AM/FM antenna

[Shutterbug]

Any thoughts on whether it's worth the effort/expense to purchase? Looks like they're priced from $40 on up. I currently have the flimsy 3' wire plugged in and don't pick up many fm stations. Thanks

[Scooper]

You can look into an adapter that allows you to utilize the VHF Marine radio antenna as an option

Shakespeare Am-Fm VHF Splitter

Manufacturer: Shakespeare
MPN: 4357-S
Product SKU: SHA-4357-S
Weight: 2.00 pounds


Eliminate the need for separate AM/FM antennas and operate AM/FM and VHF radios at the same time without interfering with VHF radio performance. Complete with 10' RG-62 AM/FM cable, 3' RG-58 VHF cable, and connector installed. Works with all types of marine VHF antennas.

[Shutterbug]

Thanks, I don't understand much when discussing wavelength, frequencies, etc.

I attached a motorola plug to an unused 4' cell phone antenna. Didn't get any better reception than using the fm plug-in 6' wire. So I don't understand how using the vhf antenna can increase reception for fm.

Since the splitter's price is near what a low end fm antenna would cost I'm more interested in how effective the antenna is. Thanks again

[Scooper]

VHF Marine frequencies operate on FM frequencies in the 150 -160 Mhz range. FM radio (broadcast radio) operates on lower frequencies (88.0- 108 Mhz) in the VHF range. The frequencies are close enough that you can use the VHF Marine antenna top receive FM broadcast radio stations.

The cell phone antenna is designed much higher frequencies, (ie 800 Mhz) so its out of range.

Think of the antenna as a light house, the higher it is the more it can see and be seen. So, if you have the antenna high enough its should see more of the horizon and therefore get better reception. The FM wire doesn't give you that exposure to the radio signals that are being broadcast.

There is more that come in to play, but having the fixed antenna is better than the wire. Same with cars with the antenna as a wire that sits along the rear window vs an actual antenna whip on the quarter panel.