On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 12:47:29 PM UTC-5, Lostgallifreyan wrote:

Assuming I start at some tree on open ground and run the wire to where I want

to set up the receiver, I will usually leave some wire on the reel. The reel

is about 28 cm wide, about 25 mm along axis, and entirely made of stainless

steel. Is the metal attached to the antenna wire in this way going to affect

its ability too much, even if I take care to prevent electrical contact with

the ground?

No, it should be fine. I would prevent contact with the ground though.