| Most portable radios and hi-fi systems come with their own aerials, though for the best reception you may want to connect a separate, more powerful aerial. |
FM
Portable FM radios usually have a built-in telescopic aerial. For the best results:
Extend the aerial fully and tilt and swivel it until you get the best signal.
Try moving the radio to a different position, such as near a window, or upstairs rather than downstairs.
Keep the radio away from metal surfaces such as radiators and refrigerators.
Hi-fi systems with an FM tuner typically have a wire or a T-shaped ribbon cable as an aerial. This must be connected to the correct terminals on the system. Please see your manual for details.
If you get background hiss when listening in stereo, but not when you switch to mono, this is a sign that the signal is not strong enough. A separate aerial should improve the sound quality. This should be connected to the aerial socket on your radio – check first that your set has such a socket.
The simplest solution is an indoor FM aerial, available from electrical shops. However, this may not give good results for stereo so is not recommended for serious listening.
The best solution is an outdoor aerial on the roof or outside of the house, or even in the loft – in general, the higher up it is, the better. We suggest that you have any outdoor aerial installed by a professional aerial installer registered with the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries).
AM (medium wave and long wave)
Portable radios generally have the AM aerial built in. It is directional, so turn the radio to get the best reception.
Hi-fi systems often have a plastic loop with a wire that you plug into a socket or connect via terminals on the back of the system. Move the loop around until you find the best reception.
Personal (handheld) radios
Personal radios usually use a thin wire or the headphone lead as an aerial. Make sure this is not coiled up and is extended as far as possible. On a train, the metal of the carriage will affect reception, so it will help to sit next to the window.
Car radios
Some cars have an aerial incorporated into the heating element on the rear window, but for the best reception you need an external aerial. Most new cars have either a telescopic metal rod or a shorter, flexible aerial encased in plastic and mounted on the roof. The telescopic type should be cleaned regularly, using light oil on an absorbent cloth, to remove dirt and corrosion from the joints. The plastic-encased aerial needs no maintenance.
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