MAKE YOUR OWN AERIAL
AN EASY-TO-MAKE ANTENNA FOR SUNSHINE FM 104.9

At Sunshine FM, we understand that sometimes your location can make it difficult to hear our broadcasts clearly.

To improve reception in fringe areas of the Sunshine Coast for your community radio station listening, Sunshine FM now has devised an easy to make antenna that is tuned exactly to 104.9 Mhz, which should improve your reception.
It is made from ordinary old TV antenna ribbon cable. Cut a 1.50 metre length, bare the wires at each end and twist them together. Trim them back to make the length 1430mm for 1/2 wavelength or 2860mm for full wavelength.Fold in half (to find centre) and cut one wire (see diagram). Cut another length of ribbon long enough to reach the radio and connect to the antenna as shown. At the radio one end goes to the antenna socket (or pull up antenna), the other to radio earth (outside of any socket).
A TV type 300-75 ohm balun connected at the radio end will also give improved results.Attach the antenna to a wall or post vertically with drawing pins. The lead to the radio should run at right angles (horizontal) for about 60 cm before bringing it down the wall. If you prefer to run co-axial cable from the antenna, simply install a 300-75 ohm balun at the centre and use 75 ohm

coaxial down to the radio. Because the antenna is vertical and therefore omni-directional there is no need to orient it toward the station.

For longevity the joins and ends should be soldered and covered with tape if used outside. This antenna will improve reception of all FM stations. Mount it as high as possible. If you have any enquiries, please ring Sunshine FM on (07) 5450 1049.

Happy Listening from all of the Volunteers at 104.9 Sunshine FM!