Phone Radio / WiFi
FM Dipole Antenna
MANY smartphones have an FM Radio chip embedded and many don't, this varies by manufacturer and the operating system. Check your apps list to see if an FM radio app came with your phone, if you have a radio app you have a chip. This app is a great way to get your local radio stations without using your data and uses very little power.
All built in radios require you to attach earbuds to serve as an antenna as well as listening. If you have ever tried to use it that way listening can be a miserable experience and many just write it off.
There is a better way. I came up with a small dipole antenna that improves the reception vastly.
I simply formed a 36" dipole (two long straight rods in opposite directions) then bent the rods in a rectangle shape for convenience and safety. The lines from the earbuds were attached to the feed points, I didn't even bother to strip the wire or remove the buds. It works great. My radio app allows me to use the phone speaker and I turn on the external Bluetooth speaker for great sound, if your app restricts speaker choice, check your app store for a better app.
This is a great way to get your favorite local radio stations without using up your data bucket.
Details.
The dipole rods are #12 solid copper, each is 18" long. You need two separate poles for FM so keep the two sides seperate. Attach to an insulator with about 2" spacing.
The first bend is at 8", then up for 3" and the final bend back to the center.
This gives you a 36" two pole folded dipole antenna. I came up with a little stand for this model you can mount it on a piece of wood, PVC pipe or whatever you have as long as the dipoles are insulated and seperated. Don't mount this flat on a wall or piece of plywood, the signal must flow over the elements.
Easy Peasy.
