How to Make a Dual Coil AM Antenna
AM radio reception is by definition rife with interference. An external AM antenna improves upon the signal strength of the radio waves being received and transmits this improved signal to the AM radio to which it is connected. You'll need a few supplies from a hardware store as well as a few tools -- but no specialized equipment that most homes would be hard pressed to have on hand.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- RG-6 coaxial cable, 10 feet
- Grease pencil
- Utility knife
- Wire strippers
- Heat shrink tubing, 9 feet
- Hair dryer
- RF adapter
- Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
- Plastic twist-tie
- AM radio
Instructions
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1
Measure six inches in from the connector at one end of the RG-6 coaxial cable. Make a dot with the grease pencil at the six-inch mark. Cut off the connector at the other end of the cable with the blade of a utility knife. Slit across the outer insulation from the cut end until you come to the grease pencil dot. Pull the insulation off the wiring inside with your fingers. Cut the insulation off the cable with the utility knife.
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2
Pull the wire mesh back from the cut end to reveal the four wires inside. Strip an inch of insulation off the ends of the two like-colored wires with wire strippers.
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3
Place a length of heat-shrink tubing over the cut end of the cable. Pull the tubing across the cable until it comes to the insulation that is still there. Cut the end of the tubing so the exposed ends of the two wires can again be seen.
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4
Run the hot air from a hair dryer set at medium across the tubing until the tubing shrinks. Let the tubing cool off for five minutes before continuing.
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5
Loosen the two screws on the RF adapter with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Place the exposed end of one of the two wires around one of the two screws on the adapter. Place the exposed end of the other wire around the other screw. Tighten the screws.
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6
Coil the coaxial cable twice around your arm. Secure the rolled coaxial cable in position with a plastic twist-tie.
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7
Place the coiled roll of cable next to the AM radio. Place the connector on the RF adapter over the RF connection socket on the back of the radio.
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Tips & Warnings
A heat gun can be used instead of a hair dryer.
