Audio Systems: improve reception of single wire fm antenna indoor, pole antenna, fm antenna

Question
QUESTION: I have a table top Record player, Cd, tape, and radio player.  The only antenna is a 3 ft single wire.  There is  no external terminal to attach a fm antenna.  If you extend the wire it creates more static and pulls in more local stations and blocks outlying stations.  moving the wire around does help.  Same problem with a clock radio that has a power cord antenna.  This has to be a common problem but I found no easy solution.  Thanks for your help   Al

ANSWER: I wish there were a simple fix but unforunately antenna reception (RF frequencies)is one of the more complicated matters in the electronic world. You see, unlike normal cable it doesn't send a signal through the cable from point A to point B. The frequencies, because they are high, actually travel on the outside of the copper and the length must be precise because it travels in both directions. You can't really extend the Di-pole antenna that came with the unit but you can replace it with an external antennal made for FM reception or if your cable company supports the FM frequencies of the stations you listen to, then you can connect it to a signal from that cable box.

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QUESTION: I have a terk "FM Edge   Power antenna   with a 75 ohm transformer, It comes with a cable TV connector, and a splitter. It does not work by attaching to the end of the single wire, and attaching the other end to ground. (reception is worse) I could cut (remove) the singe fm wire antenna, and solder  the red lead to that spot and the black to a ground spot on the radio. I could give this a try.  What do you think ?

thanks  al


Answer
I seem to remember that the Terk is fitted with an F connector. If so you need an transormer that converts 75 ohms to 300 ohms, both two conductors. I wouldn't recommend cutting and splicing with RF. Always use molded adaptors, Radio Shack is a good source. Terk was always very helpful with their products. If you still have no improvement try giving them a shout.