The first key to any reception is to get above obstructions that exist between you and your target, as radio frequency reception of any kind (satellite, microwave, Radio and TV) are for the most part "Line-of-Sight" dependant. The fact that some receptions occur without line of sight is due to phenomenon not applicable in this discussion. As you increase your target distance, you increase the territory you must account for in maintaining line-of-sight. What tall building and air traffic exist in this corridor, no one can account for. Aircraft are very good at messing up reception for a number of reasons, even when flying way above the path, again removed for clarity in this discussion. Height, is therefore key in optimizing your ability to capture the best line-of-sight possible to your target.
For FM and HD Radio reception, please consider the following:
Loop Antenna- Easily recognizeable due to its shape, simply joins several elements of appropriate length as to tune to FM Radio Frequencies with a Broad Omni-Directional coverage Pattern. Most suited for Local Reception as the Gain is usually Moderate.
Yagi Antenna- Is probably the most recognizable antenna type used in the widest variety of applications. Mostly used for VHF reception, it is elegant, simple and is a flexible platform for design modifications that would exhibit predictable patterns in reception, frequency bandwidth and gain. It can be tuned to a specific Frequency or range of Frequencies. The math of the physical construction is deeply rooted in correlation to the electrical wavelength of the Frequency desired. The size of the elements is a dead giveaway to clue one as to the frequency of use; as the frequency of use is lower, the size is greater (though some Low Frequency variants incorporate loading coils to reduce size).
For a combination of Local and Long Distance Reception, Users have been quite successful with a Yagi antenna modified to to attach to a Mast Vertically. Most FM Radio Broadcast Signals are Vertically oriented, and with the Antenna Polarized to Vertical, the driven element will directly pick up Local Broadcasts, and with the Directors aimed towards the Distant Stations, increase Gain and Reception of these over the use of a TV antenna for this purpose.
