Better am reception?

Question

What can I do to get better reception on my am radio?

I am prepared to buy another radio if that's what it takes. But so far, most nights I pull in Canada really easy! But I do not live anywhere near Canada, and my local station pulls in Coasttocoastam just as well, probably much better for me.

Except I can't access my local station at all.

By the time the frequentcy keeps fading in and out. I spend half of the night just trying to locate the station.

So what I am really asking, is there some kind of device that will center it and keep it right on the frequentcy, without letting it go back and forth and fading out.

Cause' as it is right now, it's not worth trying to listen at all. And I really love this radio show.

Stations come in all on top of each other, sometimes 3 or more in just one location on the dial. It's a regular AM, not shortwave. Antennae idea looks good.

Answer 1

You mention fading. Could be atmospheric fading. This happens often with shortwave radio. Also happens with AM, but local AM stations can be heard. Could also be the radio iteself changing frequency as it warms up. If you find that the radio drifts as it warms up, you should be able change the frequency to hear the station. Try turning on the radio long before you begin listening to your program.

You mention reception, which is typically addressed by using a good antenna in combination with a radio with good "ears". Try your car radio. For some reason, car radios have better reception than expected.

AM Radios have an internal antenna that is directional. Try rotating the radio in different directions to see if that helps.

With the free options out of the way - on to antennas:

If your radio has an antenna connection, you can get an external antenna. Loops are quite common and directional. There are also loop antennas that can be inductively coupled (no wiring) to your radio to improve reception. If you are listening to shortwave, then an antenna is the way to go.

If you find that turning on the radio an hour before your program works. Or that you don't have the same problems with your car radio, then you MIGHT consider another radio. But an antenna would be better.

Addition:
If you have a switch for Music/News or Wide/Narrow on you radio, switch it to 'News' or 'Narrow'. That should reduce the affects of nearby stations on AM. Switch it back when you listen to FM stations.

Answer 2

Rotating your radio is a good tip, to see if you are accidentally putting the signal in an area that your antenna can't detect.

An external antenna could also be useful for this, as well. I've had great success with a loop antenna.

However, you might just be in the transmitter's null pattern. Many transmitters are required to reduce their power in certain directions to avoid jamming a nearby station. So, with special antenna setups, they reduce the signal in that direction to almost zero power. If you happen to be in that area, it will always have poor reception in your area.

You can contact the station for a coverage map or try the site below to see if you're in a null area. If you are, then a loop antenna or a long-wire antenna would both help your problem, but you'll never really get a clean signal.

Since you seem to be able to get other stations easily, could you possibly listen to the program on another affiliate? Contact the radio program to see if they are offered on other stations that are within 100-300 miles and see if you can listen on those.