Jazz for the Asking Blog

This is one of those topics that may be a little boring to some, so if you are not interested in how to get better reception from your AM radio, or you are happy with the reception you are getting, then skip to the next post.

The main problems with AM radio reception these days are two fold. One, the proliferation of cheap radios with poor selectivity and sensitivity makes tuning in a station difficult. Two, the local noise factors have increased dramatically.

First, the quality of your radio will determine how well an AM station is received and how good is sounds. Believe it or not, this is one place that new high tech gadgetry does not pay off as the older radios are built better and sound better. One good AM radio this is still relatively inexpensive is the GE Super Radio. It is big an bulky but is an excellent table top radio and works well on both AM and FM.

Secondly, the local electrical noise levels have increased dramatically in the last few years. This is mainly due to the use of Compact Florescent Lights (CFL). These little florescent light generate noise, which unfortunately is picked up by AM radios.  There is not a lot you can do about this noise, so the best course is not to use your radio near any florescent lights.  If you need a light near your radio, use an old fashioned incandescent light bulb.  Some times turning the radio will increase the signal level and reduce the noise.

Finally, you may need to use an out door antenna if you are located far away from your favorite radio station.  The GE super radio has provisions for connecting an outboard antenna.  If you have questions on how to go about making a good outdoor antenna, you can always e-mail me, and I will respond.  There are several good designs that do not take up much space and are inexpensive to fabricate and install.

Hope this helps!

This entry was posted on Friday, April 6th, 2007 at 8:11 am and is filed under Radio. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.