While the popularity of AM radio for listening to music is eclipsed by the higher sound quality of FM, it is still very popular for sports, news, and talk shows. AM radio listeners also have the advantage of being able to listen to longer stations, especially at night. Because AM radio does not work in the same way as other bands, different techniques are needed to improve reception.
Rather than a metal telescoping antenna, a horizontal bar inside the radio (called a “iron rod”) is used to receive the AM radio. Because of this, it is necessary to rotate the entire radio to obtain the best reception, unless the antenna has a direction finder. Large or heavy radios, such as stereo receivers, are generally not the best for AM listening because they are difficult to rotate. However, some large radios have a short horizontal direction-finding on the top of the antenna, which can be easily rotated. This allows the antenna to be shown for optimal reception without rotating the entire unit. Some examples of receivers with a direction finder antenna are the Realistic SW-100, the Rhapsody RY-610, and the Electro Brand 2971.
Using a long antenna wire, such as a wire connected to the roof of a television antenna, can substantially improve AM radio reception. A few receivers have a jack or jack for connecting an AM antenna, such as the excellent 12-603A. If your radio does not have this, you may be able to improve reception by wrapping the end of the wire around it. or to hold a section of braided wire to its back, but the effectiveness of this depends on the distance and the radio wire.
AM radio is more subject to interference than FM or TV bands. Weather, computers, and televisions can all produce radio interference. If the computer is causing severe interference, using an AM radio (rather than a plug-in) can improve in some cases. Pointing to a receiver or direction-finder that is from the source of the interference can be useful as well. In cars, traffic lights and passers-by can also interfere with AM reception.
Local stations are usually received most clearly during the day, while distant stations, as many as 600 miles away, are stronger at night. Distant station reception is weak and nighttime interference makes local stations more difficult to receive. When trying to receive a local station at night, they try to disconnect the external antennas that are connected to the receiver. Also, if it has sensitivity to a switch or node, change it to “Location”.
AM reception also varies greatly depending on the radio you are using. Bay radios and arc terror clocks tend to have poor AM reception, while large multiband or “Range” receivers often have better reception . AM reception on digital receivers is often not as good as analog units, but this is not always the case. AM reception on car radios is generally very good, while home stereo receivers are generally in the fair-to-good range depending on the brand/model.
Many sports and talk programs on AM radio are syndicated so that they broadcast more than one station. If you hear a particular station is not reported by the host program, it is probably syndicated. If this is the case, be sure to tune in from time to time and tune in for stronger stations that broadcast the same programs.
Taking these tips into consideration should help you receive your favorite AM radio programs more clearly.
