Could FM radios purchased in the USA work in the UK, transmitting British FM radio waves? ?

Question

I bought an MP3 player in the USA and am planning a trip to the UK. The device also has an FM radio. Should I expect to be able to pick up British radio stations while in Britain using this radio? (the MP3 player recharges with a USB connector on the computer, so I won't have to worry about the whole 110/220 issue)

Answer 1

The channelization of the FM band in the UK is different than in the USA.  If your radio dial were able to tune the entire FM band you would be able to get all the stations.  Your MP3 radio probably has preset channelization based on the USA channelization plan so you will not be able to get all the channels, just the ones where the channelization is the same.

Good luck and have fun.  73 from the Fisherman

Answer 2

Yes, the FM radio will work; however, you may not be able to get all the stations (depends on the radio).

In the US, FM stations are at odd number: 95.7, 95.9, etc.

In the UK they may have stations at even numbers (95.6, etc.)