Antenna length

[rccardude04]

Alright, I just managed to rip the 3" long antenna out of my little mini-camera thing I had on my mini-t while transferring it to an airplane. My question is, if I add a longer antenna to the transmitter, will i get better range? I already added a really long antenna to the receiver (like 3 feet instead of 5 inches) so I know that'll help quite a bit, but I didn't know if doing the same to the transmitter would help or not. Someone suggested that I didn't do so because of the radio wave becoming out of phase with itself and screwing up the whole signal.
Anyone have experience? If I can't get a definite answer, I'll just try it with a longer antenna and see what happens.
Thanks,
-Eric

[streetracer]

Take the peice of equipment to your LHS and ask them for a new one. Antennas are pre measured, and a sertain type of wire.

[Piggy89373]

Eric, antenna's are funny things. However, the antennas you get on equipment are a certain length for a reason. In order to get the best reception or transmission, you use the antenna length that is best for that frequency. It's not about the company being chincy with wire, it's about cutting the antenna length to match the frequency. If you've yanked out the antenna by accident, take Streetracer's advice, take it back and have them put it on for you.

Adding or subtracting antenna length changes the properties of the antennas. I can't stress enough, don't change the antenna length of your stuff. At first, you may think it works better, but, if you do a bit more testing, you'll find that any number of things will occur. For example, more receptive to interference, diminished range, inductive coupling onto your existing electronics, all sorts of stuff can happen if you change the properties. Bottom line is, don't do it. Instead, have the right stuff put back on when it breaks.

[streetracer]

Its like your car. You break a front A-Arm, you cant put it back together with some glue, and hope it doesnt break during your next heat. It must be the exact same right? See ware im going? So, if it is your reciever wire, your LHS will probly be able to order it for you, if they dont have one in stock, but Like Piggy said above, I know I cant stress enouph on this subject, Dont Jurry Rig, or a Half-Fast Job. If you have to,wait till you get to the shop.

[-=ADA$=-]

as i understand its not for RX just for cammera, so loosing signal wont do as much harm i think. And i believe that cutting the antenna in half will do some harm, but not as much, as i remember its like 1/2 or 1 wave lenght

[Piggy89373]

Actually, the best length is usually quarter wavelength. Cutting the antenna length does more than just inhibit the transmission distance. There's a huge plethora of things it does.

[rccardude04]

I figured it wouldn't be so great just from what people have said about CB radios. I know it's a multiple of the wavelength, but I just figured since it was on something so cheezy that it might just have been snipped by some sweat shop worker with no real research being done. I'll try it with the longer antenna on both the tx and rx just to see what happens anyway. I'll post the results if I found the right tab where it broke off of (i soldered it to something but I'm not sure if it was the right spot :))
I'm the guy at the LHS that would be resoldering it so I'll just do it myself :p
Thanks for the tips.
-Eric