That antenna needs the coil. That antenna is specifically designed (I
would guess) for a specific frequency (more like a band .. say 2 meters)
You will not likely be able to use it to transmit on bands that it was not
designed to transmit on (6 meters, 440, 220, 80meters and so on)

The closest thing I know of for a omni-directional multi band UHF/VHF
antenna is the DISCONE type of antenna (Radio Shack sells one, Diamond
sells a very nice one as well)

Richard in Boston, MA, USA

Bob wrote:
: Hi

: I was given a Omni antenna from a ham who claims the best thing since sliced
: cheese. I want to use it for receive at first and when licenses come in for
: transmit. I would like to transmit on as many frequencies as practical and
: possible as I have a good tuner.
: This is an omni, aluminum, telescopic and it 19 feet long. It has 4 ground
: planes about 8 feet long.
: As I was cleaning it up, I noticed a coil at the base of the antenna
: connecting ground to center. Right at the female connector within the base
: of the antenna. There is a coil that has approx 20 windings and connects to
: ground. The center also feeds to the piping that stretches the full 19 feet.
: The coil is pretty rough shape.
: My question is in regards to this coil. Is it necessary? What function will
: it serve? I can rebuild it if need be but is that necessary? And is 19 feet
: a good length for utilizing as many useable frequencies as possible?
: Any advice?
: Thanks
: Bob