Does size matter? AM/FM Antenna options

[continuouswave]

Originally Posted by pcmm

...am/fm antennas are meant to be oriented vertically.

AM Broadcast Band signals are vertically polarized.

FM Broadcast Band signals were historically horizontally polarized. In recent decades some FM Broadcasters have added some vertically polarized component to their transmitted signal, resulting in what is known as elliptical polarization.

The best small antennas for the AM Broadcast Band are antennas that try to intercept the magnetic field wave, not the electric field wave. These antennas are typically shaped as a loop. Some useful guidance is given at

https://swling.com/blog/2021/08/wire...loop-antennas/

Magnetic loop receiving antennas are generally superior at rejecting electrical noise generated locally in the area of the antenna, and for this reason often give much better results.

For a RECEIVER to have a common ANTENNA INPUT for both the AM Broadcast Band and the FM Broadcast band is very suspect. There is really no basis for thinking one antenna could be properly designed to receive both bands, considering the extremely large difference in frequency and the difference in polarization.

[team karst]

Originally Posted by continuouswave

…

The best small antennas for the AM Broadcast Band are antennas that try to intercept the magnetic field wave, not the electric field wave. These antennas are typically shaped as a loop. Some useful guidance is given at

https://swling.com/blog/2021/08/wire...loop-antennas/

Magnetic loop receiving antennas are generally superior at rejecting electrical noise generated locally in the area of the antenna, and for this reason often give much better results.

.

An excellent reply. My only add is what the early pocket am only transistor radios did for an antenna. Wire wrapped ferrite. A mag field antenna. Also they were directional.
You might also remember on your dads old cars. If u even just touched the antenna anywhere, the signal disappeared. Strong evidence of the high impedance of that design antenna. Some even called them e field probes.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

There are still people listening to broadcast radio , via the airwaves I’ll be dammed.

Next you’ll be telling me you ride a horse to work

My AM/FM radio on the boat went into the recycle skip 4 years ago.

What a strange idea... at least to me! Here in Oz we are fortunate to have ABC coverage for nearly everywhere we've anchored over the years, and on their network is a 24 hour classic music station. We listen to it nearly every day of the year... and are not ashamed of this fact.

I gave up work years ago and don't like horseback riding. Does that give me any creds with you? (Trying to offset my failings in the radio area)

Jim

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

There are still people listening to broadcast radio , via the airwaves I’ll be dammed.

Next you’ll be telling me you ride a horse to work

My AM/FM radio on the boat went into the recycle skip 4 years ago.

Am listening to AM broadcast radio ATM, going to ride a horse shortly but not going to work!

[Luvboats]

Hola,

I have no expertise in your question but can tell you that I have a Fusion radio onboard and the antennae input is being fulfilled via my Raymarine AIS splitter. The splitter, beside allowing my VHF radio/AIS to share my mast top antennae also has a connection for the same type antennae plug I have had in all my vehicles for the past 40 years. I have no clue how it works, maybe some knowledgeable folk here could enlighten me, but I know that I often listen to both FM and AM stations here in the greater Seattle area with excellent reception for the most part. I can even use my vhf, ais and stereo all at the same time and by some magic of technology or luck they all seem to work as intended. Don’t care for horses if that matters to anyone.

Safe Journeys,
~Jeb