FM DX Gear

[Rob]

I'm looking into getting into FM DX under $100.00, anyone know of a great receiver and antenna i can just mount inside (something simple) I don't want to put anything outside as we have hurricanes and a lot of lightning and my attics are too small.

are the wineguard antennas any good?

-Rob

[Jim Thomas]

Rob,

If you want to keep it basic, buy a Sony XDR-F1HD radio online (several places online for less than $100) and a 6-element fm yagi for less than $50 and can just about fit in some tight places indoors. Winegard makes a 6-element yagi that you can order online.

[cd637299]

If you can, get an antenna tripod if Radio Shack still has them (otherwise you may have to go eBay).....you can always undo it when you are finished. Note my avatar, and you will see what I mean.

cd

[K4NBF]

I agree on the Sony, it is a simple, low priced radio with great performance. Amazon has it for $85.99 with free shipping.

I have a Winegard 6065P antenna that has been discontinued (replaced with the smaller 6055P), and I'm very happy with it, I cannot speak for the new model, though.

Keep in mind, if you going to keep this antenna inside, the Winegard is almost 7 feet long, and the FM-6 antenna that Jim mentioned is just shy of 6 feet long, so make sure you have the space for the antenna and a little room to rotate it somewhat. If money or space prohibits, you will probably still be able to get some fairly good DX with the dipole antenna that comes with the Sony, especially if you can mount it in a decent spot (the outdoor side of a window is common).

[Rob]

it's both, if that's tv i would love to do it right and chimney it w/ a rotor. is this the sony that's a high def receiver? or analog FM?

+ we have hurricanes and lightning i don't want to take it down every time a cat 3 or higher storm comes.

-Rob

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

I have a Winegard 6065P antenna that has been discontinued (replaced with the smaller 6055P), and I'm very happy with it, I cannot speak for the new model, though.

Keep in mind, if you going to keep this antenna inside, the Winegard is almost 7 feet long, and the FM-6 antenna that Jim mentioned is just shy of 6 feet long, so make sure you have the space for the antenna and a little room to rotate it somewhat.

The Winegards are good antennas. I also have the 6065p (a pair - sweet! :laughing: ), and a 6055p in a box (one of these days ... :rolleyes: ). I've had the FM-6 in my tight attic and that's a nice antenna for it's size! It hears quite well. :)

[Danny]

Welcome to the Forums, Rob. Are you the same Rob who posts on TV/FM Skip Log?

I haven't DXed FM since the 1980s, but that Sony XDR-F1HD tuner sure has me thinking. Some *very* successful FM DXers (including Mike B) have high praise for the Sony.

If you live in Randy's region, you will do well with FM DX, maybe even with the free dipole. Christopher and other DXers have received some outstanding DX with the FM-6, so you might want to consider that antenna as an eventual investment.

[Jim Thomas]

Here's the cheapest FM antenna I could find online - a Winegard 4 element with a boom that is 33 inches X the longest element at 66 inches.

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=1&products_id=4584

[Rob]

Thanks, all I want to get something cheap, like this: http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem~d~winegard-hd-6010-omnidirectional-fm-antenna-(hd6010)~p~hd-6010.htm

Would this fit in my closet away from the PC's RF?
(I'm eyeing the Sony HD amazon has it for $75)

-Rob

[K4NBF]

The website says it has a 67" "maximum width", which is about 5.5 feet. If you orient it horizontally, the boom appears to be vertical, so you'll have to clear out about a foot of vertical space as well. Although I assume the omni-directional antenna would be an improvement over a dipole, I'm not sure to what extent. But if omni-directionality is important to you (not sure why), than go for it.

If you are able to fit the antenna you linked, than the 4 element beam that Jim linked should easily fit, is even cheaper, and will offer you some directionality, which is pretty useful. You could always mount the dipole that comes with the Sony in your closet or on a window in addition to the beam if you want a secondary and less directional antenna...

[Rob]

That looks like it may work for MW, too. I want to keep it as far away from PC as possible.

This looks better: http://www.summitsource.com/antennacraft-fmss-turnstile-omnidirectional-fm-antenna-dipole-2-element-outdoor-radio-station-signal-rooftop-local-offair-digital-stereo-reception-aerial-part-fmss-p-6056.html

I may stick it in the other room (12X12) and run a 20 foot coax.

-Rob

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

Heck, just make a folded dipole from speaker wire. Somewhat directional and you can bend, fold, or mutilate it to fit your space. Cost: $0.00 :cool:

http://www.electronics-radio.com/articles/radio/antennas/dipole/folded_dipole.gif

[Rob]

if i had speakers, just going to plug to board. i just want to be able to hear 101.1 talk radio (coast to coast am) out of panama, 65 miles away. as well as dx.

-Rob