"Gray Shockley" wrote:
You might want to try this antenna in two other configurations.
[This is Gray talking out his, er, his ear (or sumthin').]
FM has three "polarities": horizontal (which is what your "T" antenna that
came with your receiver is taking for granted).
There is also a vertical polarization so try using the two elements "up
and
down". [Would look like a capital "I"]
Then there is, now, circular polarization. See the CCrane illustration of
their $30 antenna in a circular polariztion at:
http://ccrane.com/fm_reflect.asp
I'm skeptical of that antenna (sounds like marketing hype). Just configuring
a dipole in the shape of a circular loop does not produce circular
polarization. Normally, circular polarization is achieved by using both
horizontal and vertical dipoles fed 90 degrees out of phase with each other.
Circular polarization is often used for satellites where random rotation of
the spacecraft makes linear polarization impractical. For FM broadcasts it
is claimed that circular polarization is a benefit when receiving signals
that have been reflected off buildings, etc. Not all FM stations use
circular polarization.
Here is a picture of an FM broadcast antenna designed for CP:
http://www.nicomusa.com/antennas/bkg77hp.htm
If you're using a tv antenna - if you get cable tv - if you're using
satellite - it is possible that the FM band can be used from any of these,
so
that is also worth checking.
Good point. You can get a diplexer that splits out the FM and TV signals
from a TV antenna.
Art N2AH