On Tue, 28 Jun 2005 13:36:55 -0700, ric wrote:

Goofball_star_dot_etal wrote:

Stick a saucepan lid on the end (capacitive loading) or a crock clip
with wire attached. The possibilities are endless.

Would that be a steel or an aluminum saucepan lid?

I don't think it matters. All the current is at the bottom end so the
resistance or non linear properties of steel will not have any
significant effect at the top end where the impedance is high. A
half-eaten can of baked beans or even wet cardboard might do. .

Hmmm...all that I have available is a 3/4 eaten can of lentel beans. I
would have to do the math, I suppose.

Go for it, forget the maths.
BTW 4 metres is a little used British only band, I have discovered.
Pity. I did find one preamp but it is not worth the expense on the off
chance it would help. http://www.microwave-modules.com/summary.html