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I am a swim coach trying to play music for my swimmers while they swim. I am currently using this transmitter with this antenna . I have no issues with the transmitter as it is more than powerful enough for my needs. With this set up, my swimmers can hear music being played 3-4ft underwater!

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First, is this the correct antenna to be using for my needs? More specifically what is the best wave (1/4, 1/2, 5/8, full) to use in this situation and what is the best type of antenna (dipole, monopole, Yagi, etc)

This set-up is used outdoors at a pool with very limited obstructions and must work through water.

Thanks

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  • \$\begingroup\$ If it's working ok then why bother changing things? (With this set up, my swimmers can hear music being played 3-4ft underwater!") \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 14:51
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    \$\begingroup\$ How are your swimmers listening to radio while underwater in the first place? Do they have special waterproof radios with ear plugs or something? Wouldn't these get in the way of swimming? \$\endgroup\$
    – Olin Lathrop
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 16:25
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Andyaka Just seeing if there is a better way out there since I am a beginner \$\endgroup\$
    – swimtech954
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 18:00
  • \$\begingroup\$ @OlinLathrop They have small waterproof FM receivers (1.5in by 1.5in) that can clip onto the googles or tucked inside a swim cap. The headphones are also waterproof and work best when wearing a swim cap so they don't fall out. \$\endgroup\$
    – swimtech954
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 18:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ Excuse me, but where in the world one can freely set up his own FM broadcast station - even only 1W? Where I live, the police would come very soon. \$\endgroup\$
    – user136077
    Commented May 21, 2017 at 10:32

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My advice would be to get a Yagi antenna, if you can.

There are several reasons for that and how each of them is important can depend on where exactly you live.

First thing to keep in mind is that different antenna types have different "radiation patterns", that is to say, depending on the antenna type, the direction in which the signals are emitted is different.

Basically, for 1/4 wave antenna, the radiation pattern looks something like a half-sphere. The antenna will radiate evenly out in all directions. This has several side-effects.

First, you will be causing more interference for other users. Depending on where you live, this may result in a stiff fine or it may result in nothing at all. Next, since the power is going "everywhere", that means that there is a good portion of it going up into the sky. That power is not reaching your swimmers, but it may be reaching aircraft. Depending on the quality of your transmitter, that may or may not be a problem. If the transmitter has good quality filters, than it would be OK, but if the filters are bad, it could be causing interference to the neighboring air-band radios which use frequencies just above the FM broadcast frequencies. The up-side of 1/4 wave antennas is that they are small and compact and that they usually do not cost that much.

Next we have 1/2 wave and 5/8 wave antennas. They are a bit similar, but the main thing to keep in mind is that the portion of radiation that goes out into the air is lower with them and more power goes out to the sides of the antenna.

The "best" solution for you, if you have enough space and money is yagi antenna. It behaves a little bit like a ray-gun. The long side of the antenna focuses the radio-waves and they mostly go in the direction in which the antenna is pointed to. If you point the antenna to the swimming pool, you'll minimize the power that does not reach your swimmers and be able to improve the depth at which your program can be received.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Antenna type will not materially change the interference potential of a transmitter. In fact a high gain antenna might make it worse, in one direction. Unless you also turn down the power. \$\endgroup\$
    – tomnexus
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 17:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ @tomnexus In general, I agree. When I was writing about interference, my line of thought was as follows: If we direct interference in one direction which is safe, then overall effect would not be so bad. Of course, all of this would have to be carefully examined to make sure no reflections happen and make things worse. \$\endgroup\$
    – AndrejaKo
    Commented Apr 23, 2015 at 18:34

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