06-13-2008, 09:26 AM
If you are truelly interested in antennas and building them go find a copy of the ARRL Antenna Handbook. It should answer just about all your questions.
You can often find older copies (still good, antennas don't know 'old') on e-bay and used bookstores as well as your public library. You can obtain a new copy from the ARRL directly.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/index.php3?c...ropagation
lots of other good info on the site.
Yes, size does matter. Generally the more wire in the air, the better the reception. However, exact size matters. If you want to go with a dipole, look to size it to 1/2 wavelength of the frequency/bandwidth you are interested in. For long wire antennas the formula are a bit different.
Random wire antennas are just that, random length. Just throw out a length of wire and see what you get. Best used with a good ground as well.
Do a search and check out the 'ham' sites and you'll find more info than you can read in a month.
John
KC0EYF
You can often find older copies (still good, antennas don't know 'old') on e-bay and used bookstores as well as your public library. You can obtain a new copy from the ARRL directly.
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/index.php3?c...ropagation
lots of other good info on the site.
Yes, size does matter. Generally the more wire in the air, the better the reception. However, exact size matters. If you want to go with a dipole, look to size it to 1/2 wavelength of the frequency/bandwidth you are interested in. For long wire antennas the formula are a bit different.
Random wire antennas are just that, random length. Just throw out a length of wire and see what you get. Best used with a good ground as well.
Do a search and check out the 'ham' sites and you'll find more info than you can read in a month.
John
KC0EYF
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