[InterceptPoint]

Good deal - you cannot beat real life testing. Could be that a simple wire is all it takes.

But ... (you knew there would be a but)

What is the diameter of 26 gauge? The reason I ask is that you would get better and more predictable performance using a coaxial connection from antenna to the triggering device. I’m betting .050 inch coax would be OK. But it would be harder to seal.

But I’m just guessing on the coax. Don’t kill yourself testing out my crazy ideas.

[JRandomFreeper]

The performance for a 26 gauge long wire antenna (say cut it quarter wavelength) is plenty fine at toy car radio powers and frequencies. When's the last time you saw 1/2" coax on a toy car that was a half block away from the kid that was driving it?

You don't need coax. I do a LOT of my shortwave on ladder line, and that's for comms thousands of miles away.

No coax involved.

/johnny