How to Build an Indoor AM/FM Antenna

If you like to listen to the radio, a poor signal on your FM stations can take away some of the pleasure. But static and weak signals can be combated by using an antenna. This simple design is compact enough for use in the home or apartment.

Things You'll Need

• 300-ohm twin lead cable
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape
• Soldering iron and solder
• Coaxial cable with F-type connector on one end

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a piece of 300-ohm twin-lead cable to at least 4-1/2 feet in length with a pair of wire cutters. The cable needs to be long enough to reach from the antenna's location to the receiver's antenna jack. Strip 1/2-inch of insulation from the wires on both ends of the cable with a set of wire strippers. Twist the two wires on each end of the cable together, and wrap the joints with a small piece of electrical tape.

2. Measure 2 feet, 3 inches from the end of the cable, or the halfway point if your cable is longer, and cut one of the two leads of the cable. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of the cut lead with your wire strippers.

3. Solder the leads from onto the two leads of a coaxial cable with an F-type connector on the other end, soldering one lead to each lead of the coaxial cable.

4. Plug the F-type connector into the receiver's antenna jack. Position the antenna to get the best signal reception. You can tack the antenna to a wall with thumbtacks inserted into the center of the twin-lead cable.

References

• "The ARRL Antenna Book"; American Radio Relay League and R. Dean Straw; 2007)