explain this antenna phenomenon

[wenzeslaus]

I have a piece of coat hanger. 2' long and straightened out.

if I connect it to the telescopic antenna with a wire, reception improves. no surprise.

but if I don't use that, just use a 2' speaker wire instead, stretching it out to the same length and orientation as the coat hanger was, reception barely improves.

why is that?

 

[N1EXA]

The Coat hanger has more surface area than a piece of stranded wire.
More surface are makes it more Broad Banded.

Pete N1EXA

 

[mmckenna]

why is that?

I'm guessing the speaker wire is insulated and you are holding the insulated part and not making contact with the conductor?

Coat hanger may not be insulated and you are holding it in your hand. You would be part of the antenna.

 

[N1EXA]

I'm guessing the speaker wire is insulated and you are holding the insulated part and not making contact with the conductor?

Coat hanger may not be insulated and you are holding it in your hand. You would be part of the antenna.

Good Point Coastie !

Pete N1EXA

 

[wenzeslaus]

I took another look. yes, sometimes reception improves when you touch the antenna. no, it wasn't the case here. what I did find out is that the wire used to connect the coat hanger to the antenna, was contributing to signal strength even though it was sort of wrapped up.

touch the coat hanger to the antenna without the wire and it was the same as the wire alone.

so, never mind.