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Radio: Difference between revisions
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→Random wire antenna for AM/MW reception
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Random wire antennas are ever at risk of electrical storms, and so such an antenna should be electrically grounded. For this exposed metal plumping pipe can be used, or a steel stake driven deep into the ground. | Random wire antennas are ever at risk of electrical storms, and so such an antenna should be electrically grounded. For this exposed metal plumping pipe can be used, or a steel stake driven deep into the ground. | ||
[[File:Homemade_balun.jpeg|thumb|Homemade 1:1 balun using a toroidal core and coaxial cable. This simple RF choke works as a balun by preventing signals passing along the outside of the braid]] | [[File:Homemade_balun.jpeg|thumb|left|Homemade 1:1 balun using a toroidal core and coaxial cable. This simple RF choke works as a balun by preventing signals passing along the outside of the braid]] | ||
At the receiving end of the random wire antenna, a ''balun'' is ideally used. A balun 'balances' an unbalanced line, significantly improving reception quality and mitigating for many Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) challenges, typical of long lines of wire used in a radio context<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balun</ref>. Baluns can be made using a simple toroidal core commonly harvested from electronics at hand, or a professional balun can be purchased suitable for the project. | At the receiving end of the random wire antenna, a ''balun'' is ideally used. A balun 'balances' an unbalanced line, significantly improving reception quality and mitigating for many Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) challenges, typical of long lines of wire used in a radio context<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balun</ref>. Baluns can be made using a simple toroidal core commonly harvested from electronics at hand, or a professional balun can be purchased suitable for the project. | ||
==== Random wire antennae for hobby and amateur radio bands ==== | ==== Random wire antennae for hobby and amateur radio bands ==== | ||