Will a CB antenna do a better job than a standard FM antenna?

[West]

So I read the thread about trying to get better reception about factory antenna's. I have looked at 5 sites online and I don't see anything that really looks spectacular to get me. I am looking for the best FM signal available. I currently have a stick on the window antenna with a booster, and all in all its pretty good.

I think I can do better though, since the signal gets worse as I head home. I know bigger is not always better, but how about a trucker style CB antenna to replace the FM window mount plus a booster? Any thoughts?

On another note Pioneers HD radio receiver is amazingly clear in the city, not so much closer to my home :/

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[ahole-ic]

I don't think so. A CB antenna is the proper length for the citizen's band. FM is an entirely different band and needs to be a different length. The length of the wave varies with the frequency and because of that maximum signal strength is obtained by the proper antenna length. Bigger is certainly not better for higher frequencies.

 

[dragonrage 10+ year member]

As long as the antenna is as large or larger than the wave length of the intended frequency, you're fine. But if it's larger, it's going to pick up extra noise from larger wavelengths (lower frequencies) as well as the signal you are looking for. A good CB antenna may be better for FM than a crappy FM antenna, but it should not beat a good FM antenna. Or so I think, anyway. I haven't actually compared them myself.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

What about an antenna amplifier?

 

[West]

Post removed... I was a moron lol

 

[West]

The window antenna has an amplifier, its hooked up and rocking... but I think I could be doing better. The window mount was

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

You can customise the length of an antenna for the frequency band you're trying to receive. It's a bit easier indoors... but here's a discussion on it:

Indoor FM Aerials: Use and Abuse

 

[West]

Wow... I never figured the length of the antenna was that closely linked to radio reception... Thanks!

Anyone know who makes the best brand of FM antenna? And who makes the best aftermarket booster?

 

[West]

Might give this bad-boy a try

Terk FM Pro FM Radio Antenna (FM-50) from Solid Signal

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I don't think so. A CB antenna is the proper length for the citizen's band. FM is an entirely different band and needs to be a different length. The length of the wave varies with the frequency and because of that maximum signal strength is obtained by the proper antenna length. Bigger is certainly not better for higher frequencies.

Best answer.

The formula for the "optimal size", at least for a vertical whip antenna like we're talking about on cars, is where the 8.5-foot length for the CB antenna comes from (234/27ish MHz). FM is much higher in frequency, so the length is shorter (234/90MHz = 2.6 feet, for an example).

Best case scenario, you'd have a full-size antenna on the highest point on the car, drilled through the sheetmetal to provide a good RF ground. If you can't do this, basically anything is better than the window mount, but it really should go through the metal.

What about an antenna amplifier?

Most of the time, all a preamplifier is going to do is give you so much signal that the receiver gets swamped. But if all you can do is a compromise antenna, it might be worth a try.

 

[West]

I called numberous places... They said I was boned basically >.> Thanks to everyone in this thread, I learned a lot. Does anyone want to start a business making epic audiophile antenna's, roof mounted with FILTERED antenna amps? We could call it EPIC Antenna's... get back to me if your in Tennessee //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Want the best antenna you can install?

Get a 3/4" hole saw or step bit, and drill a hole in the center of your roof. Install one of these:

Add a whip cut to somewhere in the FM band. Enjoy. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Or do what the cops do and use a trunk lip mount, with the holes on the inside - not as good from a ground perspective, but better than what you have now:

 

[West]

Where do I get one of those?!? Make/Model ###'s Please! You rock!

Do they sell a kit?

So I drill it into my roof?

What amplifier should I get with it?

Sorry for the barrage of questions.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I'd search through all your potential options before taking a hole saw to your car //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Some ideas for thought:

A lot of this was written for amateur radio use in mind, but the antenna mounting advice is still good for FM only: Amateur Radio VHF Options

NMO Hole Mount with Cable & BNC

Larsen Amateur Mobile Antennas NMO 440B