Hey All,
Kind of between a rock and a hard place.
The only spot on my apartment building property to try a wire antenna is a run limited to 35 ft long and maybe 9 ft up at the far end sloping to around 6 ft up at the radio end.
I would like a temporary “ set up, use and then take down “ type of arrangement for a GOOD double tuned crystal set Dx use at night, every now and then.
These limitations present a pretty dismal prospect, especially for the low end of the broadcast band.But pretty much all I have to work with.
Ideally 100 ft long and 30+ ft up is what one wants for crystal sets.
![Smiley :)](http://www.hfunderground.com/board/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
“Generally” ,short antennas need inductance (and overly long ones need capacitance).
So I am not sure if there is any role for series variable capacitance anywhere in the feed line .
This antenna MAY just be crying out for inductance only.
But it as also WAY off from optimal design specs .
So I am definitely open to other unforeseen factors,ideas and viewpoints.
FWIW , the radio’s antenna tank coil can be switched for parallel or series variable cap .There is also a full range of coil Z taps for the feed line.
But in the case of a short antenna I understand parallel tuning the radio’s ant coil is the way to go.
Just looking for opinions and ideas as to whether a simple loading coil ( it must be located at the radio end) is really going to perk things up enough to be worth my while.
I am thinking that trying to goose such a short and low antenna into “ some” measure of improvement simply by inserting a “magical “ / “cure all “ load may really not cut it.
IF ( IF) I did go for it, I would envision something BIG diameter (2-3 ft ?) with the turns spread out as much as is practical , yet still have a decent inductance.A compromise of turn spacing would be necessary ( ie 1-3” ?).
Is my load design off base?
Maybe a half baked LONG shot, but does anyone have any ideas of even a prayer of improvement on such a crumb ball antenna?
I know receive antennas are FAR less critical vs. transmit antennas.
Yet I still kind of feel like I am really pushing the envelope.
Obviously, I can experiment on my own, but just looking for ideas from other folks.
My ground may end up being a 25 ft bare copper run laid in the garden and kept wet.
So at least the ground return may
be “ good” with a ( hopefully) low resistance.
ANY input is welcome.
de NQC