RADIO DISTURBANCES
NATURAL NOISES AND RECEPTION
Lightening strikes will be heard as crackling sounds on both AM and SW bands
AM BAND
Daytime
Weaker stations may not come in at all (or come in with static) due to weather conditions. Most all US stations broadcast in Digital, greatly reducing reception to these old analog radios.
Nighttime
Weaker stations will come in. Low end of dial will have static due to weather conditions. Many stations broadcast at 1/2 power beginning at sunset.
SW BAND
Daytime
Practically no reception.
Nighttime
Reception good. Expect stations to fade in and out due to the weather. Best reception on stormy nights.
MANMADE NOISES
AM and SW Bands
SWITCHES
A click will be heard when a switch is turned on or off.
ELECTRIC OVEN
A click will be heard each time the heating element turns on or off.
COMPUTERS, CHARGERS, FLUORESCENT LIGHTS, VACUUMS, FAULTY HOUSE WIRING, CELL PHONES, TVS, CABLE BOXES, LIGHT DIMMERS, HAIR DRYERS
Continuous noise (static/buzz/hum) will be heard which may drown out all radio stations. Try to determine the cause of noise by shutting off/unplugging these sources one by one until noise is eliminated. If house wiring is faulty, plug the radio into an outlet that produces the lowest level of noise.
Example of Electronic Noise: Phone Charger Noise - video clip
POWER LINES
Continuous static will be heard. Keep the outdoor antenna away from and perpendicular to overhead power lines.
REPAIRABLE NOISES
AM and SW Bands, Audio Equipment
MOTOR BOATING
Putting sound, starts off slow -- gradually gets faster.
MICROPHONICS
Hollowing, ringing sound -- louder if tubes are tapped.
WEAK BYPASS CIRCUIT
Whistling sound as station is tuned in.
INTERMITTENT RECEPTION
Volume fluctuates unpredictably.
NO RECEPTION/NO AUDIO
Volume fades out completely.
WEAK VOLUME
Antenna wire should be no less than 100 feet and be located outdoors. Tubes may be weak. Coils may be deteriorating. Bad resistors. Radio may be out of alignment.
60 CYCLE HUM
Continuous hum is heard with no reception.
SILVER MICA DISEASE
Crackling/popping/lightning noise is heard everywhere on the dial, goes away with volume turned down.
SCRATCHY RECEPTION/AUDIO
Noise is heard when a dirty volume control and/or tuning dial are turned.
GROUNDING
Some early radios (1920s to 1931) must be grounded to improve reception and reduce noise.