i've got a radioshack reel type but i don't think i'm reaching the full
potential of my second-hand yacht boy 400.

On 12 Aug 2005 13:49:00 -0700, wrote:

i've got a radioshack reel type but i don't think i'm reaching the full
potential of my second-hand yacht boy 400.

22g stranded (tinned with Teflon jacket preferably). The ''stranded''
part is important for durability.

wrote in message
ups.com...
i've got a radioshack reel type but i don't think i'm reaching the full
potential of my second-hand yacht boy 400.


RHF suggested I try the PWA shown at http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc/portablewire.html. He also
suggested I modify it by adding 8" to 12" of wire hanging over the "toroid" end to attach a
mini-plug and connect directly to the antenna jack on my portable SW radios. I used this indoors so
didn't need the fishing weight for throwing into a tree. Tacked it up around the ceiling.

No soldering required.
Here's what you need.

Radio Shack stuff.
Hookup wire AWG22 90 feet cat. #278-1218
1/8" solderless mono mini plug cat. #274-868
package of alligator clips cat. #270-375
(Online order $16.90 delivered, probably cheaper if you buy locally)

I got a five foot length of 1/2 inch inside diameter pvc at Home Depot for a couple of dollars. I
have a "mini" hacksaw which I used to cut a one foot length. I left 10 inches of wire hanging over
the end of the pvc and used super glue to tack the wire in place near the end while winding more
wire on the tube of pvc (see the website picture). Then I wrapped the whole thing in black
electrical tape.

From the remaining spool I ran 50 more feet of wire after I finished the tube part. Attached an
alligator clip to this long end of wire, and the mini-plug to the "short piece" that extended beyond
the "toroid" end. Then ran about 8 feet of wire up the wall, tacked it in place and worked my way
around the ceiling.

I put the "tube" over a partially extended whip antenna, with mini-plug into the antenna jack.

Works great.