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AM FM Antenna

I recently bought a powered antenna , the terk tower thing. Didnt do crap. I have my amfm receiver in my basement and want to get decent radio reception. I was thingking of building my own T antenna out of

300ohm wire for the FM and a loop for the am. Would it be better to attach the T to the outside of the house (vinyl siding) and run to the receiver? And then put the loop by the basement window. This would be on the south side of the house. Thanks and any suggestions are welcome. I also have a high pitch anywhere in the house for am stations. Rather annoying!
Reply to
bigjcw1023
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Yes,run a cable up the wall,or whatever,to an antenna outdoors. Much better than trying to amplify what isn't there in the basement.

The noise on AM could be anything.. PC,light dimmer,DVD player,etc,etc,etc..

Reply to
PhattyMo

If you're really serious about good reception, you should get an antenna designed for FM, and put it in the attic.

I don't see putting a T antenna outside. If you stick it to the siding, you won't be able to move or rotate it. It will gradually deteriorate, and performance will go down a bit when it rains.

Radio waves pass through most non-conductors, so as long as the antenna is above ground (that is, not in the basement -- dirt is a conductor) and near the walls of the house, you should (?) get passable reception in a strong-signal are.

I like the AudioPrism antennas. Not cheap, but unlike the Terks, they actually work. * The 6500 is excellent in strong-signal and even suburban areas, but is no longer made.

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  • About 15 years ago, I brought a Terk antenna back from the SCES. It actually gave poorer performance than 3' of wire.
Reply to
William Sommerwerck

Get one of the many new rooftop antennas designed for dish owners. Make sure it does not have an FM trap. Listening to AM in a house these days is pathetic. You have to get away from the house. Go in your car. Even thats really bad sometimes. New divices including CFL's, put tons of junk on the AM band.

greg

Reply to
GregS

And, then, add to that trying to listen to AM (or FM) in a stucco covered house! It had never dawned on me before. But, after nearly 40 years of home(s) ownership, our last move plunked us in a stucco covered house. Bed-side clock radios -- not worth the space they take up on the night stand. Even cellphone coverage (which is weak here, anyway) can only be had by standing next to a (west side) window.

It ain't a perfect Faraday Shield -- but that "chiken wire" comes close.

Jonesy

--
  Marvin L Jones    | jonz          | W3DHJ  | linux
   38.24N  104.55W  |  @ config.com | Jonesy |  OS/2
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Reply to
Allodoxaphobia

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