A word from KO4BYR regarding “Random” Wire Antennas

Published August 21, 2023 | By Brad O'Dell

A quick note on random wire antennas.

If making your “Random” wire length is a-kin to throwing a dart at a dartboard and picking a length, then you are likely to have moderate to satisfactory results. Just keep in mind that random lengths can and do have lengths to avoid and lengths that are best suited for your application. Start with the length that works best for your area and see what it is with a section folded back on itself and the end supported with rope. If you find you are having issues, make the rope longer and the antenna length shorter or vice versa to find a good spot. This is the “hunt and peck” version of using a random wire antenna and works when you have an odd location to put an antenna. Once you are happy, secure your ends.

However, if you run into issues with your length selection, a silent key, John H. “Jack” Clarke VE3EED took the time to find out many of these lengths up to 450 feet and list many good options like 29 35.5 41 58 71 84 107 119 148 203 347 407 423 feet. So, move from hunting and pecking and try a few lengths Jack suggests and move closely around them with your adjustments. You can find Jack’s research information easily on the internet and dwell way down the rabbit hole on this. Just remember with antennas, that the one that gets you out on the air with no issues is a good one.

73,

KO4BYR