I am really new to ham radio and have a couple of questions. I bought
a used
Yaesu FT-980 and now am trying to set up an antenna for it.

Option 1: AT-100 Pro / 4:1 balun / randome long wire. I am
experimenting with this in my office at the moment. I cut a copper
wire (about 3/16 inch strand) and attached it to the antenna line of
balun. I ran another short wire to the ground of the wall receptacle.
Connected balun to AT-100 Pro with 25 foot coax, then connected the
antenna tuner to FT-980. I powered up the transceiver and tried a few
differant frequencies. The AT-100 Pro made some grinding noise and was
able to bring the SWR down to around 2, the power meter went to about
100. The antenna was drapped across some cubicles (dilbert office).
After a short while the antenna wire got a bit hot to touch, and
tingled a bit when I touched it. Is this normal? Should I use a longer
wire?

Option 2: I am thinking of getting an MP-1 vertical antenna instead of
random wire. Can I use the antenna tuner with this? Will it heat up?
How do I ground it? Do the counterpose wires spread out act as a
ground?

Sorry for all the questions, I am a total beginner.

Thanks for your help,

Glenn
PAMREMOVE