I expect he used the quarter wave wire as a counterpoise in place of a great big metallic surface. In other words, the "missing" half of the antenna, if you will. 
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY



On Dec 28, 2010, at 1:22 PM, chad morrison wrote:

> you will have to excuse me I've been out of the game for far to long but 
> what was the extra wire for and why a quarter wave if the mag mount is a 
> eighth.  Again I really don't know that is why I'm asking.  sorry if this is 
> a stupid question.  I'm planning on getting some study material so I can 
> ketch up.  thanks for all the help.  I am open to other ideas if there are 
> any besides the mag mount.  also.  thanks again guys.
> 
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> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Mark Torgerson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2010 11:37 AM
> Subject: Re: in door antenna
> 
> 
>> Hi Chad,
>>    Well, I have used a 5/8 wave 2 meter antenna for an indoor antenna
>> successfully. One thing I did do was to loosen the antenna from the mag
>> mount just enough to slide the thin end of a stranded piece of wire 
>> against
>> the outer shield. then tightened the antenna firmly again to hold the wire
>> in place. With the wire cut to a quarter wave length this antenna was a
>> great performer. I was using a hand held then. Smile. That was a good 
>> radio.
>> 
>> God bless and 73,
>> Mark
>> 
>> -- 
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