ANTENNA

What makes a good antenna? This question has been asked so many times it can't be counted. Well, what are you wanting to receive? VHF, UHF, HF. That is the question you need to answer first.

For VHF a vertical or whip antenna is the best way to go. Mount the antenna outdoors, if possible, at least 10 ft off the ground. The antenna should be atleast a 1/4 wavelength of the frequency you wish to receive.

For UHF same as VHF just made for UHF band.
VHF and UHF antennas can bu purchased just about anywhere radio equipment is sold.

For HF a longwire is most commonly used for receiving. A longwire consists of a piece of wire appx 14 gauge that is cut to a random length. The wire should be long as the name states. Try to keep the wire free of power lines, long wires can pick up lots of noise, and elevate the wire off of the ground. The wire should be placed outdoors if possible. One can also make a dipole antenna which is used to receive certain frequencies within the band.

Wavelength     Frequency (MHZ)    Length (total)
80 meters        3.725                      125.6 feet
40 meters        7.125                      66 feet
15 meters       21.125                     22 feet
10 meters       28.150                    16.6 feet
10 meters       28.475                    16.4 feet
2 meters        146.0                       3.25 feet
1.25 meters   223                          25 inches

After you have established the length of the antenna cut the wire into two equal pieces. You will use a piece of coax (rg58) or similar to connect to the dipole. The shielded portion of the coax will connect to one piece of the dipole and the center conductor to the other piece. Solder the other end of the coax to a pl259 connector and attatch to receiver. Keep the coax as short as possible. Hang the dipole on a wall or outdoor in an inverted V formation.