Reception is improved when I touch another antenna to another. Why?

Status
Not open for further replies.

MVUSA

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
25
Location
Northern California
Using a Uniden BCT15X. Stock telescoping antenna installed. The length of the stock antenna is 25 inches extended.
I noticed that general reception in the 150 – 155 MHz range improved when I touched the end of the BCT15X stock antenna with a stock rubber ducky antenna from my old Uniden BR330T radio. The length of the BR330T rubber ducky is 5 3/4 inches.

I would describe the improved reception as follows:
The signal is a conventional 155MHz that is probably 800 feet above my location. Distance is unknown, I am not sure which repeater there are coming from.
With the stock antenna, I hear nothing. Maybe some faint static with no bars indicated. When I touch the rubber ducky to the end of the telescoping antenna, I can hear them and 2 bars are indicated.

I was wondering if I could get an explanation of what is happening, and how I would make a more permanent solution. I am guessing it’s not as simple as making a monopole antenna 30 3/4 in length?

Thanks in advance for the help
 

LtDoc

Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2006
Messages
2,145
Location
Oklahoma
Basically what you are seeing is the 'duck' and your hand making the antenna longer. So, I would think that putting an external antenna on your scanner would be of benefit. As to what the extendable antenna and the 'duck' antenna, and your hand, amounts to (length), I wouldn't even guess. It would also help if the antenna were higher and outside, but, that isn't always possible.
- 'Doc
 

MVUSA

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
25
Location
Northern California
Basically what you are seeing is the 'duck' and your hand making the antenna longer. So, I would think that putting an external antenna on your scanner would be of benefit. As to what the extendable antenna and the 'duck' antenna, and your hand, amounts to (length), I wouldn't even guess. It would also help if the antenna were higher and outside, but, that isn't always possible.
- 'Doc

Right, forgot to mention the "hand" effect. I did roll a paper sleeve around the rubber ducky and slid it over the telescoping antenna.

I still receive the benefit.

As for outside, and higher... I am kinda stuck with what I have.
Technically, I have another 16 inches to the ceiling left over after doing the rubber ducky trick.

Am I technically approaching the correct antenna length for the 155MHz frequency?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top