I plan on doing this to modify my favorite radio, the Sangean U3, as soon as my twin newborns give me time to run down to RadioShack:
Unscrew the antenna from the Sangean U3 and find a small machine screw that will thread into that hole where the antenna goes. If you don't have any small bolts or screws handy, you can match the threads up by taking the antenna with you to a hardware store. Then find a nut that screws onto the antenna's threads. Now that you know what the threads are (I suspect it will be something like an 8-32), you can buy a corresponding screw. You only need one that's 1/4 inch long or the same length as the stud on the end of the antenna.
When you have the correct screw, use it to fasten one lead of an FM dipole antenna to the U3. Then you can play around with finding a good position for the dipole antenna to pick up all your stations. It should pick up stations better than the original U3 rubber antenna. This will also work with a cheap set of rabbit ears which is what I just tried. Just remember to only attach one of the 2 leads, not both.
What is all of this commotion/hoopla over Ricky Martin announcing he is gay? Did anyone here actually ever think he was straight?
Posted by: Angelo | March 29, 2010 at 06:35 PM
Who?
Posted by: Radio Russ | March 29, 2010 at 06:55 PM
Exactly.
Posted by: Angelo | March 29, 2010 at 07:27 PM
E-bay 230453475183
This looks like it would fit the bill as a great bathroom radio. Cheap too.
Posted by: Angelo | March 29, 2010 at 08:33 PM
E-bay 350332547529
Nice Panny.
Posted by: Angelo | March 29, 2010 at 08:43 PM
Livin' La Vida Loca!!!
Back to radios... I think the Sangean has Metric threads. 4-5mm if memory serves (at work right now).
Posted by: moogbass | March 30, 2010 at 06:17 AM
If it's metric or whatever, someone should sell a U3 FM modification antenna kit for indoor use. A screw, a washer, and a dipole wire. The cost is under $5 and the seller could charge 3 or 4 times that much.
Posted by: Jeffrey McMahon | March 30, 2010 at 07:50 AM
Moogbass is correct. It's a 4mm thread. I sent Jeff some of them with some washers to give it a try.
Posted by: Radio Russ | March 30, 2010 at 08:19 PM
I look forward to doing the mod and reporting the effects. Thanks again, Russ.
Posted by: Jeffrey McMahon | March 30, 2010 at 09:05 PM