Attic Antenna

[SnyperBob]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering what all of you do for FM signals in terms of listening to the radio. I'm interested in getting an attic antenna just for the sole use of receiving FM for any stereos in the house. Are there any you guys recommend that work well in the attic?

I'd rather not put another antenna on the roof just to receive FM. Also, do most antenna like these just need one RG6 run to it from my wiring closet/distribution area?

Thanks,
Snypez

 

[pete]

I built one of the antennas described in this write up (PDF) . .

works great, especially for the price . .

Pete C

PS. if you have a standard TV antenna, it will work for FM as well (FM freqs are actually between TV chan 6 and 7)

 

[CollinR]

You might consider ATSC too, if you are going to go through the effort of putting an antenna in your attic. Right now it providdes the highest quality of broadcast HDTV and it'll probably be that way for a while. At least until most/all cable providers have abandoned their analog lineups.

 

[SnyperBob]

You might consider ATSC too, if you are going to go through the effort of putting an antenna in your attic. Right now it providdes the highest quality of broadcast HDTV and it'll probably be that way for a while. At least until most/all cable providers have abandoned their analog lineups.

Will that receive FM signals too? I plan on putting a HD over the air antenna on the roof just to be safe that it will receive signals better than if it were in the attic.

I'm just looking for something to receive FM. Also, can someone answer my original ? as well, do I just need to run one Coax for the FM antenna?

I guess while we're talking about it as well, how many coax need to be run for those HD over the air antennas?

 

[dkemme]

FM antenna? So last century. Have you found a radio station that doesn't stream over the internet?

 

[SnyperBob]

FM antenna? So last century. Have you found a radio station that doesn't stream over the internet?

While a great point, I'd like to not have to waste the bandwidth by streaming local radio stations over my connection. I'm already streaming my mp3's from home to work, and streaming XM stations from the Net. Not to mention my home-served web site, FTP server, etc...

I need to conserve what little bandwidth I have for gaming

 

[pete]

. . . can someone answer my original ? as well, do I just need to run one Coax for the FM antenna?

not a EE, I use 1 run of RG-6 to a typical TV splitter, not sure what it does to the gain on the antenna, but it works for the 3 receivers I am using . . .

Pete C

 

[SnyperBob]

What kind of antennas are you guys using for FM radio reception? Do you guys have any that are mounted in the attic, or is everyone using old fashioned roof ones on poles?

I am almost embarassed to ask questions about attic antennas. I can't find any recommendations anywhere, and even on CocoonTech no one seems to use old school antennas....

Please post up more of what you guys are using. I have my receivers in the basement wiring closet, so I need something to get good reception. Thanks

 

[SnyperBob]

I may just try to go with Pete's home made version and see what results I can get with that. Looks like $5 in parts, lol

 

[SnyperBob]

Oh, another question....if I end up spending money on an FM antenna, will it work for a future HD radio or whatever? I'll have to do some research on those and see what kind of antennas they use...

 

[pete]

I may just try to go with Pete's home made version and see what results I can get with that. Looks like $5 in parts, lol

The design is directional, this may or may not be good for your situation . .

are you trying to pull in distant stations, or are you in good rec'v range ?

 

[bfisher]

For FM, I installed the Winegard HD6010: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD-6010

My wife really likes 1 station that was impossible to pick up, so while I was installing a DB4 (for HD TV), I put this in as well. It works really good, and is basically invisible outside since it's just a couple of poles that blend right in (at least in my installation). I did not install it in an attic so I can't comment on that - but outside it works very well.

Also, I'll compliment SolidSignal - they did a great job helping me ensure I had everything I needed for my installations.

<edit: I do see that on the website it says it is HD Radio compatible >

 

[upstatemike]

For passive AM/FM antennas I like to use Godar.

 

[Steve]

I put a Rat Shack VU-90 in the attic for OTA locals in HD. Its just laid up there partially open right now for testing but seems to be doing a pretty good job.

 

[SnyperBob]

Thanks guys for the recommendations. The only other one I came across was this:
http://www.magnumdynalab.com/fmantenna-st2.htm

It's like $100, but looks like it would work really well. I'm just looking to receive stations broadcasted from Chicago....like 50 miles away or whatever. My house has a lot of reception issues (I have reception problems with my cell phone in some spots).

I'm just looking for a cheap attic passive solution. I don't have power up there, but I could put it in if really needed. We wouldn't use FM much, but I still want to be able to listen to the talk shows in the morning or whatever...

I'd like a solution that is totally in the attic (opposed to on the roof, or pole mounted). We get some really heavy winds and I won't want to have any issues with it being on the roof. Plus I don't want to see it all the time (on the roof).

I'm going to look over all of your recommendations and see what I think will work OK. Thanks again