Stupid question from a newby

[genewiseman]

I recently put up a couple of long wire antennas for shortwave listening ( not transmitting ). I had a big roll of electric fence wire so I used that. Does it hurt anything if you twist the wire to connect it to the insulators? The antennas work pretty well as is but if they could be better, then I would be all in for that.
Thanks a lot!
Gene

 

[BJ radionut]

The Shortwave Antenna - How It Works - Which Ones Work Best

The shortwave antenna explained, from how it works to how to choose the type that will best fit your needs and SWL listening environment.

www.hamradiosecrets.com

Build a Multiband Shortwave Antenna - Simple Shortwave Antennas for Shortwave Radios!

Shortwave Antennas | KV5R.COM

Your Question: NO twisting the wire in the insulator will have zero effect on performance!
Welcome ... Enjoy
All the Best
Gary/W9FNB

 

[SuperLid]

Nah...you are good!

 

[genewiseman]

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it!

 

[BJ radionut]

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it!

Gene: Your Welcome...Glad to help!
What radio are you using?
What configuration antenna did you make?
All the Best
Gary

 

[secret squirrel]

You have already discovered the first step- the hobby leads to building things. Have the best of times my friend.

 

[genewiseman]

Gene: Your Welcome...Glad to help!
What radio are you using?
What configuration antenna did you make?
All the Best
Gary

My radio is a Tecsun PL-330. I put up long wire antennas at my house and shop. The antennas are bare electric fence wire attached to insulators terminated at the buildings and run to trees. The far end of both antennas is run through another insulator with a brick attached to it hanging a couple of feet from the ground. I have another wire about 15' with alligator clips on each end that I clip to the antenna and run through the doors. I can also clip to the other end at the tree if I want to listen outside. I have a campfire ring in the back yard and can hook up the antenna and listen right at the fire.

 

[BJ radionut]

Tecsun PL-330 Review – The SWLing Post

swling.com

Replacement CC Wire Terminal Antenna Adapter for CC Skywave SSB 2

C. Crane is a US-based radio store offering the most powerful long-range AM/FM radios, emergency radios, Wi-Fi antennas, and Internet repeater systems. Shop now.

ccrane.com

A: To see any difference using the 2-wire adapter you will need to have a wire that is more than 30 feet long (we recommend 60-100’) with a good ground wire. Insulated COPPER wire will last longer and should be stranded so it is more flexible. If you do not have a good ground, you are actually inputting noise. If you look at the 2-wire adapter (included) you will see an antenna icon and a ground (G) marking. You need to connect them properly when using an external antenna.

Shortwave Antennas Page 8 | KV5R.COM

Don't worry about keeping your antenna being super taught!!!
My antennas drupe and move easily in the wind. They stay up for years!!! Keeping the wire "tight" only strains it...Floppy is better...no change in performance.
A good ground is critical for SAFETY and NOISE reduction. I have been SWLing for 60 yrs. also Amateur Operator for going on 40+ years (OMG/I'm OLD )
Many here to help Gene
73
All the Best
Gary

 

[BJ radionut]

Shortwave Frequencies | KV5R.COM

 

[BJ radionut]

ARV Hamfest

Dardanelle Community Center 2059-2099 State Highway 22 Dardanelle, Arkansas GPS coordinates 35.23566 N -093.17514 W Doors open at 8:00 AM Admission $10.00

sites.google.com

Maybe near you???

 

[genewiseman]

Tecsun PL-330 Review – The SWLing Post

swling.com

Replacement CC Wire Terminal Antenna Adapter for CC Skywave SSB 2

C. Crane is a US-based radio store offering the most powerful long-range AM/FM radios, emergency radios, Wi-Fi antennas, and Internet repeater systems. Shop now.

ccrane.com

A: To see any difference using the 2-wire adapter you will need to have a wire that is more than 30 feet long (we recommend 60-100’) with a good ground wire. Insulated COPPER wire will last longer and should be stranded so it is more flexible. If you do not have a good ground, you are actually inputting noise. If you look at the 2-wire adapter (included) you will see an antenna icon and a ground (G) marking. You need to connect them properly when using an external antenna.

Shortwave Antennas Page 8 | KV5R.COM

Don't worry about keeping your antenna being super taught!!!
My antennas drupe and move easily in the wind. They stay up for years!!! Keeping the wire "tight" only strains it...Floppy is better...no change in performance.
A good ground is critical for SAFETY and NOISE reduction. I have been SWLing for 60 yrs. also Amateur Operator for going on 40+ years (OMG/I'm OLD )
Many here to help Gene
73
All the Best
Gary

Thanks for the information! I have been unhooking it when not in use so I wasn't really worried about lighting but didn't realize that a ground wire would reduce noise. I guess that will be my next project. I am sure I will be back for more advice.