Ensure that the Radio’s batteries are in good condition.
If possible use a power plug pack to save on batteries.
Use the radio in a place
that is not close to other electrical equipment such as electric motors etc.
that could cause interference
Use an external aerial when ever possible.
* Generally speaking, longer and higher aerials are better.
* Try throwing the longest piece of wire you have over the highest branch of
a near by tree.
* From 4 or 5 metres up to 30 metres long can make a big difference.
* Between 5 and 10 metres is a good height.
* Erect the external antenna well away from power lines and other electrical
equipment.
* If the radio has a connector for an external aerial, then connect the aerial
there.
* If the radio does not have an external aerial connection, connect the external
aerial directly to the built in “whip” antenna. Remove any insulation
from the end of the aerial wire and wrap it around the whip antenna.
* Try
connecting an “earth” or “ground” to the radio.
This can be a length of metal pipe (1 or 2 metres) driven into the ground.
A wire connected to this pipe should also be connected to the metal case
of the radio.
* Check that your radio is tuned to the correct frequency of the station you
wish to hear. (Many radios will receive a station (though not at full strength) if tuned
to a frequency about 900 kHz lower than the correct frequency.
* Try a different
antenna. e.g. try one which runs to a different tree at a different height.
* Try tuning the radio slightly off the correct frequency.
i.e. if the interference is from a station at a slightly higher frequency,
tune the radio to a frequency
slightly lower (1 kHz or 2kHz) than the correct frequency of the station you
are listening to.
* If the interference is from other electrical equipment, move the radio or
antenna as far from the source of interference as possible.
*Try operating the radio on batteries if possible.
Generally buy the best (most expensive) radio you can afford.
Try to get one with the following features:-
* Digital tuning (This makes it much easier to tune exactly to the correct frequency.)
* Able to be operated from external (mains) power as well as batteries
* Has provision for an external antenna (aerial)