Topband: Which RX antenna is better?

[w5zn at w5zn.org]

I always enjoy reading the experience that folks have with their 
receiving antennas. The RDF and comparison charts that are published 
these days are pretty accurate so you can get a very good feel for how 
the antennas stand up against each other.

When it comes to the question of "Which RX Antenna is Better" that's a 
whole different ballgame with many, many variables! Obviously the amount 
of area you have to erect an RX antenna will factor in a good bit on 
your success. I'm fortunate to have a lot of land that I can play on 
with several different RX antenna types. Even so, an RX antenna that 
works great at my QTH may not work worth a flip at yours. I've always 
strayed away from comparing antennas between two different geographical 
areas, even those that are relatively close to me (within 250 miles or 
so). One key factor that isn't mentioned much when comparing RX antennas 
is the impact of propagation on 160 meters. I always like to compare 
what is being heard at Dave W0FLS up north of me by around 400 miles or 
so and at K5RK down the opposite direction by about the same distance. 
Heck, even close by with K5UR 25 miles south of me and WD5R the same 
distance north we hear different results some times! Go figure, or ask 
K9LA about 160 meter prop!

Low band RX antennas have improved considerably over the past 10 to 15 
years simply because more is being published about them and we are 
sharing our experiences with them. That definitely needs to continue.

So, here's the bottom line from the "ZN Perspective". Put up the best 
system you can based on your available space. Learn how that antenna 
performs on the air at your QTH and then share your experience with us 
but just remember, your objective is to improve your receive noise floor 
and get that as low as possible for your area. You will NOT magically 
begin to hear DX if the propagation isn't there and if you live out here 
in fly over country like me most of the time you won't hear some of that 
juicy DX that the boys sitting right on the east coast salt water will 
hear but when the prop gods smile on you that low noise RX antenna will 
give you the edge.

GL with the projects and I very much look forward to the upcoming low 
band DX season!

73 Joel W5ZN