diggs

A longer antenna doesn't neccessarily mean a better range. What's important is that the antenna is at a resonant frequency of the wavelength transmitted.

If I remember correctly, then the formula is as follows: lambda(wavelength) = C (speed of light)/f (frequency)

Using the metric system (of course) you get. lambda = 3.0(10^8)/27(10^6) = 11.1 meters.

The simple antenna used is a dipole, thus ideally it should be at 1/4 times the wavelength for a length of: 2.78 meters (109 inches!!)

Divide this down further an the closest reasonable length is 11.1/16 = 0.69 meters or 69 cm or 27 in.

-tycho