your mail

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <Pine.A32.3.93.970512212752.37620B-100000@kitts.u.arizona.edu> Robert W Obrien writes:

> Someone else may know about this "problem" with my 5kcst! My '87 has an
> antenna marked "Fuba" that is three segments, extends only to about 2/3
> roof height. Is this stock/broken/replacement part? Never seen an antenna
> so short- power still works, unlike identical 88 5k with broken antenna
> about 2 1/2 ft high. Opinions?

The ideal length is a 1/4 wavelength, minus a tad.  For VHF/FM reception, say 
of a 93MHz station, the calculation (in metres) is something like:
 
Speed of light:         300,000,000 
                        -----------   /  4    (quarter wave)
Frequency:               93,000,000          

So the ideal length is around 80cm, or about 20.5 inches.  Actually slightly 
shorter - electrons are funny things.

If you have your car serviced in Germany, and there's a long manual aerial 
fitted, you'll very often get it back with the top section pushed in.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club