FM reception (1 Viewer)

[Les Palmer]

Something I've always wondered: Why do cheap portable radios get better FM reception than receivers? My current receiver, a Panasonic SA-HE100, gets pitiful reception (with the exception of one station that plays nothing but rap). Same with the Kenwood AR-A4040 that it replaced. I have correctly installed the vinyl-covered wire antenna that came with the HE100, so that's not the problem. How do I improve the reception?

 

[Jeremy Little]

Umm, that wire could be the problem. It does not have the same reception quality as the telescoping antenna of a boombox. I bought an inexpensive add-on antenna that cleared all my reception problems up.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Les,

Jeremy is right. The dipole antennas that come with receivers are directional, so unless the wall you’re hanging it on happens to be oriented on the proper axis for the station you’re trying to receive, your reception will be a hit-and-miss proposition. Especially if you live some distance from the station.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt