Radio and Electronics Cookbook

88

Matching the end-fed random-wire aerial

Introduction

Many amateurs who do not have the space (or money) for a multi-band beam aerial, make use of the simplest possible alternative – the longest piece of wire that they can erect, with its end connected to the transceiver or receiver by an aerial tuning unit (ATU).

The length of the wire is not of major importance. Any length between 10 m and 80 m, with bends if necessary, will suffice. A good earth connection to the radio is just as important. Bends in the aerial wire can have some interesting effects on the directional properties of the aerial; V- or L-bends, or even a square shape are permitted. The only thing not permitted is to fold the wire back on itself in a tight hairpin bend!