{"id":46267,"date":"2020-11-01T07:32:29","date_gmt":"2020-11-01T11:32:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=46267"},"modified":"2020-11-01T09:23:53","modified_gmt":"2020-11-01T13:23:53","slug":"steve-builds-a-simple-swl-antenna-tuner-that-pairs-brilliantly-with-the-belka-dx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/11\/steve-builds-a-simple-swl-antenna-tuner-that-pairs-brilliantly-with-the-belka-dx\/","title":{"rendered":"Steve builds a simple SWL antenna tuner that pairs brilliantly with the Belka-DX"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Allen (KZ4TN), who shares the following guest post:<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

A Simple Antenna Tuner for SWL Radios<\/h1>\n

by Steve Allen, KZ4TN<\/strong><\/p>\n

After reading 13DKA\u2019s excellent review of the Belka-DSP<\/a> on SWLing.com a few weeks ago I knew I had to have one! The size, features, and performance of the Belka-DX (latest version of the Belka-DSP) is phenomenal. I won\u2019t go into reviewing the radio as I couldn\u2019t come close to 13DKA extensive review. If you are considering this SWL receiver his review<\/a> is a must read.<\/p>\n

I love bedtime SWLing and have been putting off setting up an outside antenna specifically to feed into the bedroom for too long. Given that the resonant frequency of the antenna would not be broad enough for the tuning range of the Belka-DX I decided to build a small antenna tuner just for SWLing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After a couple of hours searching the internet for a simple tuner I found just what I was looking for on http:\/\/www.hard-core-dx.com\/nordicdx\/antenna\/lab\/tuner.html<\/a>. It\u2019s a simple L match using a single variable capacitor and coil.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For the coil I wound ~100 turns of 26 Ga wire on a one inch diameter wooden dowel. The wire size can be whatever you have on hand. I twisted a tap every 10 turns. I drilled a hole in each end and glued in a machine screw to mount the coil to the bottom of the enclosure. I\u2019ve had this enclosure in my junk box for a long time and have been waiting for just the right project. The variable capacitor I used was one I found on EBay a few years ago that had two sections, 330 pF and 120 pF. I tied them together for 450 pF. For the rotary switch I had to scratch around on eBay for a while until I found a 12 position single pole.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The plans for the tuner suggested adding a fixed value capacitor with a toggle switch to increase the lower end of the tuning range. I found a 510 pF silver mica and wired it into the circuit.<\/p>\n

The antenna I put up is a sloper about 30 feet long.The high end is up about 40 feet and the low end is at about 12 feet. I put the antenna and tuner to the test last evening and the reception on the Belka-DX was superb. With the tuner the strength of the signal would peak about 2-3 units when I found the sweet spot.<\/p>\n

The tuner also does double duty as an attenuator for very strong signals.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

One mod I made to the Belka-DX was the addition of some grip tape to the tuning knob. It makes fine tuning much easier.<\/p>\n

I believe we will continue to see a number of innovative receivers coming to market in the near term utilizing SDR technology. The ratio of performance to size of the Belka-DX is truly amazing in my opinion.<\/p>\n

\n

Thank you, Steve, for sharing this brilliant weekend project! As always, brilliant craftsmanship!<\/em><\/p>\n

Click here to read Steve’s other posts and projects.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Allen (KZ4TN), who shares the following guest post: A Simple Antenna Tuner for SWL Radios by Steve Allen, KZ4TN After reading 13DKA\u2019s excellent review of the Belka-DSP on SWLing.com a few weeks ago I knew I had to have one! The size, features, and performance of the Belka-DX […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4199,3607,8,3194,627,836,3,43],"tags":[8926,8886,8927,8929,8865,8930],"class_list":["post-46267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-accessories","category-antennas","category-articles","category-guest-posts","category-how-to","category-new-products","category-news","category-shortwave-radio","tag-belka-dx-antenna-tuner","tag-belka-dx-dsp","tag-how-to-build-a-simple-antenna-tuner","tag-simple-antenna-tuner","tag-steve-allen-kz4tn","tag-swl-antenna-tuner"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-c2f","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":52386,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/04\/egil-is-pleased-with-his-new-belka-dx-and-tecsun-icr-100-cases\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":0},"title":"Egil is pleased with his new Belka-DX and Tecsun ICR-100 cases","author":"Thomas","date":"April 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Egil (LA2PJ), who writes: Hi Thomas, In the middle of march, Steve Allen (KZ4TN) posted this article showing a case for the BELKA-DX. I found his idea so good that I ordered two of the small boxes, using the Amazon link given in his\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Accessories"","block_context":{"text":"Accessories","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/accessories\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Belka-DSP-DX-Case-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":52164,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/a-case-for-the-belka-dx-and-cautionary-tale\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":1},"title":"A case for the Belka-DX and cautionary tale!","author":"Thomas","date":"March 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Allen (KZ4TN), who shares the following guest post: My Belka-DX: A Cautionary Tale One of the most amazing SW radios I have ever owned and listened to is the Belka-DX. Its size to performance ratio is without equal, IMHO. Late last year I\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Accessories"","block_context":{"text":"Accessories","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/accessories\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Steve-KZ4TN-Belka-DX-Screen-and-Case-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Steve-KZ4TN-Belka-DX-Screen-and-Case-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Steve-KZ4TN-Belka-DX-Screen-and-Case-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Steve-KZ4TN-Belka-DX-Screen-and-Case-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Steve-KZ4TN-Belka-DX-Screen-and-Case-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46877,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/dockside-dxing-with-the-super-portable-belka-dx-receiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":2},"title":"Dockside DXing with the super-portable Belka-DX receiver","author":"13dka","date":"December 11, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"I've been on the coast of South Carolina enjoying a little R&R with my wonderful family. We rented a vacation home on a tidal river just south of Charleston, SC and it was just what the doctor ordered. The location was gorgeous, the weather was amazing, and there was very\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Field Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Field Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/field-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1-2-e1607699656711.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1-2-e1607699656711.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1-2-e1607699656711.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1-2-e1607699656711.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":54240,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2022\/10\/belka-dx-updated-to-now-cover-mediumwave-and-longwave\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":3},"title":"Belka DX updated to now cover mediumwave and longwave","author":"Thomas","date":"October 5, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Garr, who writes: I have some interesting news for all of those Belka DX fans, Alex the guy behind this magnificent receiver has just announced the introduction of a new model. Ok so it is still called the Belka DX but it has\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Longwave"","block_context":{"text":"Longwave","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/longwave\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":56412,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/high-noon-belka-mw-shootout-part-2-with-a-review-of-the-afa200c-active-mw-ferrite-antenna\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":4},"title":"High Noon: Belka MW shootout part 2, with a review of the AFA200C active MW ferrite antenna","author":"13dka","date":"April 25, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"High Noon: Belka MW shootout part 2, with a review of the AFA200C active MW ferrite antenna by 13dka When I reviewed the updated Belka (gen3, 2022) for its MW\/LW performance in October last year, I just wanted to know if it's any good with just the whip antenna and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Accessories"","block_context":{"text":"Accessories","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/accessories\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Belka2022_SK_wide_med-300x126.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Belka2022_SK_wide_med-300x126.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Belka2022_SK_wide_med-300x126.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48411,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/fenus-assessment-of-the-belka-dx-dsp\/","url_meta":{"origin":46267,"position":5},"title":"Fenu’s assessment of the Belka-DX","author":"Thomas","date":"April 5, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"I recently noticed that Fenu (at Fenu-Radio.ch) has added a review of the Belka-DX on his excellent website. He agrees that the Belka-DX is a brilliant little portable that delivers a lot of performance and features for the modest price. As with my Belka-DX, Fenu's unit includes the built-in speaker\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-2.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-2.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-2.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-2.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46267"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46267\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}