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Should the antenna be horizontal or vertical? While there is no absolute answer to this question, it is usually
better to have the antenna stretched up vertically for maximum range. The additional height you gain by running
the antenna up a wall, as opposed to running it along the floor, will increase signal distance. The higher up
you get the Transmitter and antenna, the further away you will hear the signal. As such, having the antenna
run horizontally along a 2nd floor baseboard is better than having it run vertically up a wall on the 1st floor.
Final Installation Steps
Now, go out to your car and listen to the message to be sure that it is broadcasting clearly at the location where
cars will stop and listen. If it is not clear, change the frequency on the Transmitter to an alternate frequency and go
listen again. Try this at least once or twice to find the best frequency.
If after changing the frequency several times you are still experiencing problems:
• Move the Transmitter to another electrical outlet inside the location.
• Move the Transmitter and/or Basic Antenna away from large windows.
Glass blocks radio signals.
•
• Try putting the Transmitter in the center of the building, especially if the building
is made of brick or stucco.
• Because height helps the range, try a second or third story. Attics or garage rafters
are great too.
Tips for Unique Locations
Slab Homes—As we mentioned, AM radio waves, literally, bounce off the ground as the means by which they
broadcast their signal. Therefore, the higher off the ground you get the Transmitter and antenna, the further the
signal will travel. This is why 2nd floors work better. But, if you don't have a second floor, that can give some
distance between the Transmitter and the ground, you need to still try to get some height. For homes on slabs,
we strongly urge you to place the Transmitter as high up in the home as possible. Perhaps on a high shelf, or if
available, in an attic. And, use masking tape to hold the antenna well off the floor (or ground).
Stucco Homes—AM radio signals also have a problem going through stucco. The best solution for stucco homes
is, first, try to get the Transmitter and antenna as high as you can in the home. This way the signal can usually go
out the roof. Second, place the Transmitter towards the middle of the home. This gives the signal more room away
from the obstructions to try to find a way out. Finally, try putting the Transmitter on a high shelf in the garage.
Garages—Placing the Transmitter in the garage of the home will often be one of the best places to solve signal
problems. However, please note, that getting height is extremely important. So, if you try the garage, make sure
you put the Transmitter on a high shelf, and use masking tape to tape-up the antenna. Also, garages usually have
ground fault electrical outlets which the Transmitter will sometimes"trip". No damage will occur. Just try a different
electrical outlet to find one that the Transmitter doesn't trip.
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