AM Radio Reception

[JimBeam]

So I live in Danbury CT which to those that don't know is just across the NY border.

When driving on I684 at night, say after 9:00 I can not get 1050 AM to tune in properly.

I don't have any problems in the morning, only at night.

It's not like I'm getting interference from another station, it just doesn't tune in good enough.

What's the deal w/ that ?

[JPMNICK]

1050 is a really weak signal, I have trouble with it everywhere. and i live really close to NYC

[Jughead]

Most am stations turn there power down at night....Edit: small stations..

[Lady Resin]

So I live in Danbury CT which to those that don't know is just across the NY border.

When driving on I684 at night, say after 9:00 I can not get 1050 AM to tune in properly.

I don't have any problems in the morning, only at night.

It's not like I'm getting interference from another station, it just doesn't tune in good enough.

What's the deal w/ that ?

That's strange. I bought a new car at the end of May. I had XM for free for 3 months. It ran out a couple of weeks ago. I was listening to 101.9 on FM (I don't remember the call letters). This morning while I was out doing errands all I got was static.

[Recyclerz]

I think there are two factors in this - The atmosphere changes somehow when the sunlight isn't juicing the molecules up high, changing the reception in various areas and making signal skip more likely. Because of that I think the FCC makes the AM stations retune their signals.

When driving on I684 at night...

Watch out for the mooses(?), meece(?), moosen. Watch out for the flocks of Moosen!

[JimBeam]

I was actually off that day so didn't have to sit in the 3 hour delay.

Not sure why it took so long to clean one moose of of a highway.

[Earlshog]

1050 has a really jacked up directional signal. However the reason it is getting killed at night in Danbury Ct is Torontos Chum 1050.

[SatCam]

I think the reason is this:
There are two other relatively close stations on 1050, one in Philly one in Toronto. At night time, AM signals travel much further than during the day, (I've heard people from as far as Virginia call WFAN during overnights). Anyway, because the signals would get muddled at night, espn has to turn down their signal out of respect for the other stations.


the real question is, why are you listening to that crap on espn radio???????????????


signed,
kevin in brookfield

[JimBeam]

I have Sirius but sometimes I like to bounce around.

I actually like Jim Rome and I think he's on about that time.

[Earlshog]

I think the reason is this:
There are two other relatively close stations on 1050, one in Philly one in Toronto. At night time, AM signals travel much further than during the day, (I've heard people from as far as Virginia call WFAN during overnights). Anyway, because the signals would get muddled at night, espn has to turn down their signal out of respect for the other stations.


the real question is, why are you listening to that crap on espn radio???????????????


signed,
kevin in brookfield


Well Philly has a 1060 which 1050 has to protect. They have to shoot the signal North East (they transmit near Giants stadium) which is the reason they have terrible signal in central Jersey. In central Jersey they simulcast on 1040 WNJE in Flemington and in LI on 107.1 WLIR. Unfortunately that doesn't help in Danbury where the WEPN signal is over powered at night.

[Bob Impact]

I think the reason is this:
There are two other relatively close stations on 1050, one in Philly one in Toronto. At night time, AM signals travel much further than during the day, (I've heard people from as far as Virginia call WFAN during overnights). Anyway, because the signals would get muddled at night, espn has to turn down their signal out of respect for the other stations.


the real question is, why are you listening to that crap on espn radio???????????????


signed,
kevin in brookfield
You're fucking adorable.

No, really, he is fucking adorable, I've met him.

signed,
Bob in Bethel.

[Bob Impact]

Oh and here's the short answer:

Most people are right in saying that atmospheric conditions interfere with AM, day and night also affect the signal. Basically during the day AM travels by following the natural curve of the Earth, due to electrical changes in the atmosphere (if I could remember what level I would tell you, I think it's the ionosphere, but I'm way too lazy to look it up) AM travels much much farther. Most broadcasters turn down their transmitters at night to accomodate for this, so they don't intrude on someone else's turf.

Another note is that without a very strong ground AM reception in vehicles suffers. AM is also very effected by electrical changes (which is why you can "hear" your turn signals through the radio). Hence, as cars have evolved to contain less and less metal and more and more electronics AM reception has suffered.

The fix? Either get yourself a giant antenna and some grounding chains for your car or live without.

[JimBeam]

Well thanks to everybody for their input.

Looks like I'll have to stay w/ the 500 or so Sirius Channels.

[drjoek]

You're fucking adorable.

No, really, he is fucking adorable, I've met him.

signed,
Bob in Bethel.


First time caller, long time listener
You guys are great

Joe In Sherman

[Hottub]

I used to listen to the Cap's games on WTOP. From DC to NJ. Clear as a bell at night.

I'll log off and listen to your response.