| The following is a straight-forward listing of the | | | | coils should sit next to each other and be bound |
| stages required to construct a shortwave antenna: | | | | tightly to the rod. On completion of binding the rod |
| 1. Get hold of a simple broom-handle. Altrnatively you | | | | you should then terminate the wire either by |
| can make use of a dowel rod or ready-made plastic | | | | connecting it directly to your antenna tuner or by a |
| tubing that is available from a plumbers or builders | | | | proprietary wire connection terminator. Ensure that |
| merchants | | | | the wire extending from the base of the rod is as |
| 2. The thickness of the of rod is not paramount and | | | | short as possible |
| anything from about half an inch or better will | | | | 7. On completion you can protect your antenna by |
| function perfectly well | | | | coating it in proprietary insulation tape or by giving it |
| 3. Create a relatively large base to hold the rod | | | | several coats of protective spray |
| vertically. The base should be heavy enough to keep | | | | 8. For optimum performance ensure the antenna is |
| the rod vertical at all times | | | | placed close to a window, in a garden or veranda. |
| 4. Get hold of an aluminium disk with a minimum 6 | | | | Ensure that the connection from the base is as short |
| inch diameter. A disk of approximately 12 inches | | | | as possible |
| seems to be the optimum size. The disk will provide | | | | 9. You can use it your antenna without a dedicated |
| a capacity hat termination and will assist in reducing | | | | tuner, however there will be a lack of enhanced core |
| any noise pick up | | | | quality if the antenna is not attached to a receiver |
| 5. Source a quantity of no.16 PVC plastic covered | | | | via a bespoke dedicated tuner |
| standard wire. If this is not possible then an good | | | | 10. Your new antenna is now geared up for use |
| alternative is no.16 or no.18 enamel covered copper | | | | 11. This simple wire-wound antenna will provide a |
| wire. If this is not available then standard no.18 | | | | great basis on which to trial your experience. |
| speaker wire will suffice | | | | Providing a ground link to both the antenna and tuner |
| 6. With one end of the wire connected to the disk, | | | | will optimise the system. |
| begin winding a consistent coil around the rod. The | | | | |