Radio All Fuzzy On Am And Fm. Sounds Like There's No Antenna Connnected. No Spot

CHOOSING AN ANTENNA FOR FMBefore purchasing an FM antenna you must decide what type you really need. Define the problems you need to overcome and consider your location. The key to good FM/stereo reception is to get the maximum direct signal from the transmitter and minimum amount of reflected signal.

If you live in a metropolitan area or are located close to an FM transmitter, an antenna with sharp directivity is needed rather than a high-gain antenna. A good FM antenna should reject unwanted signals coming from a different direction or bouncing off obstructions. Good rejection depends on the antenna's front-to-back ratio and beam width. Front-to-back ratio is the antenna's sensitivity to signals coming at its rear. The higher the ratio, the better rejection of unwanted signals coming from behind. The beam width indicates the angle at the front of the antenna within which it can best receive the FM signal. A narrow beam width makes it difficult for unwanted signals to be received from the side.

From 2 to about 25 miles out is what is referred to as the "prime" FM reception area. Here, multipath distortion is less of a problem, and a medium gain antenna with a moderate beam width should be perfect. However, if you wish to receive FM stations in different directions you'd probably want a directional antenna with rotator.

From 20 to 40 miles out is the normal reception area, and an antenna with good gain is needed. Again, depending on the location of the FM transmitters, you may want a directional FM antenna with rotator.

If you are located more than 40 miles out you are in the "fringe" area. You'll need a "hot antenna," that is, one with high gain. If stations come in at the same or adjacent channels the antenna must be directional. Again, a rotator may be required. If the antenna alone doesn't provide enough gain, the use of a Winegard amplifier may be helpful.

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