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FM static?

For years I've enjoyed pretty decent FM reception. Recently I've been hearing static along with my music. This is most noticible during typical day/evening hours and a bit less so during the wee moring hours. I haven't added or changed any new electronics to my home since this happened. My other source works fine. I tried alternating between a Denon TU-800 and a Denon TU 680-NAB with the same results. This is most dissapointing. I called the FCC to find out if the local Broadcasters applied for any changes. That was a complete bust, after a fairly lengthy process, the FCC offered absolutely no help and suggested I call each and every broadcaster that my tuners pick up. Ha! I called the local utility company this morning, they said they would look into it. I haven't heard anything as yet, but it really hasn't been that long since I called. What gives? What can I do? BTW, I've never recieved very good over the air TV reception here.
unsound
armstrod
498 posts
 
Unsound,

What antenna are you using? I have a Fanfare FM-2G-C, the 'C' designating College Band, which for them is 88-92mhz. It has special tuning to pick up the College Band better, and it truly does work. One thing I've found out since I moved here to Florence is it's not all about the signal strength - there are a lot more variables involved, like RF noise, line noise, and multipath. It all adds up.

David
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
If everything else fails, try streaming audio over your computer.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
"Unchecked Building" - Along the Ct shore there has been a building boom for the last 20 year which is creating unintended pressures on everything from wildlife to environment. NYC spreading tall buildings from the west and Boston spreading from the north. The airwaves are a lot more congested than they used to be.
unsound OP
6,115 posts
 
Armstrod, I'm currently using a Magnum Dynalab Ribbon. This worked fine untill recently. In the past I tried a Farefare whip antenna and was not impressed, now that there is one that is specially tuned for the range on the dial I use most, perhaps another try is in order.

Unclejeff, streaming over the computer is a nuisance and the quality has been poor in my experience. Perhaps the greater selection of stations might be a worthy trade off, but the few times I tried it, that didn't prove to be the case.

Zenblaster, unless there are new buildings are out of sight, I doubt that's the case at my location.

The local power company offerd to inspect, clean and tighten the local poles. The power company agent suggested that these problems were usually limited to AM. He admitted that this was not his field of expertise. He did leave his number, should I need further help.

Thank you everyone for your continued offers of help!
unsound OP
6,115 posts
 
Hooray! The local utility company was in the neighborhood for two days. On the first day, I noticed some improvement, on the second day, "no static at all". Whether they were there for my issues or for some other(s), I might not ever know for sure. Never the less, I'm currently one happy camper.
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