How to make a Shortwave Antenna

How to make a Shortwave Antenna

My favorite SW antenna wire is "100 feet of 20 gauge stranded black hook up wire". It’s small enough to go though a window and close it. Always test your antenna before you take the time to make it look nice and neat.

The wire should be a minimum of 65 fet long because it works well but the full 100 feet is better. Try to send it up to a tree branch as high as possible in a North-East / South-West direction, which is favorable for reception. Safely throwing a rock over the branch or casting a fish line can work. Stay well away from power lines which can be dangerous and add electrical noise. There is no need for a dangerous ladder.

When done, just bare the wire, screw it on to an alligator clip and attach it to the telescopic antenna.

If you don’t have a tree let’s try creativity:

1. Run the wire out a the window and clip it to the end of a metal downspout which is hopefully well attached to a gutter
2. If you have an attic run the wire in a corner and drill a tiny hole, safely run it horizontally in the attic on the rafters if possible.
3. The last resort is run it around the baseboard behind furniture. This method is likely to pick up more electrical noise

More antennas can be found by searching on Google for "shortwave antenna diy"