better radio antenna

[SCWoody]

Is there a better Radio antenna? My favorite FM station does not come in as well as the crown Victoria and f150. I would like to hear if you have tried one. The reviews say this has no improvement. https://www.americantrucks.com/rang...a-8-inch-black-264antbk.html#customer_reviews

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[got3fords]

How tall are the antennas on the F150 and crown vis compared to the Ranger? Maybe just find a taller one. Try swapping one of the others out.

 

[Chris M]

How tall are the antennas on the F150 and crown vis compared to the Ranger? Maybe just find a taller one. Try swapping one of the others out.

But be mindful of your garage door if you happen to park inside.

 

[SCWoody]

But be mindful of your garage door if you happen to park inside.

I have 8' garage doors.

 

[PltFX4]

Is there a better Radio antenna? My favorite FM station does not come in as well as the crown Victoria and f150. I would like to hear if you have tried one. The reviews say this has no improvement. https://www.americantrucks.com/rang...a-8-inch-black-264antbk.html#customer_reviews

This was the antenna de jour a couple years ago... works well and is shorter than stock... and cheaper than the American Truck antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/CravenSpeed-...7318-B081QN854G-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1&th=1

 

[Chris M]

This was the antenna de jour a couple years ago... works well and is shorter than stock... and cheaper than the American Truck antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/CravenSpeed-...7318-B081QN854G-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1&th=1

That's the one I have, but I'm not sure it's better than stock one he's already got.
But it sure looks better!

 

[PltFX4]

That's the one I have, but I'm not sure it's better than stock one he's already got.
But it sure looks better!

I also have it. It does work equal to or better than stock... at least on one long trip I took after it was in. Other members spoke well of it at the time. And for sure better looking.

 

[Awg9Tech]

This was the antenna de jour a couple years ago... works well and is shorter than stock... and cheaper than the American Truck antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/CravenSpeed-...7318-B081QN854G-&hvexpln=73&gad_source=1&th=1

I have the 2 inch and 4 inch versions of that antenna.

If you live in an RF rich environment yes, they “are as good as stock”.

If you live along the RF fringe areas no, they are not as good as stock. Sorry folks, that’s just how RF and antennas work.

I’m in a FM fringe area and with the stock antenna, I can get around 6 FM stations. With the 4 inch, around 3. With the stubby maybe, on a good day, one.

 

[PltFX4]

I have the 2 inch and 4 inch versions of that antenna.

If you live in an RF rich environment yes, they “are as good as stock”.

If you live along the RF fringe areas no, they are not as good as stock. Sorry folks, that’s just how RF and antennas work.

I’m in a FM fringe area and with the stock antenna, I can get around 6 FM stations. With the 4 inch, around 3. With the stubby maybe, on a good day, one.

I know nothing of antenna science, just what had been reported here.

As I recall, it was commented that the size of the wire and number of "windings" ? might/would effect performance... sounded good so I bought in.

 

[SigOris]

How tall are the antennas on the F150 and crown vis compared to the Ranger? Maybe just find a taller one. Try swapping one of the others out.

a taller antenna may actually make things worse as it may be tuned differently. I've been a licensed radio operator since 1975 so I have an idea what I'm talking about

 

[got3fords]

a taller antenna may actually make things worse as it may be tuned differently. I've been a licensed radio operator since 1975 so I have an idea what I'm talking about

I have no doubt. I am an RF engineer and know a thing or two about antennas. I realize antenna height doesn't make or break good FM reception. I also know that some people who have gone to the 'stubby' have reported reduced reception. So breaking it down to the simplest factor, is why I suggested trying a taller antenna, which may or not be on the crown vic or his F150.

 

[pismo1]

I have found a longer antenna works better in my area(Temeccula Ca.),its 60 miles north of San Diego and 75 miles south east of Los Angeles.Ive tried several sizes on my Jeep and longer stock version works the best.My Ranger I just left it alone.

 

[subquark]

From what I remember of Physics, an antenna's length has to be related to the lenghth of the radio waves you want to receive. So 1X, 2X, etc.

A quick Google says half the length, which is also a multiple (as a fraction).

So, if all of that is acurate, the antenna of another car should work.

WSOUP 90 FM would be 90 MHz which is 3.3 meters! Holy crap, that's what my 10 foot fiberglass antenna was on my old FJ40 for CB use!

I dunno, that means if we did a multiple of a quarter length, that would be a 26-30 inch antenna - yikes!!

Legit pic from https://www.geotool.com/

 

[Tom_C]

I know nothing of antenna science, just what had been reported here.

As I recall, it was commented that the size of the wire and number of "windings" ? might/would effect performance... sounded good so I bought in.

I'm no expert in RF, but in a fringe area you'd want the taller 'footprint' to be able to get more radio juice from the air. The shorter antennas won't cut it.

 

[got3fords]

I'm no expert in RF, but in a fringe area you'd want the taller 'footprint' to be able to get more radio juice from the air. The shorter antennas won't cut it.

Radio juice, I love it!

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