Collinear Questions.....

[GBHgpJON]

At the moment my antenna is indoors, but I'm planning to put it outside......2 questions, firstly if I put it inside a piece of plastic overflow pipe for protection, the range seems to be almost halved even with the antenna in the same spot....any ideas? Also, I already have a homebase cb antenna outside, how close can I put the collinear, if I use a 90 degree pole from the upright wall mounted pole used for the cb?
Ta......Jon.......

[F-EGLF1]

At the moment my antenna is indoors, but I'm planning to put it outside......2 questions, firstly if I put it inside a piece of plastic overflow pipe for protection, the range seems to be almost halved even with the antenna in the same spot....any ideas? Also, I already have a homebase cb antenna outside, how close can I put the collinear, if I use a 90 degree pole from the upright wall mounted pole used for the cb?
Ta......Jon.......

The plastic that your overflow pipe is made from probably has carbon or metallic fillers, try cutting a small section off and putting it in the microwave for 30 seconds (stand a small glass of water in there too to prevent any damage to your microwave) if the pipe gets warm (even a little bit) it is not suitable for RF.
Some white pipes are ok, but commercial antennas use glass fibre tubes.

[GBHgpJON]

Cheers for that, judging by the lack of range, I guess its not suitable. Useful information, thanks .........off to peruse the internet for glass fibre tube!