How To Make A Shortwave Antenna For The NEW CC Skywave 2

How To Make A Shortwave Antenna For The NEW CC Skywave 2

With the new shortwave antenna input jack on the CC Skywave 2, connecting a DIY SW antenna can be a lot easier. Rather than using an alligator clip to attach to the whip antenna you can use the optional CC Wire Terminal Antenna Adapter accessory.

My favorite SW antenna wire is 100 feet of 20 gauge stranded black hook up wire. It’s small enough to go through 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 feet 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.

1. Loosen both wire terminal screws on the CC Wire Terminal Antenna Adapter.
2. Insert a long wire (60’-100’ recommended) in the port below the antenna terminal screw and tighten.
3. Repeat this process for your ground wire. Clamp or solder the opposite end of the ground wire to a grounding stake or other grounded object.
4. Plug in the 1/8” mono plug to the “ANT” jack of your radio.

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

1. Run the wire out of a 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 to run it around the baseboard behind furniture. This method is likely to pick up more electrical noise.
4. Be sure to include a good ground connection.

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