped around a tree or something or just a mess of wire on the floor, or perhaps cover all walls in a square near the ceiling in a room? Does it matter how it is arranged and has anyone tested these arrangments to see whats best?

[@HardRockMaster7577]

Good questions. I guess yo have try all of these to find out, or maybe there's a YT video that will tell you (and me).

[@michaelruther9175]

This is one of several brands that works well. From Arizona I can hear stations from Cuba on 6.1 MHz in English.

[@Ezzell_]

Could I make a loop around the edge of my metal roof...raised about up about a foot up? Would the massive metal roof hender or help...or be neutral?

[@v2gearup122]

does enamel line work? I have seen some people makes a loop around a box and I made myself one and it feels like it doesn't work.

[@alldog222]

Ty much I have a 5th wheel trailer and I think I can just shoot a antenna wire out the screen and up to the roof, then I can have 20 or 30 ft of wire easy , but what should I do with it, just spread it out then ? Will the metal roof be an issue ? I really dont want to Build an antenna per say yet, but something for emergency Comms

[@muthannamakki]

In additkon to having an externsl antenna, does grounding your receiver reduce noise? If yes, how does it overlap with antenna connection or position? Thanks!

[@omar90s91]

Any tip how can I disable the sleep alarm

[@newlele]

Do you recommend a specific type of cable?

[@ricktemmen6272]

I've been watching your videos and I find them very helpful. I just subscribed. Thanks. 😎👍

[@AbaseenPodcast]

Too much radio interference in the middle of a large city, in Condo ... so wire antenna just ads more noise. Not sure if ML-30 will help?

[@deenadayalanck6669]

How to use a dipole antenna with coaxial cable with Tecsun PL-380?

[@barrykelly2722]

Is it possible to remove the stock telescopic antenna and replace it with a long wire or other antenna using an adapter. Im told the stock antenna are not effective. Have 100' speaker wire in my attic and would like a better connection. Yes, i know having that outside and unobstructed is better.

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

On most radios the antennas are but some have external antenna jacks and you can always clip a wire to the telescopic

[@kauxkaux]

How does the gauge of the wire affects?

[@toryglenn2623]

What gauge wire is suitable and easy to work with (not too stiff or rigid)??

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

I use 16 here works great

[@philipboug]

Any gauge copper wire is fine. I use 0.6mm enamelled copper,quite cheap and easy to work with.

[@mjohnson77682]

Giles, great video! Thinking about setting up my first external antenna, unfortunately, I don't have any trees in my backyard. I do have a wooden fence that runs the perimeter of the back yard, it's about 10 feet tall. Would running a wire around the yard horizontally on the top of the fence work? Would it be too low to be effective? I live in a suburban environment with houses all around.

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

it could work very well, try it out , that is the fun of Shortwave Radio.. testing out antennas

[@stuartcobcroft1930]

Jaycar tells me i cant use any thin wire to attach to the antenna.. i have a digitech ar1780

[@TN-rp9xv]

what SW radio do you recommend. I need to listen to stations maybe 4000 KM away. but my max budget is 100$. and do I have to get one that has external antenna port as a better solution than the aligator clip.

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Would it be beneficial in any way to use a balun with a wire receiver antenna?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

Usually Baluns are to match antenna impedance, technically it might slighly improve signals, but for most use, it will have little to no effects

[@lonnieclemens8028]

@@OfficialSWLchannel It's good to hear you opinion. I bought a 25 ft longwire kit on eBay. It came with a balun and I set it up. Followed the instructions 100%. It is mounted on two plastic pipes on top of an old mobile home. I am happy with the setup.

[@petworthtraction]

Wouldn't extending a wire outside put one at high risk for electrocution if there was a lightning strike?

[@usernamemykel]

You're not supposed to hold the wire during a thunderstorm, DUH!!!!!

[@seanharris4621]

Can u connect a wire to a rubber aerial? As my am radio has one, not outer metal

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

nu it needs to be connected to metal.

[@usernamemykel]

I'm receiving a lot of noise all over within my house, plus, just outside of my house are electrical utility poles, so I don't know from what source(s) is the noise. Wherever it's coming from, which/what type antenna do you recommend to overcome the noise problem? I'm currently using a random long wire, but no matter where /how I run it, I still have the same level of noise. Please advise, as I'd love to hear SWL as well as I enjoy being a ham, with good repeater action. THANK YOU!

[@gabrielv.4358]

ITs too late, but if you ever see this reply, go outside, its the ONLY WAY to reduce the noise!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What gauge wire is it?

[@lesliehayton2929]

hoshnasi looks like 1.5 mm to me!

[@g.fortin3228]

using a beanbag for a weight for tossing a wire is the safest way..if it ever swings around and hit something or someone it will be less dangerous.

[@nor4277]

To fix this problem I bought the tecsun antenna on a spool with a antenna clip or optional plug in,I havent tried mine yet but the reviewers like it.

[@unknownuser1357]

Can I use a cb antenna to listen to sw? And does it has to be grounded? Also copper wire (best bare copper) works way better of the video you are showing

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

yes you can , I used a 102 inch, it is not as good as a dedicated shortwave antenna but it will work

[@perrygimlet2403]

I have an am radio station that is a half mile from my radio receiver that over rides most stations, can you help me n this reguard?

[@stuff4salefromkraigzlist281]

i have raidio just like that vids on how to use it please?

[@nor4277]

Ali express has a tecsu n copy of a spoiled wire antenna that clips to your antenna spools out a good bit,I paid about three bucks for this,my tecsu n one looks the same,I paid 11.00 for it ,the face in five you two ways to hook it up .just a thought.your idea is also great ,it just mine.can be applied up and for into my pocket .

[@blackhat1894]

Can you please recommend me a good external antenna for this radio Eton grinding field, or do you think with the internal antennas it's more than enough ?? I'm planning on using more for sw radio Thank you

[@zrfkn8900]

Nice method Is this radio overloaded or not if we use external antenna??

It can happen if you have a strong local radio station . More than 5 miles away you "should" be OK.

[@maurasmith-mitsky762]

Useful video for me. Thanks.

[@mcdus78]

I’ve been SWLing for years. Here’s my tip: Hook that alligator clip into a steel rod clothes line. Problem solved. The world is yours.

[@LaVidaLocaHomie]

@Timothy Miller Google is your friend.

[@luiscypher9844]

I searched all around the house to see if I could improve the reception (Degen DE1103).. carried that radio every where. The majority of indoors was too noisy.went outside thing's improved much better.. then I hooked it up to the Hills Hoist (rotating clothes line) ..the whole world just opened up in an instant all bands loud n clear

[@mcdus78]

Luis Cypher Nice! Enjoy the radiowaves!

[@medo123345]

👍 very interesting video .

[@manifestomode1]

Thanks for your videos man, is it possible to listen to shortwave radio on a HAM radio? If so can you make a video to teach us how to do that and what radio we need because I’m looking to make a purchase and I want to get another HAM radio that can do shortwave as well if possible. Please let me know. Cool channel, good job!

[@ehsaananwaar]

Will it increase battery consumption if we attach such wires with telescopic antenna?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

no

[@marke3218]

Lol

[@camp0017]

Another tip: use a rainpipe as an antenna. I have a 12m long vertical rainpipe just outside my window, so I ran a short wire to connect my radio (exactly the same as shown in the video) to this pipe. Both SW and FM reception improved dramatically. In my case the rainpipe is not connected to the ground (bottom piece is made of plastic). Technically, i guess it could count as a "T" type monopole antenna.

It may not be the rainpipe improving the reception but rather the signal outside is better. Low-E windows generally block the signal a lot, no matter if it‘s SW, FM, LTE or NR. I also have an antenna outside and I even got a dutch FM station from 200km away (I don‘t know how it‘s possible, maybe because I live at a elevation of 300m/1000ft). It‘s the same with 5G, if I go outside I get 5G but inside there‘s just 4G. Rain gutters/pipes usually are grounded.

[@prestongaylor1232]

These are great tips I know when I have my antenna on my Teton short wave I get great content and when I put in my D cell batteries, I will take it outside. Looks to explore what I else I can pick up 1:32

[@tracypippenger4806]

can I tune in uvb 76 in Tampa florida

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

you should if you try regularly

[@kirildjinovv]

Do you mind going over safety tips such as lightning and storm using wire? I want to set up a long wire as an antenna around the housr, but is there a hazard during storms since the wire is not grounded? Sorry, I am new at this.

[@nathanw851]

I wouldn't use it in a storm, but to be honest, if there's a strike anywhere close to you then all your electronics equipment is going to be damaged from the substantial electromagnetic pulse, regardless of it being connected by a wire to anything. During electrical storms, sailors will often put a radio or handheld GPS in the boats oven (or better still, microwave) - this serves as a Faraday cage to protect the devices in case of a strike.

[@evanmcroberts5427]

could I run a wire to the gutter of my house? would that help at all?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

yes that could help

[@evanmcroberts5427]

will electronic devices cause iterference if they are plugged in but turned off?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

Some do, the Switching power supplies in these devices are often still working even when device is off

[@celtichongy]

Evan McRoberts ..... I wonder about the risk of lightening strikes to any of these externally mounted SW booster antennae??

[@TN-qr1cm]

isnt it dangerous to put a wire outside when it comes to lightning ?

[@joerowland7350]

Yes that's why radio op disconnect n ground some use lighting protect But it still get thru so it best discount out side n ground to a sepert ground than you radio ground Twis as farr a way as the link ground rod is in the ground 73 n good dx n9prf 2fb2112 JOE

[@محمودالسباعي-س5ث]

Sometimes this isolated wire having some electrical chargs from the thrunder of the sky So what is called ic (integrated circuit) will be dameged or corrupted So i have to avoid direct connection of isolated wire with antenna i should just wrapping the wire around the telescopic antenna wthout direct contact so i have agood signal witout noise By the way i can use abattary of 9volt without using direct current so signal will be clear otherwise noise from electrical charging Wishing for all good things &happiness Mahmoud elsebaey

[@teamsea7791]

Can you use speaker wire as an antenna

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

yes it will work great

[@prof.hectorholbrook4692]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@jjhendo]

Isn’t the telescoping antenna only for FM?

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

shortwave also

[@jjhendo]

@@OfficialSWLchannel Thanks. So would this be in place of the wire antenna that plugs into the side? Or would that plus one attached to the telescoping one help?

[@altexlan415]

I dont know why the Tecsun PL-380 is about half the price of Tecsun PL-660, but I sold it off.

[@nor4277]

Thanks for the info

[@مهندس_علي]

شكرا جزيلا لك .. استفدت كثيرا

[@nor4277]

I just saw several.video of country's shutting down there shortwave like canada,the Aussie shut there's down ,are there many short wave channel any more?anyone

[@johnys2417]

Ron Thompson there are pretty much still on air

[@sustainableliving880]

Does anyone have antenna tips for Australia ?

[@tracypippenger4806]

can I tune in uvb 76 in Tampa florida?

[@MrBrian8749]

Yes you can... if you have the right antenna, you can DX the world.

[@2broketim479]

I thought the wire had to be "uncovered"... I guess i'm wrong.

[@willtipton100]

ohh you mean you can leave the insulation on? I've been trying to figure that out too

[@chriskaprys]

...and bring it back inside during a thunderstorm.

[@mgm140]

thanks mate

[@jeremybray321]

I want to use a 20 odd foot heavy guitar lead even though it means cutting off one of the expensive jack plugs should can I leave the other end one on?

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks

[@liibaancabdulle5214]

I went short wave in area

[@karlreinke9653]

Copper wire is a must! No steel wire...won't work

[@tiagogardino]

can the wire thickness be any?

[@stankormy5717]

Good cheap tip!

[@davidmccauley8034]

Thanks. Calm pleasant voice too. 😂

[@kumbormontenegro3387]

WHAT IS POINT OF THIS RADIO WAVES . EVERY INTERNET CONSUMER CAN GET ANY RADIO STATION IN HIGH QUALITY WITH THE MOST CHEAPEST CELLPHONE, TABLET , OR LAPTOP.

[@OfficialSWLchannel]

no true, Shortwave is received where Internet is blocked like ukraine and Russia now. learn how shortwave can cross borders... second...no ... untrue..not every station is on internet

[@kumbormontenegro3387]

@@OfficialSWLchannel YOU ARE RIGHT , I FORGOT OPTIONS OF BLOCKING INTERNET