Extend signal range and penetration with 'portable antennas'? (2024)

FAQs

How to extend radio antenna range? ›

Use a Repeater

A repeater works by receiving and re-transmitting your radio signal with increased power. These devices are commonly used by first responders to enhance the coverage of their communication systems. To get the most out of a repeater, install it in a tall building or on a tower.

Antenna size has a profound impact on the quality of the signal reception. It stems from the physics: it is in direct proportion with the signal's wavelength that the antenna is meant to catch. As a rule, larger antennas can catch weaker signals coming from greater distances.

If possible, place your indoor TV antenna in an attic or a second-story location, preferably by a window. Sometimes objects in the room or roofing materials will interfere with the signals, so it pays to try a few different attic locations.

Raise That Antenna

Ideally, your antenna should be the highest thing on your property, excepting a lightning rod. This will ensure the signal isn't bouncing off buildings, trees, hills, mountains, or other types of objects and fragmenting.

In theory, increasing the number of antennas will reduce signal coverage blind spots, but we have verified through a large number of evaluations that this difference is completely negligible in an ordinary home environment.

This achieves a stronger reception than can be achieved with one antenna alone. In practice, this usually means that the two antennas will be placed at 90° to each other, which achieves different polarisation, and sends more reliable signals to the receiver as the devices moves around.

Use a signal amplifier: You can place a signal amplifier (aka signal booster) between the antenna and your receiver or radio to boost the signal. Just connect the cable coming from the antenna to the input of the amplifier. and then connect the output to your radio or receivers' antenna input.

Initiating High Power Mode will give a significant boost to your signal which improves your coverage and can give a boost to your range in dense areas. If all else fails, try the Monitor Function. Turning on Monitor will open your radio up to all signals on your frequency and will boost its receiving power.

If you improve reception by standing near or touching the radio or antenna, your system is telling you it needs a better antenna. A rotorized (pointable) antenna is preferable to a stationary antenna.

How can I make my car radio antenna stronger? ›

Make sure your antenna is extended.

However, car radio antennas can be retracted. The antenna is what amplifies the signal in the first place, so you can imagine how this would effect your reception. If you get a car wash, make sure no one forgot to extend the antenna after retracting it for the wash.