Topband: Noise

[Craig Clark]

>Steve,
>
>If you have a K9AY you already have two vertical elements.
>That's what the K9AY antenna acts like, no matter what it
>physically looks like. That means you already obviously have the 
>space for two vertical elements, you have already tried them, and they
>just don't work in your situation.
>
>You cannot have a "quieter antenna" without more
>directivity. The antenna has to focus on the signals and not
>on the noise. That is the only way an antenna will improve
>S/N ratio.  There is no other way.
>
>You can try different things and maybe get lucky, and find
>an antenna that nulls your noise while not nulling the
>desired signals. But like most who live in an area with
>limited room you just have to try things until something
>seems to work for you. You might look in the direction of a
>horizontally polarized antenna, rather than a vertically
>polarized antenna, and see if that works. Obviously you were
>unsuccessful with a vertically polarized antenna so you
>might have to try something that is horizontally polarized.
>
>Whatever you do, try to stay away from the other wires and
>towers as far as possible. Other than that, there is no such
>thing as a "quiet antenna". The only way any antenna
>discriminates against noise in by the antennas pattern. The
>only exception is if the noise comes from within about 60
>feet of the antenna on 160 meters.  In that case nearfield
>impedance might change coupling.
>
>73 Tom W8JI


Steve,

Glad to have you with us and it sounds like you have the beginnings 
of a very nice top band station. Good luck.

Tom makes many good points but forgot to deal with one other 
important issue, where is the noise coming from. From your e-mail it 
"looks" like you need to look at one of the largest generators of 
noise, your QTH. While there is little you can do with neighbors, 
unless you are surrounded by family, you can look at your own QTH and 
start reducing noise you generate there. Variable speed motor 
controls, electric blankets, electric animal fences, touch lamps, 
light dimmers, thermostats and a variety of other electrical home 
devices create lots electrical noise. You need to go through each 
room and eliminate sources of noise.

Propagated noise from Thunderstorms, wind, rain and snow are also 
potential "noise" generators. You can deal with some of this with 
directivity but the bottom line is there is no magic antenna that 
reduces noise.

You can reduce it's effect but you cannot eliminate it despite some 
of the claims that are made. TANSTAAFL

"There's no such thing as a free lunch."




73, Craig Clark, K1QX

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