Reception Tips
Signals on the FM broadcast band (88.1 to 107.9 MHz) are affected by many different factors. Altitude and terrain are two of the most important. How high you are and the nature of the landforms around you will determine the strength of the signal you receive. For example, it may be difficult for someone located in a valley or on the side of a hill to hear one or more FM stations from a particular direction, even if those stations are relatively close by. On the other hand, someone living on the top of a high hill may be able to experience reliable reception of FM stations over one hundred miles away. Atmospheric conditions can also influence reception of signals on the FM band, causing the signals to fade in and out. This is especially the case if the station is located some distance away and/or the station is using a relatively low power.
As it's difficult to specify what is needed to receive the Mars Hill Network at each individual location, what follows are several tips on how to improve reception, beginning with the most basic steps and leading to the complicated. It is suggested that you follow the steps beginning with the most basic, until reception is satisfactory for your location.
THE ANTENNA
Any FM radio requires an antenna of some type to receive stations other than local stations. Your FM radio should have two screw terminals on the rear of the set similar to those found on the back of a TV set. One or both of these terminals is used to connect to an FM antenna. Your set may already have one of the antennas mentioned below attached to it:
SUPPLIED POWER CORD ANTENNA---Many radios come equipped with an antenna consisting of a clamp which is physically clamped to the AC power cord (clamped internally or externally), then connected to the antenna terminal of the FM receiver. If this is the case, the AC power cord is acting as your antenna. For best reception, the power cord should be extended its full length, and placed in different positions until reception is clear.
A SHORT WIRE---Some receivers come with a short wire attached to one of the antenna terminals (usually screws on the back labelled "antenna" and "ground".) If your receiver does not have either this wire or the power cord antenna described above, try a length of flat TV antenna wire ("TV twin lead") about 30 inches long on one of the terminals on your set, and orient the wire for best reception. Try taking the radio with its antenna to different locations in your home to see if reception improves.
TV ANTENNA---Since FM signals are in the same frequency band as VHF television signals (channels 2-13), most VHF TV antennas can be used effectively on an FM receiver. If you have an existing television antenna, try hooking it up to your FM receiver. In some cases, an antenna rotor may be necessary to obtain good reception from both TV and FM if the stations are in different directions. Also, an inexpensive UHF/VHF/FM splitter device is available so that the antenna may be connected to both the TV and FM set at the same time. These splitters can be found in the electronics accessory rack of most department stores. Even if your TV antenna is simply a set of "Rabbit Ears," try them on your FM radio. It may be all you need to improve FM reception.
FM ANTENNA---Antennas are available which are made specifically for FM reception. These work considerably better than the average TV antenna on your FM radio. Some models are given at the close of this sheet. Your local distributor may also be able to assist you in selecting and installing this type of antenna.
THE RECEIVER (RADIO) ITSELF
In some cases, you may need to purchase a receiver that has the sensitivity needed for your reception area. There are a number of radio receivers on the market that are especially designed to pick up weaker FM signals. The GE SuperRadio is one such receiver. (For more information on the SuperRadio, please give us a call here at Mars Hill.) Other receivers that are designed for sensitive FM reception include the Sony ICF 7600G, the Panasonic RF-B65, the Radio Shack Optimus 12-603A and Radio Shack's DX-396. Talk with a local dealer and let him know that you're looking for an FM receiver with high sensitivity for fringe-area reception.
***It bears repeating that the most expensive equipment cannot eliminate some of the reception problems at distant points. Better equipment and an improved antenna can help reception, but it may not completely eliminate all problems. In any case, do not buy expensive equipment until you are sure that it will perform in the manner in which it is expected.***
SAMPLE FM ANTENNA PRODUCTS
INDOOR FM DIPOLE ANTENNA--Easy to set up for use indoors. Good for improved reception of nearby FM stations for apartment dwellers or suburban locations. Usually around $3.00
INDOOR TV/FM ANTENNA--There are several models available with prices usually ranging from $30-$130. The higher priced models are usually intended for longer range reception.
OUTDOOR FM NON-DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA---Roof or tower-mounted and has a range of 100-miles. Usually under $20.00.
OUTDOOR DIRECTIONAL FM ANTENNA--The directional outdoor antenna is roof or tower-mounted and has a range of 100 miles in the direction it is pointed. Usually around $20.00.
The above antennas are also effective in pulling in FM signals in the city, as signals may drop out because of tall buildings, obstructions, etc. FM signals often have difficulty in penetrating apartment buildings because the signal may be reflected or absorbed by building materials. Major brands of television and radio equipment also can supply equipment similar to that described above. We suggest that you contact local dealers in your area. (The price ranges above have been taken from a recent catalog published by Radio Shack Corporation.)