*No single factor can improve radio reception more than a better antenna.

*An antenna will generally NOT eliminate radio static.

*There is no such thing as a "powerful" radio receiver.

*The telescopic antenna on your AM/FM radio has no effect on AM reception.

*The key to extending the reception range of an AM broadcast is to improve the quality of the antenna.

*Portable radios have an internal antenna, try turning the body of the radio in different directions to  improve reception.

*Receivers that are part of a stereo system usually come with an AM broadcast "loop" antenna.  It's  made of a rigid plastic body about 5-6" long and 2-3" wide.  Attach it to the "AM" terminals on the back of your receiver.  Turn the antenna in different directions until optimal reception is obtained.

*A variety of higher quality antennas are available on the market, visit your favorite audio store.

Noise Reduction Tips

Annoying buzzes are often transmitted through an AM radio.   Here is a checklist of the most likely causes:

-Dimmer switch
-Fluorescent light
-"Touch lamp" type light fixture (even when turned off)
-Automatic on and off night lights.
-Outdoor yard lights which come on automatically.
-Electronic bug and pest controllers.
-A light bulb that is about to burn out.
-A faulty electrical switch of any kind.
-A nearby TV set.
-A store or public recreation room near you that has fluorescent lights.
-Blinking bulbs of all kinds such as Christmas lights.
-Scanners of all types.
-Electric blankets.
-Smoke detectors that run on AC (battery operated is OK)
-Dimmer switch in neighboring apartment.
-Dirty insulators on a nearby power pole causing arcing.

It is best to eliminate the interference at its source.  Here's a list of possible solutions:

-Turn off the offending device.

-Try a battery operated radio to see if the interference is coming in from the AC 120v line or through the air or both.

-Turn off the circuit breakers one at a time to see if the noise stops. If it does, than you know it is something in your house and you'll know which circuit it is on.

-Use a battery operated radio as a direction finder.  Turn it until the noise is loudest and the front or the back of the radio will be pointing toward the noise origin.

-Carry a radio around the neighborhood and see if you can find the origin of the noise.   Ask your neighbors if they have problems with AM radio noise.

-If a power pole is suspected, call the utility company and they will check the area and possibly clean the insulators.  Dirty power pole insulators are sometimes a cause of difficult to find radio interference.

-If you have a hum in your receiver from AC noise, sometimes grounding can reduce the hum greatly.

For stubborn radio noise problems, you may wish to consult a book published by the FCC, entitled "Interference Handbook".  It can be found in its online version by clicking HERE.  You can also follow that link to find out how you can get a hard copy of the book.