Long range car radio.

[OneMarcilV]

Which car radio would have the best long range AM reception?


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[grcauto]

There's no receiver that is able to do anything better than what the antenna does.

 

[nickb2]

I was debating on whether to respond to this or not. Maybe a trick trap.

 

[nickb2]

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[OneMarcilV]

2006 Ford Crown Victoria.

I remember the factory radios had much clearer sound than the newer ones do today. These are the analogue radios.


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[billr]

I can believe AM radio reception is no longer as good as it once was; in general and not just car radios. There are several factors that contribute to this, I think. Some factors, like the radio quality and antenna design, are within your control. Others, like transmitter quality/power and antenna design/location are not. You may find more thorough discussion on "audiophile" or "antique radio" web-sites.

If looking for something modern doing the best that can be with AM, I think you will have to be looking at high-dollar stuff. Ignore all the FM features/frills, just figure it would make little sense to bother putting in poor circuitry for just the AM, rather than use existing (good) FM circuitry for both bands. And, as mentioned, a good antenna may not look even close to stock; may mean punching a hole somewhere in the body.

A local car-radio shop may be helpful; but I doubt it. Those places, doing aftermarket radio/alarm/RKE/lighting, seem to me to be of generally low quality. And AM is largely an orphan now.

 

[nickb2]

 

[nickb2]

mr Billr in da house

 

[OneMarcilV]

I can believe AM radio reception is no longer as good as it once was; in general and not just car radios. There are several factors that contribute to this, I think. Some factors, like the radio quality and antenna design, are within your control. Others, like transmitter quality/power and antenna design/location are not. You may find more thorough discussion on "audiophile" or "antique radio" web-sites.

If looking for something modern doing the best that can be with AM, I think you will have to be looking at high-dollar stuff. Ignore all the FM features/frills, just figure it would make little sense to bother putting in poor circuitry for just the AM, rather than use existing (good) FM circuitry for both bands. And, as mentioned, a good antenna may not look even close to stock; may mean punching a hole somewhere in the body.

A local car-radio shop may be helpful; but I doubt it. Those places, doing aftermarket radio/alarm/RKE/lighting, seem to me to be of generally low quality. And AM is largely an orphan now.

Why would AM reception not be as good as it once it was.


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[billr]

The reception may be poorer because I expect the transmission is poorer now. Several factors that I am aware of:

1) AM is no longer a prime media, isn't as profitable as it once was. This means less money is spent on maintenance and operation of the transmission facilities. Transmission power may be being cut back simply to save electrical costs. A 50KW transmitter may require 100KW input, not a trivial cost of power.

2) There is vastly more use of the transmission frequencies now. Maximum power (50KW) has remained unchanged, but restrictions related to day/night operation are probably more stringent. Same for directional limitations, I expect they are more restrictive now. And, of course, 50KW is the legal max power. In earlier times that was probably ignored/evaded more often because AM was more lucrative. The government now has more means and intent on policing all of our activities, including those "pirate" stations, some transmitting at up to 250KW.

3) AM likes large (long) antennas, and all RF likes the antenna up as high as possible. It used to be common to place a large antenna on a mountain peak or ridgeline. Modern esthetic priorities have restricted and even eliminate such transmission antennas.

 

[OneMarcilV]

AM radio is still funner to listen to cause FM stations do not travel as far as AM. Well unless there is a good skip happening.

I remember picking a FM radio station from Arizona while in Charleston, SC.

That was more neat than listening to stations that far away using internet.


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