by Engineer Guy » Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:52 pm
FM Antennas are typically 31" long, since that's resonant to the middle of the FM Band. I've made my own out of Enamelled thin Wire. You can buy a replacement Cable to get from your
Radio to where the External Antenna begins. It could be under non-metallic Molding, etc.. The Cable Outer Shield connects only at the Radio end. Connect the External Antenna to only the center Cable Conductor.
Sony and others make lil spool Antennas. You could clip one end to an Insulated Feedthrough that then connects to the Radio. You toss the other end over a Tree Limb, or run it to the TV Roof Rack, etc.. These are best for pulling in long distance AM Stations at night. The point here is that there's nothing to break off in travel.
If you wanted an Antenna to double for CB or CB emergencies, cut the Wire to 102" in length. It could clip on to become a CB Antenna for good range, especially at night. I Boondock, so I like backup Communications.
Wire diameter does not matter practically in Radio reception. Make the Antenna thin and hide it, if you like.
~Reality proceeds with or without your consensus~