Hi Jordan, my standard antenna has been outside in not the worst weather we can experience, for about 2 months. The metal twig has seriously deteriorated and got quite rusty in that short time, and performance has dropped off really noticeable, range dropped from 200nm to 30/35nm. Our location's climate is the worst possible, damp amd salty sea air. If you're intending to leave it out, rub a good film of electricians' silicone grease over the twig and base, and work as much as possible into the threaded part before assembling, this will give it a good fighting chance. I've dispensed with the CD metal ground plane, as it is too insubstantial for our winds, I use an old Peugeot 405 brake disc, which is excellent for the purpose.
