Amatuer radio questions

[Lightspeed]

A couple of range extending tips from the www.

1. Tricks and tips for optimizing range: Short Motorola promotional video good description of the big advantage of elevation vs the much smaller difference, range wise between 0.5w and 5w transmission power. see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ysscm-lapQ

2. A good low cost home made VHF antenna solution that will improve range and focus of transmit / receive pattern. This antenna works well on SSB and FM. If using a fishing pole to support it, the boom can be drilled at the balance point, with two pairs of holes offset by 90 degrees and of appropriate diameters to allow the antenna to be slipped onto the pole itself in either vertical or horizontal polarization. (important to use a Glass Fiber pole, Carbon Fiber poles are conductive and not suitable for this antenna) see http://mw0idx.co.uk/idx3elementyagi.html