Improving FM reception

From time to time, we receive a request from a listener asking what can be done to improve their reception of our signal. While the specific recommendations will vary, the following are some generalizations which may help if you are experiencing reception difficulty.

It must be remembered that the process of delivering sound from a radio studio to your ears involves a complete system. This includes the station's transmitter and antenna, the listener's receiver and antenna and the transmission path between the two. This last is important because if there is a mountain between the transmitter and receiver, there is nothing that can be done to provide good reception.

Also, at FM frequencies, reliable reception does not extend far beyond the horizon line as viewed from the transmitter. This is why FM (and TV) transmitters have very tall towers or are located on mountain tops. It is also why FM (and TV) receiving antennas are best situated on tall masts.

So, steps to improving your reception should start with the antenna. If your receiver is a stereo component or console, there should be a pair of screw terminals on the back marked "FM antenna" or something similar. If nothing is connected to these terminals, you need an antenna.

An antenna may be as simple as an inexpensive "twin-lead dipole" which can be purchased at most electronic or builder's supply stores. This will only be effective in the primary coverage area of the station, about 20 miles or so from the transmitter. Ordinary TV "rabbit ears" will work reasonably well in this area as well.

For fringe-area reception, an outside antenna similar to a TV antenna is required. In fact, some TV antennas can be used for FM reception. Connecting an FM receiving antenna to the antenna input of the FM receiver and aim the antenna toward the KGNR transmitter in North John Day.

A good outside FM antenna (called a Yagi, after its inventor) can be purchased at most consumer electronic stores. Radio Shack lists several good antennas in their catalog. This should be mounted on a mast, as high as practical. If there is an existing TV antenna, the FM antenna may be mounted on the same mast, a few feet away from the TV antenna. In extreme fringe areas it may be necessary to use more than one antenna, vertically or horizontally stacked, for more signal pickup. Be sure to note which is the "front" and the "rear" of your outside antenna. Aim the "front" toward the KGNR transmitter.

Apartment dwellers who cannot erect a mast and antenna may wish to purchase an indoor amplified antenna, Radio Shack has a selection of these types of antennas. Also, if stereo reception is not essential, sensitive portables are available which can be surprisingly effective.

Before purchasing any antenna or receiver, it would be a good idea to make sure that it can be returned to the dealer if it doesn't perform well at your particular location.

Whether live in an apartment or not, it may also be wise to check with your local cable TV service to see if KGNR is carried on the cable. If so, it is easy to connect your FM receiver to the cable instead of an antenna.

In any case, it is also possible to improve a scratchy signal by switching to monophonic reception if a "stereo/mono" switch is provided on the receiver.

Finally, one of most common problems with FM reception in your car is the failure to keep the antenna on your car fully extended. A car antenna that is not completely extended can reduce the amount of received signal by as much as 75%. Also, if the car radio antenna and connecting lead have been damaged, even good reception of local FM stations will be difficult.