How to Set Up a Short Wave Radio Antenna

Setting up a shortwave antenna will allow you to tune in to broadcasts from around the world. Shortwave radio got its name from the fact that the transmitted waves are shorter (in relation to measuring wavelengths) than the earlier radio communication systems. Shortwave operates between the frequencies of 3 Mhz and 30 Mhz. Building a simple shortwave antenna and connecting it to your shortwave radio will allow you to tune in to stations from across the globe.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 3/4 inch plywood, (minimum 1 inch x 1 inch)
• Wood saw
• 3/4 inch diameter rod wood dowel rod, (minimum 48 inches long)
• Drill
• 3/4 inch drill bit
• Wood glue
• 14 gauge sheet of aluminum, (minimum 1 inch x 1 inch)
• Tin snips
• 2 wood screws, 2 inches long
• Screwdriver
• 1/4 inch drill bit
• 1 #6 bolt
• 1 #6 nut
• 16 gauge insulated wire, 10 feet
• Wire cutters/strippers

Instructions

1. Measure and draw out a 12-inch circle on the plywood. Cut out the circle using the wood saw. Drill a 3/4 inch hole in the center of the plywood circle. This 3/4 inch thick, 12 inch diameter plywood will serve as the base for the antenna.

2. Measure and cut the wooden dowel rod to a length of 48 inches. Insert one end of the rod into the 3/4 inch base plywood and glue the rod in place so that the base will hold the rod in an upright direction.

3. Measure a 12 inch diameter circle on the piece of aluminum. Cut out the circle using the tin snips. Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the center of the aluminum circle. Insert a wood screw through hole and screw it into the end of the wood dowel that is opposite the base. The aluminum dowel will serve as a "top hat" that will help reduce noise and interference on the antenna.

4. Drill a 1/4 inch hole in the aluminum top hat that is 1/2 inch away from the center. Insert the bolt through the hole and screw down the nut on the other end. Do not tighten the nut at this point.

5. Stretch out the copper wire, and strip 2 inches of insulation off one end of the wire. Wrap the stripped end around the bolt in the top hat and tighten the bolt and nut down to hold the wire in place. Wrap the wire around the bolt on the side of the top hat that faces the wooden base.

6. Insert the remaining wood screw into the dowel where it is glued into the wooden base. Insert the screw into the wood until it is halfway into the dowel.

7. Wrap the wire around the wooden dowel in a tight formation so the second wrap is abutted to the first wrap. Wrap the wire around the wooden rod dowel until it is completely covered, working your way down to the wooden base. As the wrapping reaches the bottom of the rod next to the base, wrap the wire around the wood screw to hold the wire tight and the wrapping in place.

8. Route the remaining end of the wire to the back of the shortwave radio and connect it to the back, following the manufacturer guidelines for your particular model shortwave radio.

9. Turn on the radio and tune across the various frequencies to test for reception.

Tips & Warnings

• It is helpful to place the antenna near a window and free of obstructions to achieve the best reception available.

• Most shortwave activity increases during the nighttime hours, so listening in during this time will increase the stations you are able to hear.

• Avoid contact of the fingers or body to the blade of the saw as it can cause serious injuries.

References

• Communications Specialists Limited: How to Make a Shortwave Antenna

Resources

• Ham Universe: Build a Shortwave Antenna
• Radio Shack: Shortwave Radio—Learning the Basics