How to Make Your Own Outdoor AM Antenna
Because of the wavelengths that their signals are broadcast on, AM signals can often be received at great distances, particularly at night, when propagation conditions are ideal. You can boost the performance of an AM receiver with an antenna input by building an outdoor AM antenna. The antenna doesn't have to be complicated in design.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 50 feet of 16-gauge insulated wire
- 2 insulators
- Wire strippers
- Lead wire (18-gauge insulated wire)
- Soldering iron
- Solder
Instructions
-
-
1
Loop the ends of your 50-foot length of insulated wire through an insulator at each end and twist the wire back on itself so it is connected to the insulator. The insulator simply needs to be a non-conductive piece of material. A small block of wood with two holes drilled through it will suffice.
-
2
Strip about one inch of insulation away from the wire near one of the ends of the wire.
-
-
3
Remove one inch of insulation from each end of the lead wire. The lead wire's length is not predetermined; it needs to be long enough to reach from the end of the antenna wire to the location of your radio.
-
4
Wrap the bare wire from one end of the lead wire around the bare wire on the antenna wire. Solder the connection with your soldering iron and solder.
-
5
Place the ends of a piece of rope through each of the insulators. Hoist and suspend the antenna as high and clear of obstructions as possible.
-
6
Loosen the antenna terminal of your receiver and wrap the other end of the lead wire around the terminal. Tighten the terminal to hold the wire in place.
-
1
