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Electronics => Repair => Topic started by: Hogwild on June 25, 2024, 12:10:35 am

Title: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: Hogwild on June 25, 2024, 12:10:35 am
Hi all:

Let's assume that I have next to no electronics knowledge other than a few basics of how to use a DMM and how to solder.

I found an old JVC boombox at the curb. It works perfectly, but the FM telescopic antenna is broken. I haven't been able to source one via the web at a reasonable price. What's the best way to go about improving FM reception with that broken antenna?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: themadhippy on June 25, 2024, 01:44:21 am
attach a bit of wire around 75cm to were the original aerial was connected
Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: bdunham7 on June 25, 2024, 01:46:01 am
Straightening out a coat hanger is the official fix for that.
Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: Hogwild on June 25, 2024, 03:52:55 am
And should I solder it to remaining stub on the antenna?
Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: Teledog on June 25, 2024, 03:58:05 am
Cheap replacements here;
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006417661373.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006417661373.html)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006850292373.html (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006850292373.html)
and more there, ..look around.
Be careful, that place can become addictive!  ;)
G'Luck! :-+
Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: bdunham7 on June 25, 2024, 08:57:40 pm
Quote from: Hogwild on June 25, 2024, 03:52:55 am
And should I solder it to remaining stub on the antenna?

Well, you can try.
Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: Hogwild on June 26, 2024, 01:43:01 pm
That's very helpful. The way this antenna is mounted makes it very breakage-prone. Are there any equivalent antennas that are a little stronger/more flexible that might work well? I don't mind spending more, I just don't want to spend $USD 38.00 US, for one of the OEM replacement.


Title: Re: Improve FM reception on JVC Boombox
Post by: MathWizard on June 30, 2024, 05:02:06 pm
Quote from: Hogwild on June 25, 2024, 03:52:55 am
And should I solder it to remaining stub on the antenna?
Use a flex-able wire in-between, just the weight of a coat hanger would sooner or later tear the pad and or solder off the PCB.

If using the coat hanger, and you don;t plan to move it all around, I'd try and secure it nice and solid to the stereo 1st. Maybe run it down as deep inside the case as it can go, hopefully to the bottom, or tape on on the outside, nice and solid, then run your little wire out to it and solder on where ever. But what ever the order, I'd want it nice and solid.

If you plan to move the ANT. around, just use extra wire, and try to have the wire near the solder joints, not move at all.