The quality of your FM radio signal is determined by the power of the station and the antennae Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT). Your radio's signal strength is determined by how far you are from the station and how far the station's antennae is above your area's terrain. Many times you need an antennae to boost the signal.

Things You'll Need

Noncorrugated cardboard 17-inches high and 34-inches wide.
Duct tape or electrical tape

Instructions
1.Most FM radios come with an antennae consisting of a ribbon cable with two thin wires sealed in plastic and split so that one wire can be extended in each direction. They work if you have enough room to spread them out on a wall above the radio. Here is a way to convert that antennae to a smaller version.

2.Take a piece of cardboard 17 inches high by 34 inches wide.

Draw a line around the cardboard 1 inch from the edge.

Place the cardboard on a firm surface with the long side horizontal.

Starting at the center of the left side, take one wire and follow the line on the cardboard up to the top, across to the right side and half way down the right side. Tape the wire in place as you go. Take the second lead and follow the line down the left side of the cardboard to the bottom, across the bottom and up the right side to the center where it should meet, but not touch, the first wire.

3.Fasten the connecting twin leads to the two screws on the back of your FM radio's antennae connector. Tune your radio to the desired station. Holding the antennae as high as possible rotate it to find the strongest signal. Your antennae can be mounted like a picture on a wall hanger or taped to a window.

4.If the twin lead ribbon cable that came with your radio is not long enough to reach your radio, add a length of twin lead cable. Strip the wire ends, twist them together and tape connections with electrical tape.

5.This is a universal FM antennae. If you have a favorite station, measure and cut the wire in your antennae to read that station's signal. In general, the lower the frequency, the longer the wire in your antennae. A radio station in the 88 to 92 MHz range would be 1 to 2 inches longer then a station at 108 MHz. Decorate the cardboard to match your decor, and the antennae becomes a functional and beautiful conversation piece.

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