Antenna Wire?

[brianWE]

Recently dug my old Yaesu 7700 out of storage.
I need some sort of antenna I can use indoors. I , now, live in a flat and want something I can roll out and string around the room.
AND roll up when I don't need it.

I have plenty of plain copper wire, but it is too stiff to be used indoors.
No radio shops since Tandy shut down and DSE went "legit".

I do have access to AutoBarn.
Was thinking of some sort of plastic-sheathed, multi-strand cable that can be rolled up ,easily..
I was thinking of something like the power cable used on CB radios.

Suggestions?

[Comint]

I was thinking of something like the power cable used on CB radios.

That seems a bit of overkill.

If you have access to Jaycar, they have rolls of "hook-up" wire, 13 x 0.12 strands, 25 metres for $4.95.
Catalogue numbers, WH-3000 thru to WH-3007.

They also have it by the metre, at 25 cents per metre.
Catalogue numbers, WH-3010 thru to WH-3017.

--
Comint

[brianWE]

Thanks!
AutoBarn are Jaycar dealers. I was forgetting that....will check next time I am downtown.

[vkcpolice]

i live in in a cabin and i just throw some long wire out the window on the roof that i brought at jaycar

[brianWE]

Cool!
I was planning on trying that, as well.
Might have to punch a discrete hole in a fly screen....and I wouldn't want it to hang in the downstairs neighbour's window.
But I think I can work something out.

Gotta make a real effort to get to town

[Spectre]

I've built a few wire antennas over the years and have always been able to locate the necessary wire in electrical/building suppliers like Bunnings who in fact have become my primary "go to" store since the demise of DSE/Tandy.

Whilst single core/strand "bell wire" is cheap I would advise against it, multi-strand copper line is preferable due to increased surface area (wire) and increased strength.

Most indoor antennas will suck primarily due to being bathed in all that stray RF radiating around your home (and your neighbours if you live in an apartment), the best solution IMHO is a loop antenna although harder to build and costly to buy.

http://www.kr1st.com/magloop.htm