FM Antenna....
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JBL GUY
Addicted Member
Anything less than a full sized antenna (FM dipole in your case) will be a compromise.
How well it will work in you situation is difficult to predict.
Some people have had satisfactory performance from the BIC Beam Boxes.
For a time some were recommending the so called fractal antennae. Some have had good results and some not so good.
With all antennae it is location, location, location.
How well it will work in you situation is difficult to predict.
Some people have had satisfactory performance from the BIC Beam Boxes.
For a time some were recommending the so called fractal antennae. Some have had good results and some not so good.
With all antennae it is location, location, location.
Unfortunately, there's no substitute for lotsa metal, outside and as high up as possible.
But, in the real world,compromises are made but no tiny piece of metal with a big amplifier will provide anywhere near the same performance as the initial suggestion. Remember, amplifiers amplify noise right along with the desired signal.
Those wire "T" antennas are probably the best you're gonna get for an indoor antenna but positioning them for the best performance can be, well, let's just say "challenging". It helps to have an understanding spouse.
In my house I have wires run to three receivers from an amplified rooftop yagi and on the fourth system in the bedroom, I have an amplified Sequerra designed "T" type antenna mounted horizontally behind the large screen TV and even that is a compromise.
But, in the real world,compromises are made but no tiny piece of metal with a big amplifier will provide anywhere near the same performance as the initial suggestion. Remember, amplifiers amplify noise right along with the desired signal.
Those wire "T" antennas are probably the best you're gonna get for an indoor antenna but positioning them for the best performance can be, well, let's just say "challenging". It helps to have an understanding spouse.
In my house I have wires run to three receivers from an amplified rooftop yagi and on the fourth system in the bedroom, I have an amplified Sequerra designed "T" type antenna mounted horizontally behind the large screen TV and even that is a compromise.
knockbill
Lunatic Member
Thanks for teh replies... I just have it taped to teh back of teh TV,,, I can get about 4 out of 5 on the tuning meter,,, FM sounds good, with good separation, so I guess its OK,,,
Just wondering if there's a better, smaller antenna made nowadays,, but, probably not...
Regards,
John
Just wondering if there's a better, smaller antenna made nowadays,, but, probably not...
Regards,
John
I have the T-shaped antenna stretched across the top of the entertainment center in the back. The other side goes thru the opening in the back to the receiver. No visible wires and no problems with reception but I am fairly close to all the NYC stations (two towns across the Hudson River).
Does that work better than a dipole?
Sandy G
Retired Member
STILL gonna have me SOMEDAY a 30-40' self-supporting Rohn tower, w/a rotator & my bigazz Winegard atop it...And a good Distribution Amp, to feed ALL the FM receivers in my QTH.. This area is FM DX HEAVEN... I can go from Roanoke, Va., to Warner-Robins, Ga, from the Carolinas to darn near Nashville..
SOTA
Solder Splash Goalie
I live rural and the j-pole is a great omnidirectional antenna in my situation (yes, better than a dipole) but it could have multipath problems in an urban setup with more/closer signals bouncing off of tall buildings.
J.R.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
City dwellers...
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103077
Remove the circular wire
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103077
Remove the circular wire
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
No joke...
I got pissed one night trying to get the best signal with one of those "T" antennas. Finally I said "F I" and dropped it on the floor to fix me a drink
I walked 5 ft away from the tuner and hot-damn!! The best signal I got all night was the "T" antenna laying on the floor by happenstance
2point1
Active Member
Look into a fractal antenna
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal_antenna
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal_antenna
SOTA
Solder Splash Goalie
I love my FM 10, really good antenna. Ever see inside one?...
Inside of the top...
Now, for the bottom end, stand back...
Old school but "jus' built right". These days they cut corners, back then they braced them:thmbsp:
J.R.
I assume that J-pole could be painted white without any problems....what are the dimensions? Got a link with instructions?
SOTA
Solder Splash Goalie
Here is the thread from when I built that antenna...http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=221021. There are links to j-pole calculators posted there. Paint? I don't see why not.
J.R.
JBL GUY
Addicted Member
A fractal antenna is an interesting antenna.
Basically and in simple terms it is in effect an array of elements spaced less than conventional spacing, but so close as not to be the equivalent of a single electrically small radiator.
There is no puzzle to the good performance of this antenna. They can be made to be self loading, have multiple current maxima in a small size and have frequency agility and bandwidth.
This falls well within generations of known electromagnetic theory.
The magic lies in finding the right fractal shape or shapes for the desired outcome.
These antennae have generated some interest in the DIY HD antennae groups as well as with some in amateur radio community.
Basically and in simple terms it is in effect an array of elements spaced less than conventional spacing, but so close as not to be the equivalent of a single electrically small radiator.
There is no puzzle to the good performance of this antenna. They can be made to be self loading, have multiple current maxima in a small size and have frequency agility and bandwidth.
This falls well within generations of known electromagnetic theory.
The magic lies in finding the right fractal shape or shapes for the desired outcome.
These antennae have generated some interest in the DIY HD antennae groups as well as with some in amateur radio community.
