FM Antenna and Reception Problems
"Frank Benton" wrote in message ... | TRY WWW.KZQX,COM FOR RECEPTION TIPS. PLUS HEAR SOME GREAT MUSIC. | "butlercellars" wrote in message | ... | Our local cable company, Comcast, doesn't carry FM radio signals; | therefore, I'm trying to improve my FM reception on my home receiver. One of the antennas I use with some success is what I call my "picture frame" antenna, as it's mounted on a picture frame with the standard dimensions of about 3 by 4 feet (with a "painting" by a Starving Artist or whatever) which gives you a circumference of about 14 feet, or about the wavelength of an FM signal. Buy sufficient *unsheilded* twin-lead from your local electronics supply store, cutting a length sufficient to mount it around the frame, using nails, glue or whatever works to keep it wrapped around the frame. Taking the excess (you DID buy excess, didn't you?) attach one wire to one of the wires of this loop. Follow the loop around the frame, to assure then that you have the other end of this wire at the other end of the loop. Connect *it* to the remaining wire on the side already connected to your feeder, and then connect the last wire to the free wire on your feeder. The end result is you'll have two loops, at about the correct wavelength for FM. Hams and CB'ers use a similar design, called a cubical quad, which you might see on towers...they're squares, mounted some distance apart, and are very directional. This antenna is somewhat directional as well. If you have problems with some local strong stations, it might be possible to reduce their strength if your antenna is properly oriented. You can hang the picture directly over your receiver (assuming you don't mind showing an Elvis on velvet) or simply place it behind your stereo cabinet if you have one. Using this antenna I've pulled in stations from over 120 miles away consistently with a good line of sight (Erie PA to Toronto, where most of the FMs were at lower than normal power, high atop the CN Tower), on a receiver not particularly sensitive. Your results may vary. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." -- Justice Brandeis ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- For direct replies, take out the contents between the hyphens. -Really!- |
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