FM radio reception problems?

Question

Here's mountaingal that still lives in the

same spot...asking a question about FM.

I thought all FM broadcasters had to stay

on a specific bandwidth? I used to get

programs on specific station numbers.

Now the stations are bleeding into

each other and some are broadcasting

directly on top. there is one local rock

station that is found all along the dial

now. How can I tune in to a proper

station number and get that station,

loud and clear with no interference?

Thanks

Answer 1

Make sure your receptionis up to par and even possible....

Answer 2

depends on how far away you are from each station...if you are "in the middle" of two stations near each other on the band,you will get bleed from both..as a rule,about 75 miles is the max for a station before you get interference..try a good outside antenna from Radio Shack or www.scannerworld.com

Answer 3

I am willing to bet that you have a local FM station located very very close to you. (The local rock one???).

Very basically this strong signal is overloading your radio. Technically you are hearing inter-modulation distortion (IMD).

If your FM radio has an external antenna, sometimes you can minimize (null-out) some of the offending station's signal by adjusting the antenna.

The other solution would be to buy a better radio. Unfortunately, this will be somewhat of a trial and error proposition as most consumer radios do not publish specs on IMD.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Between Don and Gearbox you've got some pretty good answers. It's your mountain location combined with lower quality equipment and an antenna that's not doing it's job.

I'd suggest checking with Radio Shack next time you are near one. Explain the situation to a local electronics person and they might be able to point you in the right direction.

I would also call the station that is bleeding all over the dial and ask to speak to the General Manager about it. He probably won't have a clue. But he can go to his engineer and see what's up. What you describe shouldn't be happening.

In no case should you allow anyone to transfer you to engineering for your complaint. It will take three days for them to complete the answer and your poor head will be spinning ;<)

-a guy name duh

Answer 5

As some said, it depends upon the quality of the radio, most radios are cheaply built and like me.. I live in a semi rural area and on my cheaper radios, I have stations who's towers are real close by me basically are found in 5 different places due to it.

Get a better radio and once that happens and you still get interference, it's because you are near a mountain and the higher you go the more you hear.. so stations that you won't get normally come in very clear.

If you would say your location, it would be easier to find that station for you.

But this is the website I use to find stations usually

http://www.radio-locator.com/

Answer 6

Buy a better quality radio.

Answer 7

I say get an ipod

Answer 8

FM radio is line of sight, which means it requires a relatively clear space between you and the tower.  If you're in the higher elevations, you may be getting bleeds because you're on the fringe of the coverage area.