Suggestions for FM Antennas, etc.

[killmeister]

I recently purchased a Pioneer VSX-21TXH receiver and am having trouble pulling in FM signals at the low end (i.e., 88-91 MHz). I have tried a Terk Amplified antenna but it is unsatisfactory at the low end. Any suggestisons for a good compact (indoor) antenna would be most welcome as I cannot place the antenna on my roof or even outside. The stations I want come in crystal clear over my computer via broadband (DSL). Is there a good device for streaming these stations to my Pioneer receiver. Also are there reliable streaming devices for streaming the TV signal from my main TV to a TV in a bedroom down the hall where there is no coaxial outlet? Thanks!

 

[mtrycrafts]

I recently purchased a Pioneer VSX-21TXH receiver and am having trouble pulling in FM signals at the low end (i.e., 88-91 MHz). I have tried a Terk Amplified antenna but it is unsatisfactory at the low end. Any suggestisons for a good compact (indoor) antenna would be most welcome as I cannot place the antenna on my roof or even outside. The stations I want come in crystal clear over my computer via broadband (DSL). Is there a good device for streaming these stations to my Pioneer receiver. Also are there reliable streaming devices for streaming the TV signal from my main TV to a TV in a bedroom down the hall where there is no coaxial outlet? Thanks!

Are these stations close to your location? Not hidden by terrain? DSL may be bringing it from afar. Do you have an attic to place a omni directional antenna?

 

[Rickster71]

I'd start using this: http://www.fmfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29
It locates FM signals. That will determine where to point your antenna. If your favorite stations are in multiple directions, then as mtrycrafts mentioned, an omni directional antenna could be used.

When it comes to FM reception, the higher the antenna the better, and pointing the antenna directly at the station helps.
Another issue is that all FM receivers aren't created equal; but lets see where an antenna gets you first.

 

[highfigh]

I recently purchased a Pioneer VSX-21TXH receiver and am having trouble pulling in FM signals at the low end (i.e., 88-91 MHz). I have tried a Terk Amplified antenna but it is unsatisfactory at the low end. Any suggestisons for a good compact (indoor) antenna would be most welcome as I cannot place the antenna on my roof or even outside. The stations I want come in crystal clear over my computer via broadband (DSL). Is there a good device for streaming these stations to my Pioneer receiver. Also are there reliable streaming devices for streaming the TV signal from my main TV to a TV in a bedroom down the hall where there is no coaxial outlet? Thanks!

Streaming a radio station online has nothing to do with reception of their signal. What you can receive and how well has everything to do with the direct path of the signal and how many times it reflects off of buildings and other large objects on the way- this is called 'multi-path' and needs to be rejected. If you're on one side of a hill and their tower is on the other side, your signal quality will suffer. Another situation that causes problems is when your reveiver/tuner is too close to the tower- in this case, it will often require less antenna on your tuner, not more. Being too close will overload the first stage of the tuner (often called the 'front end').

Where are you located and what kind of terrain is near you? Also, what receiver or tuner are you using and what kind of antenna do you have?

 

[Rickster71]

I recently purchased a Pioneer VSX-21TXH receiver and am having trouble pulling in FM signals at the low end (i.e., 88-91 MHz).

I only read up to this part of the post, and replied to that. Not sure if that was the question or not.

 

[highfigh]

I really wish we could edit our posts after an hour, so mistakes from not reading all of the information could be fixed.

 

[scott911]

I got an outdoor antenna - and installed it in my basement, under the Home theater. I had planned to put in on roof, or in attic, but it works great in basement, so I'll probably just keep it there and not worry about lightening.

it is winegard HD-6010
PROSTAR Turnstile FM Antenna - about $35

it is big, but only has two vanes.

 

[Rickster71]

I got an outdoor antenna - and installed it in my basement, under the Home theater. I had planned to put in on roof, or in attic, but it works great in basement, so I'll probably just keep it there and not worry about lightening.

it is winegard HD-6010
PROSTAR Turnstile FM Antenna - about $35

it is big, but only has two vanes.

One nice thing about keeping an antenna inside, is that when they're exposed to the elements all the joints and connections corrode and build up resistance.
So the antenna's reception gradually gets worse.
Inside is nice if it works.