FM Radio Antennas, Reception Gear

[holl_ands]

FM Antenna performance curves are found here:
http://www.ham-radio.com/k6sti/curves.htm
NEC Simulation files & runs are found here:
http://www.ham-radio.com/k6sti/

FM Antenna Comparison tests:
http://kalx.berkeley.edu/recept/antsurvy.htm
http://www.dtvusaforum.com/dtv-hdtv-...html#post21146

Here's are some lists of FM Antenna specifications with cost & sources:
http://www.aphenos.net/misc/electron...g_Antennas.htm
http://www.fmtunerinfo.com/antennas.html

Some low-gain alternatives:
http://www.fmdxantenna.com/products.php?cat=8
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/mwant.html
http://wslr.org/wp-content/uploads/2...structions.pdf

=============================================
You should enter your Lat/Long coordinates into www.fmfool.com to see what you
can receive from Fonthill, ON. Omni (even indoor) will get plenty of strong stations,
but you might want a high gain antenna with narrow beamwidth and high F/B Ratio to
suppress local stations if they are adjacent/next-adjacent to a weak desired station.
Chart at bottom has the colorized "predictions" for weak stations, since the textual
list only has the strongest stations listed.

[jgvp]

Now we have the OTA HDTV antennae all nailed down, what has been the experience in acquiring a very good outdoor FM antenna. Which particular antenna would you recommend from personal usage ? Thanks.

[stampeder]

The Winegard line of outdoor FM Radio antennas is excellent:

http://www.winegard.com/offair/radio.php

For Oakville I'd recommend the HD6010 turnstile type since it is omnidirectional, giving you stations from all around your location and from the Buffalo area.

[Gentleman]

If there is any stock left, you might check out the discontinued Delhi 9 element FM yagi (QFM-9). I have one and have been very pleased with its rock solid performance in all kinds of weather.

[jgvp]

Thanks to both 'Stamps' and 'Gentleman' for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

[stampeder]

Agreed on the Delhi if you can find one!

[Khorn]

Check out Magnum Dynalab at http://www.magnumdynalab.com/This Canadian company makes great FM tuners and I had one for many years. I used to have one of their antennas roof mounted on a rotor it was very good at pulling in distant stations.

[tigerbangs]

The Antenna Performance Specialists APS-13 is widely considered the best FM-only antenna that you can buy. it is intended for deep-fringe areas, and is a monster at over 200" long. They also make a smaller version, called the APS-9, which is about the size of the Winegard HD-6055 or the Delhi 9 element. These antennas really requite a rotator to aim them properly.

http://www.antennaperformance.com/

I have also used the Magnum-Dynalab ST-2, an omnidirectional-vertical-whip antenna, and have found it to be a good choice in suburban areas. It's vertical orientation minimizes multipath interference.

http://www.magnumdynalab.com/fmantenna-st2.htm

[jgvp]

Thanks to all who responded. I'm rather taken with the Magnum-Dynalab ST-2, since it is omni-directional and somewhat unobtrusive, and Canadian made. What more could you ask for ? I am especially thankful for the heads up on audio related web sites that were of particular interest to me.

[cfraser]

^ I have an ST-2 and don't think it's that great an antenna, as they go. Quite over-rated considering its cost too. But it is unobtrusive and easy to install, and has no problem withstanding our weather. It's all about simplicity, not performance. As long as you're putting it outdoors it'll probably work for you though, I'm in a suburban area east of TO and it works alright with an MD tuner.

[stampeder]

Another consideration is whether you have an HD Radio tuner, in which case you'll want a very good outdoor antenna to get those HD FM stations from the U.S.

[intravino]

I have a Wingard HD 6000 and it works fine for me. I pick up stations more then 120 km for my location with a Sony HD tuner.

[jgvp]

Thanks for the heads up on the HD Radio existence, Stampeder and Intravino. Oddly enough, one of the FM Receivers I was considering incorporates both XM and HD FM. However in attempting to do some research into whether it was worthwhile, since HD Radio emanates mainly from Upper New York State, some of the information I am coming across is not only very confusing but conflicts entirely with the actual experience of Intravino, who has gone out and purchased a HD radio, erected an antenna, and listens to stations 120Kms distant, e.g:

http://members2.boardhost.com/scrapb...263087804.html.

Thank Goodness we have Digitalhome.ca if you're seeking true practical knowledge and experience and not theoretical hearsay.

[stampeder]

I listen to a variety of HD Radio FM stations from Washington State, and in the near future the ERP of U.S. HD Radio stations will be going up.

This post gives lots of threads on HD Radio here at our site:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...4&postcount=10

[Vinyl Guy]

I live in Oakville as well. I have an old style Channel Master VHF/UHF antenna. In addition to TV, I can get a lot of FM from both Canada & the US. If I had a FM only antenna, I might be able to get even more. Of course a 40 or 50 ft high tower would help as well!