For antennas Ive tried using 1/2 Wavelength and 1/4 Wavelengh bits of coathanger wire, and found the 1/4 Wavelengh (6.47 inches) to give better range.

The reason I used $66 as a start character is becuase it is fairly balaced (same number of 1's and 0's). I will try $AA though, and will also try adding more $55s and see if it improves the situation.

Thanks for the advice guys.