Topband: Which RX antenna is better?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I am on a small lot now and have barely been able to get signal out on 160 meters. A full size antenna for 80 meters won't really fit without some "crunching". I am ever going to be a world beater on either of those bands but I do get to play. On a couple of other mail reflectors we all agree that *any* antenna is better than a radio sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

73,

Bill KU8H

Bark less - wag more

> On Jul 30, 2019, at 11:00 PM, w5zn at w5zn.org wrote:
> 
> 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
> _________________
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