FM antenna

[musichal]

I live downtown and perhaps it's all the reflections from buildings around me but I've never had great fm reception. I googled around and built a quick and dirty j- pole from some scrap aluminum tubing, well it works great. I tucked it behind furniture and it is out of sight and locks on FM. Don't ask me explain I think antennas are the realm of dark arts,

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How long is it?

 

[sensei91]

I too have not had much success with powered antennas. Simply makes the noise louder! I use a simple dipole, as high inside the house as I can, the length tuned to the desired frequency, and stretched in the proper direction.

I would be concerned about an ungrounded antenna anywhere outside my house, even on a deck. Lightening might still find it.

Thanks, good point. Although remote, still a chance.
Should I attached it to the nearby grounding stake for the electrical system nearby ? The electrical system is also grounded to city water pipes per code.

 

[DaWoofer]

A small antenna up high is better than a big one one the ground. Now, a super big one on a picnic table might work better.

 

[musichal]

Thanks, good point. Although remote, still a chance.
Should I attached it to the nearby grounding stake for the electrical system nearby ? The electrical system is also grounded to city water pipes per code.

As far as lightning is concerned, my experience has been that if your home has a few tall trees around then if it does strike they catch it. Loblolly pines are great for this. Once, lightning struck a tree only six feet from my open window and though it shook the whole house and startled me awake momentarily, no electronics suffered nor was the house damaged - only the tree.