TV Antenna for FM

[braxus]

I couple years ago I bought a circular roof style tv antenna. It picks up VHF (not sure about UHF or not) and has a FM trap in it. Is it possible to remove the FM trap so I can strictly use the antenna to pick up FM stations? If so how does one remove the FM trap if its inside the unit? What exactly does the trap look like?

[Warped Bezel]

I don't know which model you have. If it is it would probably switch on the unit.

A standard VHF/UHF antenna automatically receives FM (88-108), AIR (aviation frequencies) various types ofanalog scanner traffic, well past 100 miles (180 km probably) with good height and aiming. I've wanted to move from 20 to 35 feet with a rotor for a long time.

A circular antenna is fine for a small reception area. If it cannot receive either VHF or UHF well enough for DTV you will eventually have a problem as I understand that Canada does have DTV if not in a major manner but they will likely convert in five years' time.

I would highly recommend even a small conventional TV antenna. I added a good Channel Master amplifier ten years ago and my reception of all DTV signals was helped a lot in my situation.

[braxus]

I went looking for the antenna to see what I bought and now I can't find it. Its dissapeared somewhere in the crawl space. I'll see if I can find it.

[Nakdoc]

On most antennas, the FM trap is actually some extra long elements that phase cancel FM. Look for scored VHF (long) elements and break them at the scoring to defeat the FM trap.

[braxus]

Anyway I found the antenna down in the crawl space. Got it out. Its a Nexxtech 21" Omni directional -Part No.: 741235119975 . I openned it up and found the circuit board attached to everything. See pics. So basically if I were to completely remove the whole circuit board and directly attach the wires to the output jack, this would work? I do have a soldering iron, so it would be easy enough to remove the board. I could also put in a little heavier wire to attach it all. Also it doesn't say it, but would this antenna work with HDTV Hi Def signals? It comes with an amplifier, but I don't know if it works with FM as well. If not I have an older Radio Shack amplifier I could use I know that does. Also with FM and HD signals, would it work to have this antenna sideways instead of horizontal? I know its meant for horizontal, but I don't know with FM if it matters or not.

[braxus]

I was hasty in removing the circuit board. Someone mentioned part of the amplifier is in that board. Oops. Well I do have a Radio Shack amp that will work, so maybe this will solve the problem. Anyway here is what I ended up doing. Anyway here are the pics of what I did and have. The original amp device is the pic 8 and the old one I have from years ago is 9.

[Warped Bezel]

I was hasty in removing the circuit board. Someone mentioned part of the amplifier is in that board. Oops. Well I do have a Radio Shack amp that will work, so maybe this will solve the problem. Anyway here is what I ended up doing. Anyway here are the pics of what I did and have. The original amp device is the pic 8 and the old one I have from years ago is 9.

I believe the RS amp is fine, provided you aren't cutting the FM off at the antenna.

Something to wonder about but probably not worry: In the US at least cellphone/wireless device bands have been involuntarily migrated to the 700 MHz region as TV channels 52-69 are being REMOVED by the FCC. While I don't know a lot about Canadian wireless services I might wonder what the presence of a tower nearby would do to the amplified block?

[braxus]

Not sure WB. I was told I forgot to put the impedance change device in there. I'll fix that.

[Warped Bezel]

Not sure WB. I was told I forgot to put the impedance change device in there. I'll fix that.

That is called a BALUN. The place to put THAT is prior to the devices that require the signal that way.

If your radio requires 75 ohms (cable type or clamp the center wire in and


Your TV also uses cable
Use a splitter and connect the radio as required

If you have differing inputs this is still fairly simple, baluns are made for going up and going down as well. You can run them either way by reversing the setup or finding the appropriate one.

Many, if not MOST quality old radios, even RADIO SHACK's will have both 75 AND 300 ohm antenna inputs.

Remember: To run FM sets on the same antenna always try to keep radios and televisions separated on the same line. Keep your FM free of just will leave you a satisfied listener. I don't like having everything on one line anyway, for the sake of stronger reception.