How to Improve Your FM Reception

[Source: Thanks to C. Crane, radio manufacturer, and Jay Allen, radio reviewer]

* If you have an outdoor antenna, start by connecting your radio to it. It's likely the lesser antennae below will only work if you are less than 4 miles from GraceRadio (approximately at Standiford and Tully).

* If you are using a (telescoping) whip antenna, try varying the position, or even shortening the antenna. The best reception isn't always with the antenna fully extended.

* If you are using a portable radio, try a different location. Usually, but not always, the best reception is near a window, but you may need to experiment. Also, try rotating the radio itself (!), even in the same place.

* If your radio has (an) attachment for a simple wire FM antenna, try that.

* If a whip antenna or a simple wire isn't adequate, consider a stronger indoor antenna or, the best option, an outdoor antenna. C. Crane has some suggestions. (You cannot buy a traditional outdoor FM / TV antenna anywhere in Modesto; I ordered one from Amazon.)

* You may need a better radio; Jay Allen has many good suggestions for portable radios in all price ranges. If this list is too daunting, I would start with either one of the small Sony portables; the small pocket portable Sangean SR-35 (about $20., rated four stars for FM reception by Jay) or the Tecsun PL390 (about $50., five stars).