ShutterMan wrote:
I have a wire strung up around the room Im in. It has the plastic or
rubber casing still on it. Would it improve reception by removing
this plastic casing? The whip antenna, and any other antenna Ive ever
seen doesnt have plastic casing on it, so it would seem there is a
reason for that.

No, the plastic insulation has no effect at radio frequencies. Running
a longer wire outside (away from noise sources) would improve
reception.

Art N2AH