Whether you are a radio amateur service or an experienced professional, there are few things that are more frustrating than FM signal reception. Static, dropouts and weak signals can quickly ruin your listening experience, but good news? It’s easier to solve the problem than you think.
In fact, there are only some common household items and some DIY spirits that you can build your own High Gain FM Antenna This greatly improves signal quality and range.
This article will introduce you to everything you need, from the high benefits of FM antennas to the tools and materials you need, all the way to step-by-step instructions to build your own content.
What is a high gain FM antenna?
one High Gain Antenna (HGA) is a directional antenna designed to focus radio waves in specific directions rather than radiating signals in all directions, such as standard antennas. This focused beam width will result in stronger and more precise signal reception, especially over longer distances.
For FM radios, high-gain antennas can greatly improve your ability to adjust remote stations even in areas where signal strength is usually weak.
Key Benefits of High Gain FM Antennas:
- Improve signal reception: More clearly receives weaker or distant FM stations.
- Multifunctional placement: Can be installed indoor or outdoor according to your settings.
- Reduce interference: Less dropouts and better audio quality, especially in areas with minimal obstacles.
Will high gain FM antennas make a difference?
Absolutely! As we discussed earlier, improving FM signal reception often requires some trial and error. One of the key factors to improve the signal is finding the best location for the antenna without interference. Once you do this, the high-gain FM antenna will vary within the clarity and range of your signal.
Why do you need a high gain FM antenna?
You might be wondering: What makes high gain FM antennas so important? Well, there are many reasons why this kind of antenna is a game changer for broadcast reception:
Also read: Bird Pox Problems in Birds and How to Prevent
1. Stronger signal
High-yield antennas will amplify weak signals, making them more powerful and clear. Whether you are in areas with poor FM reception range or want to connect to a power station from a distance, the high gain of the FM antenna can be significantly improved.
2. Stablize
High gain FM antennas not only improve signal strength, but also ensure more stable signal. You will notice a smoother, uninterrupted experience when listening to your favorite station – no more drips or static in your broadcast.
3. Reduce interference
One of the outstanding features of high-gain FM antennas is their ability to minimize interference. Even if there is a barrier between the antenna and the source, you will still experience a cleaner, clearer sound, making your listening experience more enjoyable.
4. flexibility
The versatility of high-yield antennas is incredible. While some models may be larger than others, most models are easy to move. This flexibility means you can install them in various locations based on where you get the best reception, such as a garage, loft or basement.
5. Quick and easy setup
One of the most attractive qualities of high-yield FM antennas is perhaps their easy and quick setup. You can buy one and run it right away, or, if you go into DIY, you can make your own high-yield FM antenna for a more personalized touch. Either way, you will immediately enjoy a better broadcast experience.
DIY High Gain FM Antenna: How to Make High Gain FM Antenna at Home
If you do it here, you may be familiar with the advantages of a high-gain FM antenna and be ready to start your own DIY project. Let’s go straight to the fun part: Building a high-gain FM antenna from scratch!
Tools you need
It is important to prepare all the necessary tools before diving. This will help you save time and keep the process smooth. Here is what the project needs:
- Coaxial cable: With copper shield. Ideally, choose a 50 or 70 ohm coaxial cable.
- FM receiver: It must have a coaxial connector.
- Copper tube: Preferably the size of the antenna element is 3/8 inch.
- Wire cutting machine: Cut the copper tube to the correct length.
- hacksaw: Used to accurately cut copper tubes.
- Welding equipment: Connect the wires and components together.
Don’t worry, while using hacksaw and soldering tools can be daunting, the project is easy to work and accessible for most Diyers.
Have the tools ready? Let’s continue!
Take time
The time it takes to complete the project depends on your level of experience with the tool, but overall, it is a relatively fast project. The estimated time for building the antenna is not present 30 minutes to an hour.
If you are familiar with the spirit of the tool, you can eliminate the entire process 15-20 minutes. Not bad, right?
Cost of building a high-gain FM antenna
Now, let’s talk about costs. Here is a breakdown of the materials and tools you need to purchase:
- Coaxial cable: Costs vary by length and type, but payment is expected $0.25 per foot.
- Copper tube: The copper tube is usually 25 feet long, cost $20 and $35.
- Wire cutter: Basic effective tools can be purchased around $8.
- hacksaw: The cost of basic hacksaws $20although high-end models are available for more.
- Welding pen: Basic solder pens will get you back $17.
If you already have these tools, that’s great – you don’t have to spend anything extra! This makes the project cost relatively low.
Steps to establish a high gain FM antenna
With the tools and materials ready, it’s time to build a high gain FM antenna. Follow the steps below to create an antenna to enhance your FM radio reception.
Step 1: Calculate the antenna length
To determine the perfect length of the antenna, use this simple formula:
- Divide 468 by frequency The FM station you want to receive. For example, if you want to listen to a 108 MHz radio station, calculate:
468 /108 = 4.33468 /108 = 4.33. - Divide the result by 2:
4.33 / 2 = 2.1654.33 / 2 = 2.165. - Multiply by 12 inches To make the antenna length in inches:
2.165×12 = 25.982.165 \ times 12 = 25.98 inches.
Also Read: Marvel Fans’ Fantastic Toys: The Best Avengers Toys of All Time
Therefore, your antenna should be approximately 26 inches length.
Step 2: Prepare the coaxial cable
- Strip one end Coaxial cable. You need to remove part of the shield and inner copper wire to expose the core.
- Cut off the other end of the coaxial cable You won’t use a connector. Cut this end cleanly with a wire cutter or hacksaw.
- Remove the shield: Strip half of the total length of the antenna from the exposed end of the coaxial cable. For example, if your antenna is 26 inches long, peel it about 13 inches away.
- Using hacksaw If you find it difficult to remove manually, make a shallow cut in the shield. This will make the peeling process easier.
Step 3: Prepare the copper tube
- Cut copper tube to halfway to the antenna. If your antenna needs 26 inches, the copper tube should be around 13 inches Long.
Step 4: Connect the copper tube to the coaxial cable
- Sliding copper tube On the stripped end of the coaxial cable. Make sure it is mounted tightly on the exposed copper wire.
- Once the copper tube is in place, Protect it firmly. The pipeline needs to be left in place to effectively pick up the FM signal.
Step 5: Soldering the connection
- Exposed PVC shielding About 1 inch from the end of the coaxial cable, just below the peeled part.
- Using pliers Create a small lips on the PVC shield, Welded copper pipes To this lips. Solder pens should be used to melt the solder and the shield should be secured to the copper tube.
- Check the connection To make sure everything is securely secure and the solder is set correctly.
Step 6: Connect the coaxial cable
- Grab another coaxial connector: Pick up the free end of the coaxial cable (the cable connected to the copper tube) and insert it into the coaxial antenna port of the FM receiver.
- Make sure to fit: Ensure the connection is secure and tight. Loose connections can cause weak or unstable signal reception.
- Prepare the antenna: Once the coaxial cable is connected, you can keep moving forward. Make sure the remaining antennas are properly positioned to optimize signal reception.
Step 7: Place the antenna
- Positioning antenna: Place the antenna near the window or another location with minimal interference. The purpose is to ensure that the antenna has a clear line of sight to the signal source of the FM station.
- Adjust the best reception: As the antenna is inserted and placed, adjust it to the strongest signal of the required FM station.
- Remember obstacles: The fewer obstacles between the antenna and the FM station, the better the signal will be. Try to keep the antenna away from metal objects, thick walls, or electronic devices that may interfere with the reception.
- Test Receive: Adjust the receiver and check the signal strength. If the signal is weak, try adjusting the position of the antenna slightly or moving it to the optimal position.
Also read: 7 benefits of exercise for the elderly
