[Antennas] HT Groundplane

[AA6DX]

Back when, we were all new to carrying around these wonderful "new" HTs, and
were very unhappy with the rubber duck performance.  A Hints & Kinks came
along, that worked swell.  It still does, especially on 2M!   When you are
in marginal signal area, simply whip out a couple of those telescoping rod
aerials, off a junker broadcast portable radio, or off the shelf at your
local electronic emporium ... and, with a couple three four hefty rubber
bands, attach them temporarily to the HT's body ... an acutal metallic bond
is not really necessary ... and extend them, so they are like the ground
plane on your base antenna.   VOILA!    A dubber rucky worky worky more
better!   Try it!   We used the collapsible antennas for the purpose,
because you could stick them in your pocket or purse ... any metal type wire
will work, like a clothes hanger, whatever.   The length is NOT critical,
however, usually shoot for 110% for ground plane, so, using 2wo of these, so
they have 4our "planes", on 2M they would have to be ~42" .. but, as said
B4, that is not necessary.
`Spearmint.  YOU WILL BE SURPRISED HOW WELL THIS WORKS.  Of course, it won't
make one iota of diff if the repeater or contacted station is full quieting
on FM on the regular antenna.  When scratchy though, it sure helps!
Cheers --- Mark
73 de AA6�X
http://home.pacbell.net/aa6dx