Home » Audio » Radio » Simple ways to improve reception
Simple ways to improve reception [message #90313] Mon, 13 May 2019 02:26 Go to next message
mamoss is currently offline  mamoss
Messages: 185
Registered: May 2016
Master
Have you ever had a radio that didn't pick a weak signal in a good location? I have previously heard that other electronics in the house can weaken the signal and turning them off can help. What other methods can be used?
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #90318 is a reply to message #90313] Mon, 13 May 2019 08:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18669
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

You can install an external antenna.
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #90320 is a reply to message #90313] Mon, 13 May 2019 09:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kingfish is currently offline  Kingfish
Messages: 548
Registered: November 2012
Illuminati (1st Degree)
You can also use an app on your phone. If you're in California and want to listen to a station in Bangor Maine, I don't think there is an antenna made that will pick up the signal.

But there is an app for that.
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #90325 is a reply to message #90313] Mon, 13 May 2019 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
drake is currently offline  drake
Messages: 215
Registered: June 2016
Master
Just as Wayne suggests, your best bet is in attaching a 6-foot or longer length of wire to the antenna. You will find that most radios have a place where you can hook an external antenna.
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #91907 is a reply to message #90313] Tue, 19 May 2020 12:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kingfish is currently offline  Kingfish
Messages: 548
Registered: November 2012
Illuminati (1st Degree)
Attaching an external or extra wire works good, but also try to get them in the direction of the antenna the station's signal bounces off of.

If the tower is far away this does help.
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #91916 is a reply to message #91907] Tue, 19 May 2020 20:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 1895
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, I agree with the better antenna thought. True I use a very high sensitivity FM receiver (Sony XDR-F1HD). It is a HD FM tuner. I have an external "Yagi" FM antenna and can bring in several Phoenix FM stations (about 140 miles) and all the Tucson ones at about 65 miles. So good FM is possible, but you need good gear and a good antenna. For local stations more modest gear would be fine.

Good Listening
Bruce
Re: Simple ways to improve reception [message #92428 is a reply to message #90313] Wed, 14 October 2020 16:50 Go to previous message
Mica is currently offline  Mica
Messages: 117
Registered: October 2020
Viscount
Definitely a better antenna is a great answer. My radio in the kitchen wasn't picking up any stations. I bought a longer antenna and it seemed to do the trick. I do listen to music apps often, but once in a while I want a local station.
Previous Topic: Apps vs Radio
Next Topic: Increasing The Frequency Range
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Thu Mar 28 08:40:38 CDT 2024

Sponsoring Organizations

DIY Audio Projects
DIY Audio Projects
OddWatt Audio
OddWatt Audio
Pi Speakers
Pi Speakers
Prosound Shootout
Prosound Shootout
Smith & Larson Audio
Smith & Larson Audio
Tubes For Amps
TubesForAmps.com

Lone Star Audiofest