How a wire antenna (often referred to as a "long-line antenna" or "random wire antenna") is fixed at both ends depends on the specific installation environment and the configuration required. Here are some common fixation methods:
1.Insulated terminals: Usually both ends of the wire antenna are connected to insulated terminals to prevent electrical contact with the support structure. These terminals can be specially designed antenna terminations or simple plastic or ceramic insulators.
2.Support structure: The ends of the antenna usually need to be fixed to a high place, such as a house, a tree, or a specialized mast. When anchoring to trees or other unstable structures, it may be necessary to use an elastic material, such as springs or ropes, to absorb stresses caused by wind or movement.
3.Tensioning device: To maintain tension and alignment of the antenna, a tensioning device such as a tension hook or tension rope may be used. This helps prevent the antenna from wobbling in the wind or in bad weather.
4.Insulated support wires: In some cases, the antenna may need to be suspended by insulated support wires. This is to ensure that the antenna is maintained at the proper height and orientation while preventing grounding.
5.Grounding: For some types of wire antennas, such as end-fed long-wire antennas, one end may need to be grounded. This is usually achieved by connecting one end of the antenna to a ground rod or other grounding device.
6.Waterproof and anti-corrosion treatment: The attachment points of antennas, especially outdoors, need to be properly waterproofed and anti-corrosion to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
7.Safety considerations: When fixing antennas, safety concerns also need to be taken into account, especially avoiding antennas close to power lines or during thunderstorms.
When installing a wire antenna, its specific electrical characteristics (such as length and shape) and matching to the transmitter and receiver should be considered for optimal radio performance. At the same time, it is important to comply with local building and radio regulations.
How is the wire antenna connected to the receiver?
The method of connecting a wire antenna to a receiver usually involves the following steps:
1.Wiring: First, a wire needs to be drawn from one end of the wire antenna. This wire is usually coaxial because it effectively reduces external interference and signal loss. The center conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to the antenna, while the outer conductor (shield) is used for grounding.
2.Insulation and protection: At the point where the antenna connects to the wire, good insulation needs to be ensured and measures taken to protect the connection from environmental factors such as rain, moisture, and corrosion.
3.Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU): Since the length and shape of the wire antenna may not exactly match the input impedance of the receiver, it is often necessary to use an Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) to achieve impedance matching. ATU is able to adjust the electrical length of the antenna system for optimal reception.
4.Receiver connection: The other end of the coaxial cable is connected to the antenna input of the receiver. This is typically achieved with standard connectors for coaxial cables, such as PL-259, BNC, or N-type connectors.
5.Grounding: To protect the receiver from electrostatic discharge and lightning shocks, the shield of the coaxial cable should be grounded close to the receiver.
6.Additional hardware: In some applications, signal amplifiers, filters, or other electronics may also be required to improve reception performance.
When connecting the wire antenna, care should be taken to maintain good electrical contact and proper insulation. At the same time, the connection needs to be adjusted and optimized according to the frequency band used, the characteristics of the receiver, and the specific type of antenna. If you are not familiar with these operations, it is advisable to consult an experienced radio amateur or professional.