"Diverd4777" wrote:
I have found Longer is always better for antennas;

True in general. But some portables can't handle that much signal. I think
the original poster is in Europe (based the words "aerial" and "centre").
Europeans seem to have more problems with overload due to the abundance of
nearby transmitters.

I have found a Short co-ax lead -in cuts down Man made moise considerably;
I use the cheap, grey Radio Shack Co-ax

Agree with that!

Art Harris N2AH