no difference in reception, and I live close to the mountain (on the "dark" side) so the radio clears up at exactly the point it did before the snip

 

I love the "DARK SIDE![sm=vader1.gif]

 

Garage doors are referenced by width. So it's a 9'x 7'. Like a 2"x 4" isn't referenced as a 4"x 2". So know you can enlighten me on Mos Eisley Cantina?

 

Dremel would have been easier but I took a hacksaw to my antenna and cut it exactly in half. You guys are right about the potential loss of reception because the antenna is tuned to FM frequencies.

I'll explain whyI cut mine in half (and not another arbitrary length). Here's a very oversimplified explanation:

The average wavelength of the FM broadcast band is 3 meters (about 10 feet). FM antennas have either straight or 'wrapped' wires that are fractional to this wavelength. That is, there are full wave antennas (approx 10 feet of wire), three quarter wave, half wave, quarter wave, eighth wave... you get the idea.

There is not a big penaltyif you choose tocut your antenna at an arbitrary length. (This is because 1 antenna covers a fairly broad range of FMwavelengths, or frequencies.) However, try to stay at1/2 fraction of the original length. I have not experienced any noticable loss in strength, even on fringe stations.

BTW- AM radio waves are approximately 1000 feet and cellphone wavelength frequencies are about 3 inches.

 

I have a short "Cat Wisker" on my AM Crystal Radio.
Anyone ever try it?