Handheld Radio Range Extension (simple)

[TWP]

This works for both CB and HAM radios.

The intent is to convert the antenna from a normal quarter wave monopole antenna, common on most walky-talky style, to a half wave dipole.

It cost next to nothing (the price of a piece of wire) and can be done by just about anyone with minimal mechanical skills.

If you can use a ruler and unscrew a bottle cap, you can do this.

http://codegreenprep.com/2013/07/the-ten-cent-modification-you-can-do-to-double-your-radios-range/

DO READ THE ARTICLE to learn how to use the correct length of wire...

PS This is a legal mod, it does not change the power output of the radio.

CB handhelds typically use a 1/4 to 1/8 wavelength antenna.  At the low end of the CB range ( 25.01Mhz) the wavelength is 39.34 feet, hence some vehicle antennas (whips) are nearly 10 feet (1/4 wavelength).

Handheld CB's normally have a 1/8 wavelength, so your added wire should be as long as the fully extended antenna and you can use that antenna to measure the exact length of the new wire.

This is explained in the article...

[Jerry D Young]

Building antennas (for all bands) is both very useful, and definitely interesting. And it can gain you a great deal of both range, and often understandability. If you have a source of parts, it is not even that hard. I would urge anyone with the least bit of interest to study up on various antenna types and building them.

Just my opinion.