Stubby antenna = Radio always acquiring?

[The Car Stereo Company]

make sure to keep the height to wavelength ratio correct, i cant remember, but maybe 3" at a time...... dont quote me on that though, i am not 100% sure

 

[HSDMORGAN]

make sure to keep the height to wavelength ratio correct, i cant remember, but maybe 3" at a time...... dont quote me on that though, i am not 100% sure

Ok results are in !!!!! After cutting down the stock antenna down to about 5 inches the constant acquiring problem is solved!!!! I started cutting 3 inches at a time until my inpatients kicked in. Then it was 6 inches at a time for a few wacks then back to 3 inches as I got it really short, Finally stopping at around 5 inches. I finished it off with a little rubber cap from the local auto parts store to cover the top to prevent the plastic coating from coming off and unraveling the antenna cord. Also it is much safer than having a sharp point at the top.so if you want a stubby antenna without paying for one this is the way to go IMHO, Especially since it actually work a lot better. (sorry craven speed) . I will try to post pics as soon as I get them uploaded on my other computer.

 

[HSDMORGAN]

Here are the photos. I cut off about 28 inches from the stock antenna. I was scared to cut it any shorter but I think you could go about 1 to 2 inches more. I thought this length looked pretty good. Also after each cut I drove around waiting to loose reception which I never did. The little rubber cap I got from the local auto parts store for 2 bucks for the pack. I tried to use the little ball on the stock antenna but the lower you cut it the thicker it got so after removing the ball from the piece I cut off there was no way it would ever fit. I'm interested to see if anyone will cut their antenna down even shorter with the same positive results.