FM antenna options?

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
The built-in T antenna isn't cutting it.

I don't have a dipole, so if I am going to buy something I may as well get something better.

The Terk FM+ is like $6, but only a little better than a dipole.

I have a space along the roof of my workshop where my receiver is for other options (I have about 16' of length, but don't really want to take up much height if I can avoid it since I am using the rafters for storage too).
 

zzuupp

Lifer
Jul 6, 2008
14,866
2,319
126
IMHO,

fm radio antennas are even more overpriced than TV antennas.
If you are looking to listen to a specific station, use fmfool to get your present wire aligned.

If you are trying to get more stations or better reception on a few:
Since radio stations are a mix of horizontal, vertical, and circular polarization, it's worth a few minutes of experimenting with the orientation of your current set up.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
I bought the Radio Shack 15-1874 ($11.99 and now labeled as a HDTV antenna)...I'd have loved a 15-1880, but I am not spending $100 when 99.9% of the time I will be listening to youtube, launch, or my own MP3's off my laptop (through the receiver)...I may still build my own and test it out, I have a few projects ahead of that though :)

I used Radio-Locator and found:
Most of my top stations are either 31.7 or 43.0 miles away...I am not dealing with very distant, but not really in my neighborhood either.

I got decent reception tonight. I want to tweak it a bit still...I will try that fmfool out, didn't know about that site. I will say though it's amazing the resources out there for over the air broadcasts.