Finally...I've installed my Antennacraft FM6

[Tincap]

So, I finally installed my Antennacraft FM6, with mixed results. I had hooked it up to my JVC micro-system and certainly I was no longer in an FM 'black hole'. From Syracuse NY to Burlington Vermont, some familiar stations which I could only get in the car, were now coming in. But, the JVC is clearly not the most selective thing in the world, so I was somewhat disappointed with the results.

Then...I went digging through the storage room and dug up something which I hadn't hooked up for quite a long while. The old Luxman R 1070, which I had picked up for $20, years ago at the Sally Ann. The results...all I can say is, WOW! I'm still (obviously) playing around with it, but the selectivity on the Luxman, combined with the FM6, are pulling in stuff which I never thought I'd hear in the house. On 103.1, it's separating and pulling in CFMX (The New Classical 103.1) Colbourg ON, over semi-local WTOJ Watertown NY, for Pete's sake, with both transmitters being west, south/west of me. Just a slight tweak on the antenna and bingo!

There's much more to play with and when tropo and/or E-skip season comes along, who knows what this combo with haul in? At the moment however, I'm pretty darn stoked! ;D

~BG

 

[kenglish]

Get hold of a variable attenuator, and see what happens as you change the signal levels (to prevent overload). You may find even more stuff buried between channels.

 

[spunker88]

What stations are you getting with that setup, I'd be curious to see since you are somewhat close to where I am. What Syracuse stations are you getting? I know Ottawa has stations on 93.1 and now 94.5 which are the grandfathered FMs in Syracuse. Before 94.5 signed on in Ottawa I can remember picking up WYYY in Canton, NY pretty easily even without tropo. In Canton on 107.9 I remember hearing VPR and Hot 107.9 would come in every now and then. But I hear there is a new 107.9 coming in Prescott soon.

Also depending on how selective your radio is you may be able to get Wolf 105.1 from south of Syracuse. When I was in Canton my car radio was getting them sometimes but also adjacent interference from 104.9 JR-FM and Kiss 105.3 since it isn't the most selective radio in the world.

 

[Tincap]

What stations are you getting with that setup, I'd be curious to see since you are somewhat close to where I am. What Syracuse stations are you getting? I know Ottawa has stations on 93.1 and now 94.5 which are the grandfathered FMs in Syracuse. Before 94.5 signed on in Ottawa I can remember picking up WYYY in Canton, NY pretty easily even without tropo. In Canton on 107.9 I remember hearing VPR and Hot 107.9 would come in every now and then. But I hear there is a new 107.9 coming in Prescott soon.

Also depending on how selective your radio is you may be able to get Wolf 105.1 from south of Syracuse. When I was in Canton my car radio was getting them sometimes but also adjacent interference from 104.9 JR-FM and Kiss 105.3 since it isn't the most selective radio in the world.

I'll play with the antenna direction, as normally CKCU does occupy 93.1, but I have heard another trying to break in, while along the St. Lawrence. I live just north of Brockville, which does have a TIS on 94.5, however Y94 did still make it through for me, even before my current set up. As a young lad, I used to listen to Syracuse's 94.5 often, but it had a somewhat different format , back in the day.

On 107.9, I now get a weak to fair VPR and Hot 107.9 into the house, along with Cobourg's "The Breeze" CHUC-FM. All of these I've gotten in the car, with both VPR and Hot 107.9 being heard up in Ottawa on a regular basis, while Algonquin College's station, CKDJ, is in summer hiatus. And no...I'll not be a happy camper when the new Prescott station signs on. What'll be, another MyFM or Moose fixture, something like that? Kemptville, just up the 416, will also be signing on at 97.5....

I've had Wolf 105.1 pop in on a previous (probably tropo) occasion, so yes that would be a good test, but I'm pretty happy about picking up a static free signal from 102.7 WLYK "The Lake", through the former clutter brought on by Ottawa's 102.5 CBOX and Ogdensburg's 102.9 WNCQ.

On 99.9, I can get Gananoque's new MyFM outlet, separating out Brockville's CKJJ, but I've yet to see if I can swing around and snag Burlington VT's WBTZ "The Buzz", or somewhat more challenging (due to crossing local signal paths) Cortland NY's i100 and Toronto's Virgin Radio.

On 88.7 I can tune in Napanee's MyFM outlet once again, having been previously crushed by the new local, WPRX...which gives me hope that one day, I just might be able to snag Windsor ON's CIMX "89X", which used to be a semi-regular visitor for me, years ago.

And yes, Mr. kenglish, I'll see if I can score a variable attenuator on the cheap, which would make things even more interesting. ;D

~BG

 

[rbrucecarter5]

And yes, Mr. kenglish, I'll see if I can score a variable attenuator on the cheap, which would make things even more interesting. ;D

Assuming a 75 Ohm antenna system, you can make your own with some connectors and resistors:

Across both input and output connectors, place 75 Ohms from signal to ground. Between the two signal pins, connect a potentiometer. 100k to 500k linear should work great. Make sure all is in a shielded box.

For large values of attenuation, it will approximate the correct impedance closely. For small attenuations, it will be an impedance mismatch. Adjusting the pot to zero is ridiculous anyway, the whole idea is attenuation. A bypass switch that completely disconnects the attenuator part is a good idea.

 

[K6JHU]

If you want to try a fixed attenuator and you have a 75 ohm input, you might rummage around your old CATV splitters. Many of them are attenuators as well. The splitter on my CATV coax is 5.5 db.

I thought the FM-6 was a 300 ohm system and that you needed a balun to make it work with 75 ohms.

 

[Tincap]

If you want to try a fixed attenuator and you have a 75 ohm input, you might rummage around your old CATV splitters. Many of them are attenuators as well. The splitter on my CATV coax is 5.5 db.

I thought the FM-6 was a 300 ohm system and that you needed a balun to make it work with 75 ohms.

Jeepers, I appreciate the input folks, but some of it is a bit too technical for ol' ham fisted me. I can tell you that the transformer (the type we used to find on the back of many old TV sets) which I've hooked up to the antenna driver posts, also has a balun built into it. There is also an attenuator switch on the back of the R-1070, which certainly makes a difference.

I doubt that this evening's conditions are the best for FM DXing, but I am pulling in Toronto's Jazz FM91, from 200 miles (ATCF) west of me. I may also have Toledo Ohio's WGTE tapping on my head phones, because I've been getting classical music, other than WCNY, on 91.3. I've had a similar situation in the car, once over the summer, but until I can get a solid ID on it, I can't say for sure. It may not be E-skip season, but that doesn't mean that the FM band is uninteresting!

~BG

 

[cyberdad]

I was going to ask you about Toronto before I read your last post. My guess is that you're now uniquely positioned and equipped to pick up Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Syracuse, and just about anything in between!

 

[kenglish]

You got me wondering, whatever happened to my old (1970's) 10-element Radio Shack FM Yagi?
Last I saw, I think it was on my parents' roof back home, but it was taken down years ago for house painting.

I had it on a 20-foot pole, with a rotator, in Southern Maryland back in the mid 70's. Got stations on every channel...Maryland, Virginia, Delaware. I guess the Chesapeake Bay water helped, too.

I haven't seen any FM Yagi with more than 6 elements, in years. Triax (Denmark) used to do a nine, but it's out of production.

 

[K6JHU]

Used to use an FM-4G on a rotor with a 20 foot mast. I was halfway between two metropolitan areas. By rotating the antenna 180 degrees I could listen to the same frequency from two different cities. Is 'Capture Ratio' still a specification on FM receivers

 

[Tincap]

I was going to ask you about Toronto before I read your last post. My guess is that you're now uniquely positioned and equipped to pick up Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Syracuse, and just about anything in between!

I believe I am, with Syracuse, Toronto, the Quinte region, the Kawartha's, Bancroft, mid-Ottawa Valley (including the rather unique CHIP 101.7 at Fort-Coulonge QC), Ottawa, Montreal, Plattsburg NY and Burlington VT, having come into range. However, (unlike the house where I grew up, out side of Brockville) my current location is in a bit of a dip. My antenna is sitting about 30 feet off the ground (I can rotate the mast, from the relative comfort of my porch ), but if I were located on higher ground, the range could be even better. Once tropo starts coming into play, then I can expect places like St Catherines ON, Buffalo and Albany NY, etc., to come rolling in, with...maybe a few more surprises. 8)

There are a lot of co-channels, in my area, but (as K6JHU mentions) rotating the antenna provides interesting finds...even if only tweaking the mast.

~BG

 

[rbrucecarter5]

You got me wondering, whatever happened to my old (1970's) 10-element Radio Shack FM Yagi?

That is a good one! It is well worth using. I had reliable 300 mile reception with it in Texas over flat terrain, receiving full class C stations on 2000 foot towers.

 

[spunker88]

I believe I am, with Syracuse, Toronto, the Quinte region, the Kawartha's, Bancroft, mid-Ottawa Valley (including the rather unique CHIP 101.7 at Fort-Coulonge QC), Ottawa, Montreal, Plattsburg NY and Burlington VT, having come into range. However, (unlike the house where I grew up, out side of Brockville) my current location is in a bit of a dip. My antenna is sitting about 30 feet off the ground (I can rotate the mast, from the relative comfort of my porch ), but if I were located on higher ground, the range could be even better. Once tropo starts coming into play, then I can expect places like St Catherines ON, Buffalo and Albany NY, etc., to come rolling in, with...maybe a few more surprises. 8)

There are a lot of co-channels, in my area, but (as K6JHU mentions) rotating the antenna provides interesting finds...even if only tweaking the mast.

~BG

CHIP 101.7 is one of those stations that keep me interested in DXing. They are a true community radio station which are getting harder and harder to find, especially here in the states.

For me WBLK 93.7 seems to be the easiest Buffalo station to get, and during a really good opening in 2010 I got several North Bay, Ontario stations on an indoor antenna during the night. Just image what your FM6 can do.

 

[cyberdad]

CHIP 101.7 is one of those stations that keep me interested in DXing. They are a true community radio station which are getting harder and harder to find, especially here in the states.

My impression is that the CRTC is making a serious effort to (literally) find room for these. If that indeed is the case...kudos to them!

I get a kick out of listening online to CFDY, in my family's hometown of Cochrane, ON. Community operated non-profit low-power FM in a small northern town. Corny, funky, all over the map...but still intensely local, funny (intentionally or otherwise), and a great listen!

Note if you search for them that their legal call letters are CFDY, but they call themselves CPBR which stands for "Polar Bear Radio"

(Apologies for the off-topic veer)

 

[Tincap]

I believe I am, with Syracuse, Toronto, the Quinte region, the Kawartha's, Bancroft, mid-Ottawa Valley (including the rather unique CHIP 101.7 at Fort-Coulonge QC), Ottawa, Montreal, Plattsburg NY and Burlington VT, having come into range. However, (unlike the house where I grew up, out side of Brockville) my current location is in a bit of a dip. My antenna is sitting about 30 feet off the ground (I can rotate the mast, from the relative comfort of my porch ), but if I were located on higher ground, the range could be even better. Once tropo starts coming into play, then I can expect places like St Catherines ON, Buffalo and Albany NY, etc., to come rolling in, with...maybe a few more surprises. 8)

There are a lot of co-channels, in my area, but (as K6JHU mentions) rotating the antenna provides interesting finds...even if only tweaking the mast.

~BG

CHIP 101.7 is one of those stations that keep me interested in DXing. They are a true community radio station which are getting harder and harder to find, especially here in the states.

For me WBLK 93.7 seems to be the easiest Buffalo station to get, and during a really good opening in 2010 I got several North Bay, Ontario stations on an indoor antenna during the night. Just image what your FM6 can do.

I agree, re CHIP. As for Buffalo, for me it's (19.5 kW) WLKK 107.7, which is the most frequent visitor, though WYRK 106.5 has dropped by this summer. Both of these I've picked up in the car, but have to haul in on my new-ish set up, here at home. WBEN 94.5, could be a nice little challange... I have pointed the antenna in the North Bay/Sudbury direction, but no luck yet.

My impression is that the CRTC is making a serious effort to (literally) find room for these. If that indeed is the case...kudos to them!

One has to wonder sometimes, but I think you may have a valid point, Cyber. The Maritimes seems to be a bit of a hot spot for community based stations. Our favourite station out in Halifax, was (is) CFEP, which plays some pretty high quality elevator music!

As for tonight, Toronto's CJRT came in beautifully, during our supper hour. Perfect timing! Also picked CHIN 100.7, with it's whopping 4kW signal. It must be coming off of the CN Tower, but even so...at a tick under 200 miles (196.853, as the crow flies ), it's a nice little catch from amongst my crowded dial.

~BG

 

[Tincap]

Conditions are/were pretty good this morning, with CJRT and CFMX (trumping semi-local WTOJ) being good indicators. I've bagged my first Buffalo FM, here in the house, with WNED's distinctive presence being heard on 94.5 (over local Brockville TIS CIIB). I've tried for previous Buffalo visitors to my region, WLKK and WYRK, but those frequencies were very cluttered this morning. The distance from my place to the WNED stick is 211 miles, so I don't know if we're looking at tropo or extreme fringe, but I'm always happy to have new visitors on my dial. ;D

~BG

 

[Andrew K]

I got my AntennaCraft FM6 delivered a couple days ago, and I just installed it on my roof today. The performance is good, but I can't really find out how good it really is unless I can somehow eliminate the overload from nearby FM towers. The antenna seems to make overload unbearable on random frequencies. I was playing around with an FM trap hooked up to it, which should technically attenuate everything on the FM dial, but when I had the AntennaCraft pointed toward the distant radio stations I wanted to receive, I could still pick up these stations. I just ordered a variable attenuator from Solid Signal since Radio Shack doesn't carry these. But I was looking at FM notch filters, and those are very expensive. There are a few nearby FM signals I would love to selectively eliminate.

I live in Akron Ohio, and with the FM trap, I can still receive 88.7 WJCU. Without, I picked up a few random signals I've never heard of like 103.9 WMNI Columbus.

Here is a picture of the antenna on my roof... http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/thereallefank/AntennaCraftFM6.jpg

 

[kenglish]

My Father died last July, and my brother found the old 10-element yagi in the basement while cleaning the place out.
I told him he could take it home to his new place in Wisconsin, but he did not have room to carry it.
It went in the recycle bin.

It would have been perfect for rural Wisconsin.

 

[Tincap]

I got my AntennaCraft FM6 delivered a couple days ago, and I just installed it on my roof today. The performance is good, but I can't really find out how good it really is unless I can somehow eliminate the overload from nearby FM towers. The antenna seems to make overload unbearable on random frequencies. I was playing around with an FM trap hooked up to it, which should technically attenuate everything on the FM dial, but when I had the AntennaCraft pointed toward the distant radio stations I wanted to receive, I could still pick up these stations. I just ordered a variable attenuator from Solid Signal since Radio Shack doesn't carry these. But I was looking at FM notch filters, and those are very expensive. There are a few nearby FM signals I would love to selectively eliminate.

I live in Akron Ohio, and with the FM trap, I can still receive 88.7 WJCU. Without, I picked up a few random signals I've never heard of like 103.9 WMNI Columbus.

Here is a picture of the antenna on my roof... http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/thereallefank/AntennaCraftFM6.jpg

Andrew, what radio/tuner do you have hooked up to the FM6? When I first gave it a try, it was hooked up to my JVC micro system...that was a mess, over-loading big time. I hooked up my old Luxman R-1070, getting much better results, although when signals dropped below a certain threshold, adjacents would sneak in. However, when I hooked up the G8 to it, I have no issues with over-loading or adjacents. I live further from local towers than you do, but these locals still come in well over 60 dBu, yet I have no issues on adjacents.

Good luck, man, keep us up-dated!

~BG

 

[Andrew K]

I got my AntennaCraft FM6 delivered a couple days ago, and I just installed it on my roof today. The performance is good, but I can't really find out how good it really is unless I can somehow eliminate the overload from nearby FM towers. The antenna seems to make overload unbearable on random frequencies. I was playing around with an FM trap hooked up to it, which should technically attenuate everything on the FM dial, but when I had the AntennaCraft pointed toward the distant radio stations I wanted to receive, I could still pick up these stations. I just ordered a variable attenuator from Solid Signal since Radio Shack doesn't carry these. But I was looking at FM notch filters, and those are very expensive. There are a few nearby FM signals I would love to selectively eliminate.

I live in Akron Ohio, and with the FM trap, I can still receive 88.7 WJCU. Without, I picked up a few random signals I've never heard of like 103.9 WMNI Columbus.

Here is a picture of the antenna on my roof... http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h205/thereallefank/AntennaCraftFM6.jpg

Andrew, what radio/tuner do you have hooked up to the FM6? When I first gave it a try, it was hooked up to my JVC micro system...that was a mess, over-loading big time. I hooked up my old Luxman R-1070, getting much better results, although when signals dropped below a certain threshold, adjacents would sneak in. However, when I hooked up the G8 to it, I have no issues with over-loading or adjacents. I live further from local towers than you do, but these locals still come in well over 60 dBu, yet I have no issues on adjacents.

Good luck, man, keep us up-dated!

~BG

I was first using my Accurian tabletop HD radio, and it experienced a lot of overload. So I switched a few radios around to find which performed the best. It seems that my Sangean ATS-909X does the best at eliminating overload. I don’t hear much if any distorted audio overload on other frequencies with the AntennaCraft and the Sangean. But overload on the Sangean translates to a soft hissing/static that blankets the weak signals and makes them harder to hear, even though they’re noticeably there. My thought is to try the variable attenuator first and see what it does when I receive it in the mail. If that doesn’t work, I purchased a Winegard tunable FM attenuator, which selectively attenuates the specific problem frequency.