Hi Zach,
The FM broadcast band is at VHF, not UHF nor microwave frequencies, so the rods must be long (1/4 wavelength) to work well. These high frequencies travel along the surface of a conductor so magnet wire doesn't have much surface area, and what's going to hold it up?
If you want very good sensitivity, a yagi antenna (multiple rods) is as big as a car! For FM at home, I have a "rabbit ears" antenna that is almost as long as my outstretched arms.
The FM broadcast band is at VHF, not UHF nor microwave frequencies, so the rods must be long (1/4 wavelength) to work well. These high frequencies travel along the surface of a conductor so magnet wire doesn't have much surface area, and what's going to hold it up?
If you want very good sensitivity, a yagi antenna (multiple rods) is as big as a car! For FM at home, I have a "rabbit ears" antenna that is almost as long as my outstretched arms.