The size or length of an antenna is related to the wave length of the frequency or band of frequencies you want to listen to. Different frequencies have different 'lengths', and the higher in frequency you go the shorter the antenna. (Wave lengths is just a different way of measuring how 'long' a signal is.)
Certain lengths, of fractions of a wave length has characteristics that make those lengths beneficial. The typical length for HTs, or vertical antennas is a 1/4 of a wave length, and is usually called a 1/4 wave. If you know the frequency, the 1/4 wave antenna's length can be found by dividing '234' by the frequency and the answer comes out in feet. So, for 450 Mhz it would be; 234 / 450 = 0.52 feet. That isn't 'exact', but is close enough for receiving purposes.
That length can be made shorter by 'loading' it, adding a coil to compensate for the shortness. (That coil provides the necessary inductance that the removed 'length' provided, it's not a direct relationship between removed length of antenna and the wire's length making up that coil.) That's why shorter antennas work.
Shorter antennas even is properly 'loaded' are not going to be as efficient as the full sized antenna. There may not be much difference, but there always will be -a- difference.
Having said all that, the stubby antenna you asked about will not be an improvement from your original antenna. The surest/cheapest/simplest 'improvement you could do is to get that antenna higher above ground (dirt). It would be able to 'see' further, just like you can standing on a ladder.
There are a number of alternatives, just depends on how much 'convenience' you are willing to give up.
Good luck.
- 'Doc
