Thank-you aslamma for starting this thread and your solution which looks great and works very well.
Another place to acquire an antenna is a portable radio device. I found a nice black anodized antenna that I "borrowed" from a small battery operated radio to try using with the CM15A. It fit the bill because it:
- Includes a tilt and swivel base needed to match the range of motion of the original CM15A antenna
- The base diameter matches the plastic antenna, so that the case clamp in the cover of the CM15A holds keeps the antenna in any position when assembled
- Is telescoping, which allows tuning the exposed antenna length
- Collapses to a size that does not extend beyond the length of the CM15A
- Is retained securely by the case clip on the side of the CM15A, like the original plastic antenna
1 - Parts.jpg shows the antenna, standard 1/4" lockwasher bent flat, 4-40 bolt, ring terminal, 4-40 lock washer, and nut.
2 - DryFit.jpg shows the parts in position to make sure everything will fit and operate mechanically as desired.
3 - Installed.jpg was taken after clipping the wire to the old antenna, stripping the antenna wire, tinning it, attaching the ring terminal with a crimp tool, then soldering it for good measure, bolting the ring terminal to the antenna, and assembling it in the case with the 1/4" lock washer guiding it in the center of the slot. No glue is required.