AM radio reception - OT but I don't know where else to post it

[Xcalibur]

I know this isn't exactly a radio forum, but I'm sure there must be someone here who has some knowledge in this area. I work on the 2nd floor of a large, brick office building and it completely blocks out most AM radio signals. I don't know whether it is because of the building itself or maybe something to do with all the equipment that's inside the building. WGN and WSCR, which can normally be heard many hundreds of miles away, are reduced to a soft humming noise. With opening day of baseball season a week away, I'm determined to try to find a way to get reception in the building. I'm not allowed to access websites for an internet feed, so my only option is to somehow get it through my radio. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to get better AM reception? Is there any certain type of radio that may be better for this situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[emailrob]

Can you get the station on an Internet radio station? Would be unaffected by walls etc.

Otherwise, short of trying a better radio / aerial you don't have many other options.


hth

emailrob

[smokafatty]

If I remember correctly from my old electronics classes, fm signals are bounced off the atmosphere while am signals just go through everything except metal. I'm guessing the building you are in has some kind of layer of metal that is blocking the signal.

My guess is that if you want to get an am signal. Just hang a piece of wire outside the building like out a window and just twist the other end of the wire around your radio antenna. Not the most high tech way but it should do the job. :)

[Xcalibur]

I can't use an internet feed, the company won't allow for outside internet access for anything that's not job-related. I also can't set up an antenna any closer to a window than I already am. I don't think they would appreciate me running wires from my cubicle to the window. :) I'm going to be stuck unless I can find an antenna that works right where I'm at.

[nimbles]

a little pricey and i have no idea if it'd work but you could try one of those AM (or medium wave) signal boosters:

this (http://usa.shortwavestore.com/justice-am-antenna.html) is the first thing i found on google $99 seems a bit steep- but i'm sure if you look hard enough....

[pepsik]

Satellite Radio, It's getting more affordable everyday. I've seen the satellite recievers for about $80 and the service is about $10 a month. They have a good range of sports stations, you might even be able to catch the games that aren't suppsed to be in your area.

By the way, am signals bounce of the atmosphere, fm signals are emitted horizontally.

[PhilEnfield]

If you have a phone on your desk and dont mind removing the cover, you could try a piece of wire attached to a crocodile clip on the antenna of your radio and try holding the wire on various terminals in the phone (only 9v). As the phone lines are routed through the building, back to the switchboard, the chances are that one of them will run close to an outside wall or window or outside the building.

I can remember as a kid doing this with an old crystal radio (am) and getting a great signal. You may need to experiment a bit. I seem to remember that even the earth wire gave a signal.

[Templar]

This antenna is the best around. Might be what you need, if you are willing to pony up the 100 bucks.
http://www.ccrane.com/am-antenna.asp

[Mr Snatcher]

I listen to wscr all day long, Boors and Berstein crack me up. I am glad I get reception and I am in a 120 year old building. Try maybe using a part of your cubicle as an antenna.

[Jesterrace]

If I remember correctly from my old electronics classes, fm signals are bounced off the atmosphere while am signals just go through everything except metal. I'm guessing the building you are in has some kind of layer of metal that is blocking the signal.

My guess is that if you want to get an am signal. Just hang a piece of wire outside the building like out a window and just twist the other end of the wire around your radio antenna. Not the most high tech way but it should do the job. :)
You are correct. However AM signals are bounced off the ionosphere (if my memory serves me correctly) that is why you end up getting Am stations from the craziest places during certain weather. I remember taking a trip and when we were about 20 miles from home we picked up on a funny station. The thing that made it so interesting was that the station we were picking up was located in LA, California and we live about 1,000 miles from there. :eek: So it not only depends on the location but the weather as well.