Listener Guide

Just as there are different types of radios, there are also different types of antennas.

• The whip antenna is a single rod that is permanently attached to your radio. It can be extended or pushed in. Some only extend straight up out of the radio while others can be swiveled around in most directions. This is one of the simplest types of antennas. For best results you must experiment with the length and orientation.
  • Tune your radio to KVNO at 90.7 on the FM dial. Start with it at its shortest length and laying down flat against the radio. If your reception problem is due to too much signal then this may help. Change the length and position of the antenna until you get the clearest signal.
• The “Rabbit Ears” antenna is really just a variation of the Whip. Its advantage over the Whip is that it allows greater variations in how you position it. Also, it may do a better job of pulling in signals. Rabbit Ear antennas may be permanently attached or they may be a separate unit that sits on top of your radio. You can purchase Rabbit Ears separately and add them to your radio provided you have the proper connection on the back.
  • Adjust Rabbit Ears just like you would a Whip. Start with them short and laying down flat. Tune in to KVNO and experiment with length and position to see what works best.
• Another simple antenna is the “Twin-T.” It is made out of flat ribbon TV cable commonly known as “Twinlead.” At the bottom, two wires or connector lugs attach to the antenna connector on the back of the radio. You can buy Twin-T’s at any store that sells electronic accessories. Its advantage is that it’s often easy to hide. You still need to experiment with this antenna to see what works best.
  • Tune us in and try different positions. Hang it vertically or horizontally. Try just letting it fall to the floor behind the radio. Also try hooking up only one of the two wires. Again, do whatever works best.
• If you use an outdoor antenna to pick up TV channels 2-13 it will also work well for KVNO. This type of antenna system can be complicated and expensive, as well as dangerous to install. We don’t recommend that you buy one just for FM reception. If you should decide to put one up, enlist the services of a professional. If you already have one on your roof or in the attic then you should try using it. You will need to add a signal splitter if you want to hook it to your TV and radio at the same time. Splitters are available at electronic accessory stores for only a few dollars.
  • The advantage of this antenna is that you can aim it at the station of interest. It boosts signals in the direction it’s pointed and reduces those coming from the side and back. This may be helpful in reducing interfering signals. KVNO’s transmitter is in Northwest Omaha where the tall TV towers are located. Your antenna may already be pointing in the right direction.

You may experience an odd problem while listening to the radio in your car. This phenomenon is called “Multipath” distortion. As you drive, you hear a fluttering sound as the signal cuts in and out. Often it is described as “picket fencing” because of the rapid clicking sound it makes; like running a stick along the boards of a wooden fence. People may think they have a loose wire somewhere in the radio.

Multipath, as the name implies, occurs when radio signals bounce off large objects such as buildings or hills. Your radio picks up the direct signal and one or more reflected signals arriving from different directions. These reflected signals may enhance the direct signal or they may cancel it out. You don’t notice the enhancement but the cancellation shows up as multipath.

Multipath is most noticeable while your car is moving. However, you can stop in a “bad” spot and lose the signal altogether. When you move your car, even just a few inches, the signal comes back. The TV equivalent of multipath is “ghosting.”

Multipath is a fact of life when driving in the city. If the problem is severe the antenna in your vehicle may be faulty. Automobile antennas, while being somewhat of a compromise between appearance and performance generally work very well. The best ones are the fender mounted type, either solid or extendable rods. Often the biggest problem with automobile antennas is they get water inside and the resulting corrosion affects performance. If you are having reception problems on several stations, your antenna my be faulty. The replacement antenna should be similar in size and appearance to the original.

A new replacement antenna on the market is the flexible rubber type. They may be stylish but can’t match the performance of the original metal rod antennas.