Loran Antenna for SSB

[jhullinger]

Hey

I have an old Loran Antenna (AC-90c) on my mizzen mast and I'm wondering if I can use that for better results with my Kaito SSB receiver. I am currently alligator clipping to a shroud. Clipping that same cable to the loran antenna cable doesn't yield a better result but I have a feeling I am missing something. Any help you could offer would be great. I am looking for a low cost solution.

Thanks

[capngeo]

It's sorta like using your sailboat to cross the Atlantic..........by air!

different freq's different antennas

[Marvins_Dog]

Unless the backstay is insulated, it's not going to make a very good antenna no matter what you do. The old Loran antenna is tuned for a specific frequency and will not be very effective on the SWL bands unless you add a tuner. You might try an MFJ-959C to match it to your radio.http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Produc...uctid=MFJ-959C

[sww914]

I bought $5.00 of braided rope cover at my local used chandlery, Blue Pelican.
I ran 30' of insulated 14 ga wire up the middle and left 30' sticking out the bottom. I tied the top off on the masthead and ran it tight to a padeye that I installed near the bottom of the backstay. I ran the other 30' through the boat to the antenna tuner, staying well away from any other wires whenever possible. Works PERFECT. Total cost, about $12.00.
The length isn't important if you have a tuner. I would have run it up higher but I only had 60' of wire and this was an exercise in low cost solutions, not a spendy trip to West Marine.