topic Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax? in Home Cinema, Projectors & Players

DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Centaurion — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 06:00:51 GMT

I recently purchased a DN860 receiver, and it has a completely useless FM aerial antenna connection (on a receiver where everything is aimed at high quality audio, whoever came up with this antenna idea should be fired!).

I found an old thread explaining how to make an adapter for a similar case on the DN1040, but the aerial connection I have is slightly different:

Does anyone know if (how) it's possible to make a similar adapter for this connection?

Thanks in advance!

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Darbo25 — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 18:10:06 GMT

Shame this isn't getting more attention, the bit of wire supplied is pointless and begging for an upgrade, I'd gladly pay for a proper aerial and seeing as the connector isn't universal you'd think a nice alternative would be a no brainer.

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

james_ss — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 01:34:09 GMT

You need a JST-PH 2 pin connector.

I got mine from this Website in the UK: http://www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk/conn_jstph.html

Total cost was about £3.50 as they kindly refunded £2 on the shipping. They supply 5 connectors and 15 crimps.

Connect the centre conductor of the coaxial cable so that it matches the connection on the lead supplied with the amp.

Connect the braided shield to the contact that is missing on the lead supplied with the amp.

Unfortunately, that is easier said than done as the crimps are small and fiddly and not really designed to take the large diameter centre conductor. I ended up snipping one of the back 'wings' on the crimp to enable folding one over the other. You will need extremely fine needle nosed pliers as it's delicate work.

I practiced first on a 4 inch length with a male coax connector on the other end to check proof of concept.

I'm pretty happy with the finished version. I even managed to slip a sliver of the copper foil sheild back around the exposed dialectric and under the twisted copper braid. I then covered that back up with a 5mm long outer jacket that I'd cut open. Finally, I wrapped half a dozen turns of insulating tape around the coaxial cable. Shrink tubing would be better but I don't have a heat gun!

Anyway, I've gone from being able to receive only BBC Radio 1-4 and Classic FM, some with noticeable static to being able to pull in 13 stations with full RDS and zero static from a loft mounted omni-directional aerial.

This is my proof of concept version:

I hope this helps. It took me hours to track down exactly what spec connector I needed so the more Sony owners that benefit, the better!

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

james_ss — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:17:43 GMT

OK, for some reason the link I provided doesn't seem to work.

So, on the Micron Radio Control Website, select Hardware & Materials > Electrical > JST-PH (2mm) Connectors and Leads

Good luck!

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 01:28:56 GMT

@james_ss - excellent work! This will be very handy for others.

PS: The readon your link didnt work is because you had a full stop at the end of it. I have edited this out on your behalf and the link now works.

Cheers

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

raymondo1952 — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 13:06:05 GMT

seen your info on fm ariel connection great idear but you could also use JST-PH2 connector with lead already in place and just connect your coax cable to the correct wires it would save al that messing around tring to get wires into the small connectors.

cheers Ray

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Kellysul. — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:24:14 GMT

How to convert Sony loop antenna with 3 pin mini plug to a coaxial attenna like a terk powered with coaxial

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

ldmbouge — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:39:06 GMT

Good morning. I just got a DN1080 and I have the same issue (FM antenna it came with is useless). I found the lead '(JST-PH)' you mentioned on DigiKeys (https://www.digikey.com/products/en?keywords=CABLE%20ASSY%20JST%20PH%202PIN%204%22). Since this is a brand new receiver, I want to make sure that I'm not messing anything up. Your directions are quite clear to connect to a COAX. My question is: any recommendation on an indoor FM Antenna (spec wise?). I'm assuming that you used a 75 Ohms impedance antenna? Amplified? [Couldn't find anything in the DN1080 doc on the antenna specs....].

I imagine a plain dipole isn't suitable? Any pointer is most appreciated.

Thanks!

---

Laurent

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Brad48 — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 05:13:54 GMT

james_ss:

This is exactly what I want to do. My FM signal, while working for certain stations, still leaves something to be desired. I have a Sony STR-DH770 A/V receiver, and while the FM option is used in limited circumstances, sometimes, putting on the old transistor radio is just simple, and can expose you to new artists depending on the station. But I wonder if even without static, I am getting the best from the current cheapo antenna.

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Cactu5Mac — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 23:00:14 GMT

Hi All

I know this is an old thread now but I had this same problem having just purchased a STR-DN1080. The supplied single wire FM antenna is just garbage. When I performed a Google search, this is where it took me for a solution. So a big thankyou to "james_ss" for posting his original solution. However I ended up with a slightly better one and so I thought I would add my solution here just in case it is of some help to others.

All you need is:

One of these... and
One of these

Just joint them together (it does not matter which way you join them) and you have the perfect solution with the correct load rating (300 ohms). I did exactly this and it works perfectly. Hope this helps someone. Cheers from Australia.

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Hubmub — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 22:49:37 GMT

Cactu5Mac, thank you for those details! I spent a little money on eBay, did a little soldering, and it works beautifully with my existing external antenna. And, since I bought 25 of the black/red leads, if anyone needs one, let me know!

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Zeid27 — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 16:28:32 GMT

Thanks for the advice. It is not clear to me how the two parts are connected to each other, or to the coaxial cable. Please be kind enough to clarify. Many thanks.

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

Zeid27 — Sat, 27 Jul 2019 16:30:08 GMT

Thanks. I could do with one if available. I live in London, UK.

Re: DN860/1060 -how to adapt FM to coax?

backyardfarmer — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 03:57:15 GMT

Could you please explain how you connect these pieces. I too bought a Sony 1STR-DN1080 with that garbage antennae. I thought I could just buy a coax antennae but I guess not 😞