AM/FM antenna advice

osprey4 · January 30th, 2003, 11:34 AM

We've got pretty mediocre radio reception where we live. Can anyone recommend an antenna that might help? I was looking at one of these indoor powered antennas (Terk?) but I'd rather hear from other users before plunking $60 down on the thing.

ablang · January 30th, 2003, 10:45 PM

I can't speak for AM/FM, but for local TV, the Jensen TV920, which I bought for $40 last week at BestBuy (online) works really well for me. It's an omni-directional one. Let me know what you think if you try it.

My Radio Shack one (I have $30 ATV1000) is decent for the price.

With both of my antennas, I find the upper range (14-59) better reception than the lower range (2-13).

RADAR1797 · January 30th, 2003, 11:08 PM

Stay away from the Terk. It was worthless for me.

-RADAR

surreal · January 30th, 2003, 11:51 PM

I made one thanks to the info I got here and it really made a big difference!

AM and FM Antenna Placement.. and making them.

Brainchild · January 31st, 2003, 12:09 AM

I use the outdoor TV arial, but it is directional, so if you listen to stations all around you it will drive you crazy. All my stations come from one city

Surreal good thread, lots of info

osprey4 · January 31st, 2003, 03:25 PM

Since I'd like something for both AM and FM, I think I'll look at that Jensen over at RS. I wouldn't even mind putting something in the attic if it would make a big difference.

I don't need TV, we have cable.

ablang · February 1st, 2003, 07:29 PM

http://www.antennaweb.org

We'll show you the type of outdoor* antenna to use to receive your local television broadcast channels.

Whether the antenna you want is for use with a home satellite system, high-definition television or a traditional analog set, this site, based on geographical maps and signal strengths, will show you what you need to know to buy the right antenna.

Richard Cranium · February 1st, 2003, 07:50 PM

Home Depot and Radio Shack both have good & inexpensive antennas.

Provided,, that you can use a TV antenna.. You can mount it in the crawl space of the attic provided outside mounting is not allowed.

osprey4 · February 3rd, 2003, 04:15 PM

Ok, appreciate everyone's advice BUT...

I bought an inexpensive omni-directional FM antenna from Radio Shack Saturday. Mounted it in my attic, ran the 300 ohm cable to my receiver and the reception STINKS. It's about the same as the 3' wire that came with the receiver.

So after $25 and half a day of wiring, I'm no better off. I've got maybe 5 FM stations and 3 AM. In my car, I can pick up many local, NY and Phila stations. Why is a home receiver so different?

Anyone think a powered antenna will improve my situation? Remember, this is just for radio.

maface · February 3rd, 2003, 04:28 PM

I have the Terk Q it helps somewhat I have to fine tune and still move it around to get certain stations, its better for FM than AM IMO. For an indoor antenna I think its okay. If your reception is real bad I don't know if any indoor antenna will help loads an outdoor would be better.

I've heard CCrane are good have no experience personally
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