I've had my Antenna Supermarket Eavesdropper Dipole up for about 4 years
now.
Lately, it seems that reception isn't what it used to be.
Could it be the antenna and coax?
Or is it more likely that reception conditions are lousy?
If you think it is the antenna, could you please suggest a replacement
antenna and high grade coax system for me?
Please keep it simple, I really don't want to get into all the theory and I
don't have a lot of time to research and construct an antenna.
Thanks all.
Lenny

Lenny,

Unless there is some physical damage to the Antenna
and/or the Coax Cable they both should be fairly good
after four years.

1 - Take the Antenna and Coax Cable down
- Inspect the Antenna for Damage
- Inspect the Coax Cable for Damage

2 - Dis-assemble the Coax Cable Connections
- Clean them
- Re-connect them
- Seal them

3 - Check your Insulators and Feed-Point Mount
- Clean them thoroughly
- Repace if needed

hope this helps - iane ~ RHF

On Dec 22, 7:29 am, Keith wrote:
In article ,

"Lenny" wrote:
Hey, thanks for the quick response RHF.
I'm also thinking about putting up a random wire antenna.
Exactly how do you attach the wire to the coax feed? You will need an antenna tuner AKA transmatch or a balun.

And is there a best antenna wire to use?What matters is the length and construction used to make the wire. You
can use insulated wire to help hide the wire from neighbors if you need
to.

- You do want to use solid wire since the signals are collected
- on the surface of the wire for the best results.

QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

let the debate begin ~ RHF

RHF wrote:

On Dec 22, 7:29 am, Keith wrote:
In article ,

"Lenny" wrote:
Hey, thanks for the quick response RHF.
I'm also thinking about putting up a random wire antenna.
Exactly how do you attach the wire to the coax feed? You will need an antenna tuner AKA transmatch or a balun.
And is there a best antenna wire to use?What matters is the length and construction used to make the wire. You
can use insulated wire to help hide the wire from neighbors if you need
to.

- You do want to use solid wire since the signals are collected
- on the surface of the wire for the best results.

QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

let the debate begin ~ RHF
.



Realistically, solid or stranded...makes minor differences in
reception signal capture. But stranded tends to have greater strength in
standing up against wind, ice & snow, and squirrels who seem to like to
Wallenda the length of the yard.

RHF wrote:

QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

Electrically, I believe that there is no detectable difference.

Mechanically, stranded wire is used in situations where vibration and/or
flexing is present. Needles to say, an outdoor (as opposed to an attic)
antenna is subject to flexing and thus IMHO, stranded wire would be the
better choice.

Now, you didn't ask about insulated vs. non-insulated wire or regular
wire vs. 'Copperweld' (tm). Saving those for another debate, are we?

:-)

Carter
K8VT

On 22 Dec 2006 19:08:58 -0800, "RHF"
wrote:



QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

25 g steel wire from the hardware store is very strong. Braided
chandelier wire is also very nice.

RHF wrote:

On Dec 22, 7:29 am, Keith wrote:
In article ,

"Lenny" wrote:
Hey, thanks for the quick response RHF.
I'm also thinking about putting up a random wire antenna.
Exactly how do you attach the wire to the coax feed? You will need an antenna tuner AKA transmatch or a balun.

And is there a best antenna wire to use?What matters is the length and construction used to make the wire. You
can use insulated wire to help hide the wire from neighbors if you need
to.

- You do want to use solid wire since the signals are collected
- on the surface of the wire for the best results.

QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?

I use #10 stranded and insulated here.

dxAce
Michigan
USA

Insulated wire used outside.When it rains,water can find itself inside
of that wire and get trapped in there.Doesn't that make a difference?
cuhulin

David wrote:
On 22 Dec 2006 19:08:58 -0800, "RHF"
wrote:



QUESTION - What's Your Opinion "Antenna Wire" : Solid -or- Stranded ?


25 g steel wire from the hardware store is very strong. Braided
chandelier wire is also very nice.

How do you maintain a low resistance connection to steel wire which is
outside in the elements?

I wouldn't use stranded wire. (despite what the naysayers might say) I
would use good old bare naked (non insulated) steel wire.
cuhulin