FM radio receivers need an antennae to pick up the signal a radio station transmits. FM radio signals are a much higher frequency than AM and therefore have a much more limited range. Installing a better antennae can lead to improved reception. FM stations only have about a 75 mile range and any receiver more than 50 miles away may need an improved antennae.
Making the antennae out of speaker wire.
Video of the Day
Step 1
Measure out three feet of the ten foot length of speaker wire.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Split the dual speaker wire at the three foot mark. Create a large "T" with each three foot length placed perpendicular to the remaining seven foot of unseparated speaker cable.
Step 3
Strip the insulation of about two inches of cable at the end of the seven foot length of speaker cable.
Connecting the speaker wire to the receiver
Step 1
Find the external antennae connection on the rear of the receiver. It may be labeled "ext. ant" or "ant."
Step 2
Wrap each of the two speaker cable wires around the posts at the external antennae connection. If the connection is a clamp-and-hold device then clamp and hold.
Step 3
Twist the two wires together into a single wire. This is only necessary if the external antennae connection is a single post or clamp. There is no electrical current running through the antennae wires and joining the two wires will not run the risk of shock.
Extending the antennae
Step 1
Place the receiver (and if possible the entire stereo system) near a window.
Step 2
Run the antennae wire under the window across the sill and around any window screen.
Step 3
On the outside of the window attach the wire to a location as high as possible. A small finishing nail may be needed to support the wire.
Step 4
Extend the two separated wires in opposite directions outside the window. Tack a finishing nail at the end of each wire for support as needed.
Checking FM radio reception
Step 1
Turn on the receiver and check the signal level for all desired stations.
Step 2
Relocate the stereo if possible to another window on the other side of the room or building if reception is still not acceptable.
Step 3
Consider adding add more wire to the two extended leads if step two does not achieve the desired results.
Adding length to the two antennae leads
Step 1
Cut a length of speaker wire.
Step 2
Split the two wires into single length pieces.
Step 3
Strip insulation from one end of each length of single cable exposing about one inch.
Step 4
Strip about one inch of insulation from the end of the antennae leads.
Step 5
Twist the exposed wire of one extension to one antennae lead. Repeat on the other lead. Extend the total length of the two longer leads and support with a finishing nail if necessary.