Vectronics VEC-1002K - Manual (Page 25)

VEC-1002K Owner's Manual 2 Meter FM Receiver Kit
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The VEC-1002K requires an external antenna. For local reception, a 19" length
of wire may work reasonably well. However, for longer-range reception, a low-
cost 2-meter ground-plane or VHF scanner antenna mounted outdoors and fed
with coaxial cable provides much better performance. You may purchase one
from Tech America, Radio Shack, MFJ Enterprises Inc., and many other
sources. Alternatively, you may make your own "side-mount" vertical dipole
using the following diagram:
TV Mast
1-1/2" PVC Pipe
12"
Mast Clamp
38"
6-7 Turns RG-58
Brass Welding Rod
Periodically Check Battery Condition:
Operating your radio with a weak battery may lead to unstable tuning (signals
drifting off channel rapidly), weak or distorted audio, and motor boating (a low-
frequency oscillation or "putt-putt-putt" noise in your speaker or headphones).
Your radio needs a minimum of 7-8 volts in order to work properly.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY
The VEC-1002K design has been thoroughly field tested, and is known to be
both reliable and "forgiving" of construction errors. If you have difficulty with
your unit, the cause may be something as simple as a broken cable or a dead
battery. In most cases, you will be able to find the cause with some organized
troubleshooting. Begin your search with this checklist of symptoms and cures: