How to operate the tuner
FM reception characteristics
In general, FM has much better tonal quality than AM. However, FM and FM stereo reception encounter several characteristic problems not encountered with AM. FM is more difficult to receive than AM in a moving vehicle. The following are explanatory notes on what to expect from FM reception and on how to get satisfactory performance.
FM reception differs from AM
A characteristic of transmitted signals is that lower frequencies travel further. FM frequencies are much higher than AM’s (similar to a ray of light): they won’t bend but they will reflect. Often, they will be interrupted by tall buildings, mountains, etc., taking direct and indirect paths to your vehicle’s antenna. The distance at which FM stations can be received satisfactorily is usually not nearly as far as that which AM stations can be received.
AM Radio Waves | FM Radio Waves | ||||
Ionosphere | Ionosphere | ||||
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Fading out
In weak signal or “fringe” reception areas, FM stations may fade out completely, or fade in and out. When driving in weak signal areas, such as near hills, through valleys or tunnels, among tall buildings, etc., you may encounter unusual noise interference. THIS IS NOT A TUNER PROBLEM. In this case, you can only wait until you are in a better reception area, tune to a stronger station, or reduce the treble level.
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