Vectronics VEC-1002K Owner's Manual - page 25

VEC-1002K Owner's Manual 

2 Meter FM Receiver Kit 

23 

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: