Will replacing the stock antenna improve FM reception

[3db]

I have two Yamaha AVRs and my only complaints is poor FM reception. I'm thinking of buying from Radio Shack, a FM antenna replacements in hopes of providing a better signal to the tuner to improve reception. I know tuners in modern day AVRs are an after thought or low priority on manufacturer's part so I don;t want to go down that rat hole. I simply want to know if my logic is sound?

 

[crossedover]

Generally yes. My OTA TV antenna has FM insertion. Its also huge and in my attic crawl space.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have two Yamaha AVRs and my only complaints is poor FM reception. I'm thinking of buying from Radio Shack, a FM antenna replacements in hopes of providing a better signal to the tuner to improve reception. I know tuners in modern day AVRs are an after thought or low priority on manufacturer's part so I don;t want to go down that rat hole. I simply want to know if my logic is sound?

For good FM reception including analog and HD, you need a good roof antenna. I use a Yagi Udda array. Indoor antennas inevitably compromise quality.

If you have reception problems with with your current indoor antenna another one will likely be of marginal benefit.

The other issue is that most radio stations stream although the bit rate and codec used can vary.

 

[3db]

For good FM reception including analog and HD, you need a good roof antenna. I use a Yagi Udda array. Indoor antennas inevitably compromise quality.

If you have reception problems with with your current indoor antenna another one will likely be of marginal benefit.

The other issue is that most radio stations stream although the bit rate and codec used can vary.

The problem I see is one AVR is in the basement against surrounded by concrete walls. The 2nd unit is in a corner away from the window. I figure if I could my hands on a longer antenna, I would get more signal to the tuner. Oh and this will be strictly analog and for casual listening as background music.

 

[markw]

The FM signals are "line of sight" and work best when there are no physical impediments (mountains, buildings, etc...) between the transmitter and the antenna. A larger antenna might help somewhat but for any real improvement, you'll need to move the antenna above ground, as high as possible. That said, the FM signal can't make it underground. Being in a basement is the worst possible location for an FM antenna.

Also, keep in mind that "larger" isn't always a good thing for an FM antenna. They are "cut to size" to tune them for the best FM reception.

 

[Swerd]

When it comes to FM or TV reception, there are two relevant mantras:

1. Location, location, location
   and
2. It depends

FM radio frequencies behave essentially as line-of-sight transmission, however they do bend a bit over the horizon, especially with overcast cloud cover at the right altitudes. FM radio frequencies also can reflect off of tall buildings or hills.

The higher the antenna, the better it works.

The farther you are from a station, the more you need a high gain antenna and a rotor. However, in urban locations, reflections from tall buildings can also make a rotor necessary. So, it all depends on your location and the location of the broadcast stations of interest.

Expect to receive FM broadcasts from stations no more than ~25 miles away with an antenna with modest gain, such as the standard folded dipole that Yamaha probably supplies. Higher gain and a narrower 'field of view' come with Yagi-Uda or log-periodic type antennae. They can receive stations from ~50 miles away, and under the most favorable circumstances, as far as ~80 miles. The Radio Shack antenna you mentioned is probably one of these types.

I live on a hill about 15-20 miles away from most FM stations in the Washington area, and about 40-50 miles from those in Baltimore. I use an omnidirectional turnstile type dipole antenna in my attic. A high gain antenna, one with narrow field of view and a rotor, or a tall rooftop mast aren't needed in my location. In that sense, I'm lucky. Your luck depends entirely on your location.

A good general discussion can be read here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio)

 

[Swerd]

Mark's point about concrete basement walls is important. Any concrete wall reinforced with steel mesh is shielded from radio frequencies. Similarly, aluminum foil backed insulation in an attic is shielded. Paper backed insulation however is OK.

 

[3db]

Thanks guys

 

[3db]

Mark's point about concrete basement walls is important. Any concrete wall reinforced with steel mesh is shielded from radio frequencies. Similarly, aluminum foil backed insulation in an attic is shielded. Paper backed insulation however is OK.

That's why I want a longer antenna cable so that I can get it out of the basement.

 

[Rickster71]

I'm late to the party.
However here's a link to a lot of good antenna info:
http://web.archive.org/web/20060719063151/http://www.kyes.com/antenna/antennadex.html
EDIT: Forgot to mention I use Winegard HD-6000 in my attic and it works surprisingly well with a college station I listen to (35 miles away) One of my receivers is also in my basement.

 

[markw]

That's why I want a longer antenna cable so that I can get it out of the basement.

You don't need a longer antenna. You need an antenna mounted in a better location and then some (75 ohm) cable to connect the antenna to the receiver. Antenna and cable are sold separately.

 

[3db]

You don't need a longer antenna. You need an antenna mounted in a better location and then some (75 ohm) cable to connect the antenna to the receiver. Antenna and cable are sold separately.

Based on this advice, I think I will wait for the new home that will bebuilt. I will get the builders to install an attenna in the addict and run a coax (75 ohm?) from it with two taps, one on the main floor and one in the basement.

 

[Swerd]

Most antenna use 300 ohm twin lead, like this

To use 75 ohm coaxial cable, use a 300-75 ohm balun, like this:

 

[Rickster71]

Based on this advice, I think I will wait for the new home that will bebuilt. I will get the builders to install an attenna in the addict and run a coax (75 ohm?) from it with two taps, one on the main floor and one in the basement.

That sounds like a plan.
I'd go with the coax you mentioned, since it's shielded and more suitable for in-wall use.

 

[Swerd]

That sounds like a plan.
I'd go with the coax you mentioned, since it's shielded and more suitable for in-wall use.

Agreed. 75 ohm coax is standard for cable or antenna TV and FM radio in the US, and probably in Canada too.

Ask the builder to also put an electrical outlet in the attic so you can easily add an antenna rotor or amplifier in the future.

 

[markw]

Most antenna use 300 ohm twin lead, like this

To use 75 ohm coaxial cable, use a 300-75 ohm balun, like this:

True. I use 300 ohm outside the house. But, for the inside runs I use 75 ohm because it's impervious to noise pickup.

Then again that 300 ohm run has been up there since around 1975. Good foam 300 ohm twin lead lasts forever. Were I doing today, I'd go 75 ohm all the way.

 

[Speedskater]

Everything technical that you might need to know about FM antennas.
http://ham-radio.com/k6sti/index.html

and for commercial FM antennas from 2009:
Best Top Rated FM & HD Radio Antenna Guide & Reviews - See more at: http://www.dtvusaforum.com/dtv-hdtv-reception-antenna-discussion/4396-evs-best-top-rated-fm-hd-radio-antenna-guide-reviews.html#sthash.kEJYRJlv.dpuf

 

[Swerd]

If your attic has enough space, install one of these. You won't need a rotor .

 

[crossedover]

If your attic has enough space, install one of these. You won't need a rotor .

Mine in the attic works well. To mount a unit outside in Florida makes for difficult permitting. It saved me $230 and minimal signal loss overall . Some cable providers include FM in their signal, you may wanna check yours
And ive stated before, if your station streams it may be a viable option

 

[fmw]

Based on this advice, I think I will wait for the new home that will bebuilt. I will get the builders to install an attenna in the addict and run a coax (75 ohm?) from it with two taps, one on the main floor and one in the basement.

You want the antenna outdoors if you are planning on chasing DX (distant) stations.