You can buy a 5/8 wave antenna and use a large baking sheet as a ground
plane. That will give you the best chance for 2 meter reception. They are
inexpensive. If you want something more directional, you can find plans for
a yagi. These are inexpensive as well. Google the web. They are all over the
place.
B

"Steve Stone" wrote in message
...
On 11/9/2012 2:54 AM, Egg Salad wrote:
Not getting the expected performance from this half wave dipole. Think
I'll modify to a quarter wave.


Most hams work with vertical antennas on 2 meters.
Try running your dipole as a vertical, not as a flat top horizontal.


Steve
N2UBP