Antenna Modifications

[NClis2427]

If you were to take thin copper wire and wrap it around the tip of one of the telescoping about 18" antennas ( not sure what kind exactly), would it increase the signal or would it do any damage?

 

[qball]

It shouldn't hurt a thing unless, of course, you are transmitting on that antenna. Adding length may or may not help a thing if you add length to it. The only time that I have had better luck by adding length is while I was monitoring low band.

If you are transmitting on an antenna, then the antenna would surely have to be resonant on the frequency on which you are transmitting. Some approximate (really rough) figures for 1/4 wave antenna lengths are listed below.

VHF Low band (30-50 MHz) - 6'
VHF High band (150-174 MHz ) - 18"
UHF (450-470 MHz) - 6"
800MHz - 3"

If you want to add gain to antenna, then you should pull out the Amateur Radio Handbook or buy an antenna book...

I hope that this helps!

 

[NClis2427]

Thanks that is helpful the only antenna i have is 18" i think and i try to listen to hp on low band and sheriff on high band, etc. no wonder the low band doesnt come in clear