josh,
feeding an amp into that little antenna you have is just going to burn it up, and then you will get out 0 miles.
if you were to go back to ebay, and purchase an antron 99 base station antenna, and put it up at the top of that 20 foot TV tower, you would be able to get out that 18-23 miles without an amp!
its all about the antenna.
after you get the antron, or other good base station antenna, (the antron is cheap, reliable, and really easy to put together and erect) then you can worry about adding an amp.
i would not buy a used on off ebay.
there are plenty of sites that will sell you a new amp for less than 100 dollars.
it will be about 60 watts, but thats all you need right now anyway.
remember, this is the correct order to buy your equipment in:
1. whatever radio you have now
2. good antenna and good coax!!!!
3. good quality radio
4. amplifier (if needed)
good luck,
LC
