[omnivorette]

We get very lousy FM reception in our apartment. I want to buy a new antenna - could be one that sticks out the window maybe? Advice appreciated.

[Melonious Thunk]

omnivorette, on Oct 11 2006, 11:09 PM, said:

We get very lousy FM reception in our apartment. I want to buy a new antenna - could be one that sticks out the window maybe? Advice appreciated.

See if you can get a hook up for FM from your cable connection. FM antennas all suck. They are very directional, and because you are on a low floor, you will get lots of interference from passing traffic as well as buildings.

The cheapest and best FM antenna is a dipole--take a long piece of the twin lead cable we used to use to hook up a TV antenna. (Radio Shack) Split it into two long branches and attach the unsplit ends to the antenna leads on the back of the radio or tuner. Then lay the two pieces out in opposite directions along the floor, behind a couch or under a rug so you don't see them. Try that first before you spend any serious money, which I recommend against.

[mcj]

Melonious Thunk, on Oct 11 2006, 11:31 PM, said:

The cheapest and best FM antenna is a dipole--take a long piece of the twin lead cable we used to use to hook up a TV antenna. (Radio Shack) Split it into two long branches and attach the unsplit ends to the antenna leads on the back of the radio or tuner. Then lay the two pieces out in opposite directions along the floor, behind a couch or under a rug so you don't see them. Try that first before you spend any serious money, which I recommend against.

It could also be hung ('T' style) behind a large painting if you have one. As with all antennae, any metal between it and the radio transmitter will diminish the signal that you receive... this includes the springs in the couch and – much more likely – the steel re-bar, electrical wiring and copper pipes within the walls, metal window frames, etc.
If a simple twin-lead dipole antenna (also available ready-made & even comes with some receivers) takes up too much space or can't be positioned for your favourite station(s), try to get an old set of rabbit ears... it's the same thing.
The bigger bucks will go to external antennas (with or without rotors – to re-direct the antenna remotely) or amplified antennas for interior use. (I have a couple of an older model of these, that amplify AM and FM, to pick up stations that the cable company won't relay.)

A simple wire (or stick antenna) sticking out the window may or may not be good enough, but there's just one way to find out. Normal, full-sized FM antennas wouldn't usually be allowed by the apartment supers, if it'd be even possible to mount outside.


Omni: I forgot to ask... is your FM radio a full-sized stereo receiver or a portable? (I presumed the former.)

[Steven Dilley]

I'm sure this isn't what you wanted to hear, but... I have a tough time picking up FM signals as well. Thankfully, just about every FM station I'm interested in broadcasts online as well. So I have a laptop connected to my receiver, and while the sound isn't perfect, it's static-free and reliable.

[Orik]

What MT and mcj said.

Or you could make a decorative ceiling fan from yagis.

But FM is so 1980s.

[porkwah]

When I saw "Antennas" in the subject line, I thought they were in mode as the a new fashion for fall.

[GG Mora]

What Dilley said.

You think you got bad reception in Manhattan? You otta try Vermont. So now we stream everything. And the sound is very good on most stations.

[omnivorette]

Oh yeah, we get pretty much only one radio station in clearly at the house upstate, and that's VT public radio.

I will probably buy an airport express for up there...that's what I should do, right?

[Rose]

Forget antennas. Cable FM or through your computer.