Homemade Antenna and Radio theory.

[LumpySnake]

I made a dipole antenna. Formula for this is- 468/Frequency.
Example 468/27.205=17.2 feet. I cut the #14 wire in half then stipped end of wire and connected one piece to the center lead of rg58 coax and the other to the shield sie of the coax. My center lead is HORIZONTAL (attached to the ceiling) and the shield is Vertical and I get a 1.2:1 match. Keep in mind that this in my basement because I live in a Condo, no antennas allowed outside. I can get out around 4 to 5 miles running a Galaxy DX959 and D104 M6B Mic powered by a Pyramid 12 amp power supply. What more can you ask for.

I got a 959 in my truck. Good little radio. Sounds great and gets out far.

 

[DoctorMaster]

Always tune the antenna for lowest SWR. The better the match, the happier the transmitter/amplifier. I suspece you could have a component in your antenna that isn't handling the extra power well, or have a grond issue.

 

[formulamojo]

Put some water in that bowl...

Dog is probably thirsty and would most likely appreciate it...