[KS]

My FM antenna was taken down by snow this winter, and I need a better idea.  It is a simple RadioShack log periodic antenna on a 10' mast.  The location isn't far from Seattle, but I'm in the bottom of a rather narrow valley (White River valley near Greenwater) with lots of trees, so reception could be better.  I'd prefer HD Radio than analog FM if it can work well.

--Can the antenna be mounted with the elements vertical (boom horizontal)?...aren't FM signals mixed polarization?  How about HD?  It would catch less snow next winter this way.

--Can anyone suggest a better, reasonable cost, non-snow-catching antenna?  Are any antennas better for HD Radio?
(I really like two local stations that broadcast in HD, KPLU jazz and KING classical.  No internet service at this ski cabin, by the way.)

--Any suggestions for a stout wall-mount for the mast so I can use a longer mast?

So...any suggestions?  And, thanks.

[gray49]

For info. you might try...
http://www.antennaperformance.com/
Great antennae...
Peace

[doug s.]

My FM antenna was taken down by snow this winter, and I need a better idea.  It is a simple RadioShack log periodic antenna on a 10' mast.  The location isn't far from Seattle, but I'm in the bottom of a rather narrow valley (White River valley near Greenwater) with lots of trees, so reception could be better.  I'd prefer HD Radio than analog FM if it can work well.

--Can the antenna be mounted with the elements vertical (boom horizontal)?...aren't FM signals mixed polarization?  How about HD?  It would catch less snow next winter this way.

--Can anyone suggest a better, reasonable cost, non-snow-catching antenna?  Are any antennas better for HD Radio?
(I really like two local stations that broadcast in HD, KPLU jazz and KING classical.  No internet service at this ski cabin, by the way.)

--Any suggestions for a stout wall-mount for the mast so I can use a longer mast?

So...any suggestions?  And, thanks.

nothing beats a directional yagi, mounted as high as possible.  re: possible different ways of orienting it, ask your questions here:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/FMtuners/

re: hd radio, why would you prefer it?  for its inferior sonics?     while i have found my sony xdr f1-hd to be able to pick up fringe stations better than good analog tunas, the sound isn't as good.  tho it does come pretty close w/a tube buffer between the hd tuna and the preamp.

doug s.

[Speedskater]

Everything that you need to know about broadcast band FM antennas. Both commercial and DIY. Lots of other good FM stuff, too!

http://ham-radio.com/k6sti/index.html

[KS]

re: hd radio, why would you prefer it?  for its inferior sonics? 

In my present fringe location (not the one mentioned in the original posting), the distance from the Seattle towers results in noisy analog FM reception, especially on KING.  HD reception is excellent.

Thanks for the links...I have some research to do.