WhitakerAudio AM/FM Stereo Tuner 2012, Assembly & User Manual, Page: 137 / 166

137
AM/FM Stereo Tuner
8 Installation
The antenna is a very important part of any tuner installation, especially if good reception of weak
signals is desired.
8.1 AM Section
11
Three types of antennas may be used with the AM tuner: a built-in rod, external loop, and long-
wire. Since the AM tuner was primarily designed around the loop antenna, best performance from
a noise standpoint will almost always be obtained with this type. When using the loop,
connections should be made as illustrated in Figure 8.1. Best results will be obtained when the
loop is opened as near as possible to a circular or square form and located well away from large
metallic objects and house wiring. The loop is kept as small as possible consistent with good
performance. Good locations are behind a couch, desk, or table, or behind the high-fidelity system
cabinet enclosure, if one is used.
Although the loop is broadly directional for signal pickup purposes, it is extremely sharp on
the null when fully opened and so cancellation of signals from your favorite station should be
avoided. At times this feature can be helpful if an undesired strong signal from a station causes
interference with the station tuned. It is possible to null out or substantially reduce the interference
by rotating the antenna for least interference. When reception from strong local stations only is
desired, the antenna can be coiled up to a double or triple loop to take up less space and reduce
sensitivity to weaker signals, at the same time lessening the possibility of overload from very
strong signals. Do not alter the loop itself since performance will be degraded.
In some instances, the straight wire type of antenna may be desirable. For strong station
reception only, a short wire from two to eight feet long will usually suffice. This wire can be
dropped over the rear of the cabinet on which the tuner is placed or run a long the baseboard or
drapes to keep the wire out of sight. In some installations, it may be necessary to run the wire
outside in some manner to avoid noise and signal attenuation. Best performance with weaker
signals will be obtained with a long wire outdoor antenna mounted with insulators and well off
11. Text and illustrations are adapted from: Heathkit: “Assembly and Operation of the Heathkit Broadcast Tuner Model BC-1A,”
the Heath Company, Benton Harbor, MI,