Last updated on July 12th, 2023 at 06:32 am
Call me an old-timer, but I still prefer using the radio, especially when driving in the morning. It has a way of keeping in touch with my roots as I get to visualize the good old days of listening to the Am news with my father while I patiently wait to sing along to the tune of my favorite breakfast show.
Modern times however have found a way of ensuring the signals are not as strong as they use to be, especially with frequent FM radio buzzing noise being heard from time to time.
This common problem can be fixed or avoided if you do and avoid certain places and circumstances. The following tips would be of great help.
Contents
FM Radio Buzzing Noise – Causes & Solution
Avoid metal surfaces
For people who still use the clock radio or happen to have an independent radio receiver, you have to do your best to avoid placing your FM radio on metal surfaces as this could affect the reception being received by the radio.
If you are using one in a shed, it shouldn’t be a shed filled with iron stuff as it might also interfere. Such interference has been known to cause buzzing sounds in the past, so do well to follow this to the latter.
Keep it away from telephone accessories
Your smartphones and other radio devices such as walkie-talkies should not be kept close to your FM radio. This is not just limited to the devices previously mentioned, but any other device that emits or transmits any form of a radio signal. These signals will find a way to interfere with your FM radio thereby, causing a buzzing or static noise in the process.
The area should have a good reception
It is no secret that radio signals do well in hilly areas, which is why you have to look for other measures to enjoy s stronger signal if you don’t have such a topographical advantage.
Presently, some radios have different parts that function as the antenna; for instance, the FM radio on smartphones will often need an earphone or headset connected to the phone to serve as its antenna, while other FM radio devices might require the power cord to serve the same purpose.
Regardless of what it is you are using to get an FM radio signal, ensure you use them properly to get the best reception. A bad reception will always leave you with static and buzzing sounds which can in no little way disrupt your evening.
Some radio devices have the added advantage of having the option of an external antenna which helps to further boost the signal reception.
Explore this option if your FM radio has one as it will help in giving you a very clear signal void of the buzzing and static sounds FM radios have.
Most cable receivers give you the option of listening to your favorite radio station from the comfort of your television set. Consult customer care, or read the manual for more details on how to enjoy this package.
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How can I improve my FM radio reception?
If you have a car and you are suffering from poor FM radio reception, the following troubleshooting problems will help you with a quick or permanent fix depending on what works best then.
You might have a bad antenna
Anyone with an old fashion car will know what it means to have your antenna shooting upwards and giving you the best signal possible.
However, because it can be easily vandalized, newer car models are now mostly designed with window antennas that are usually flat and safe, and because of this design, it tends not to work as it should, especially when you compare it to the old-fashioned ones.
The solution
If your car has a flat antenna and you are having issues with reception, it may probably be time for you to look for a conventional antenna that suits your vehicle and provides you with the best reception. Don’t just stick to your car antenna for the sake of sticking to it.
Strong neighboring stations
Strong neighboring stations can be a problem if the station you intend to listen to is not within your locality, and because of their strong signals, your car’s FM radio will easily get locked into their frequency rather than the frequency of your choice.
The solution
This situation might be out of your control, but there’s a way to manage it. You can start by getting an analog tuner head unit instead of the digital alternative.
The analog tuner will help you get the exact frequency you want rather than just settling for the strongest frequency. However, expect interference at some point due to the strong local signal.
Weak signals from the radio station
Radio stations are usually given permission to operate that states the exact amount of frequency they can occupy as well as the power.
Due to this limitation, it is most likely that your favorite FM radio station might not have the strong frequency and power to operate, and as a result, your radio receiving services will have a lot of work on their hands which can be beyond their control.
The solution
To be honest, this problem is beyond what you can fix, especially if are far away from the radio station. You might have a little leeway if you have a very strong head unit and antenna, but it may not still be enough to guarantee a good service reception.
Electronic devices located close by
Your house might look like the only place radio interference occurs, but you would be shocked to know that your car is not left out as well. If you enjoy blending your smoothie in your car, then you are likely to notice a drop in the FM radio’s services whenever your blender is turned on.
The solution
Try your best and remove any device that might be a source of interference in your car. There are lots of options available which may be unknown to you, and that’s why you might need the help of an expert to get it done thoroughly.
Rusty or corroded antenna wiring
Due to environmental factors beyond your control, your antenna might get rusted, and as a result, it can affect the quality of the electrical connection.
Since your FM radio head tuner is solely dependent on this connection to enjoy a quality signal to transmit from, your transmission quality will be way below average.
The solution
The situation will simply require you to get a new antenna, but before that, you might want to clean the connections and visit a mechanic to be sure there isn’t any wire that needs to be replaced.
Mountains and tall buildings
One of the advantages of living in the countryside apart from the fresh air you get to enjoy is clear radio waves.
Mountainous areas and cities with large buildings will disrupt your signal and get you all jammed up by locking to different frequencies all at the same time. Some cases might even see radio frequencies bounce off these structures.
The solution
Except you have some sort of superpower and decide to use it wrongly by destroying all the tall buildings and mountains around you because you hope to improve the reception of your FM radio, you have to live with the consequences of your choices.
Bad head unit
Head units in vehicles have been known to even outlive their shelf life. However, this doesn’t mean they are indestructible, and when you have a spoilt head unit, a bad reception is not what you need to worry yourself about but getting the reception altogether.
The solution
The easier option to take would be to see a specialist for repairs, but how are you sure there won’t be a relapse in the future?
If the head unit has served you for a long time, the best option would be to get a new replacement that may probably have newer functions that weren’t present in the former model. Getting the same brand would be a plus as well since the previous one served you well.
FAQs
What causes static on FM radio?
The static sound you experience on your FM radio is likely caused by the surrounding metal in the radio’s environment. To prevent this from happening, ensure your radio is not placed on a metal surface or a metallic environment.
How do you stop FM radio interference?
FM radio interference can be stopped by placing the radio on an elevated platform or getting a longer radio antenna. Aerial amplifiers can also be used by using the lowest gain which helps to eradicate system overload by other transmitting devices.
Why is FM radio reception poor?
The reason for most poor receptions can be a result of an atmosphere saturated by radio frequencies which can conflict with one another. These can happen in areas with multiple radio stations.
Conclusion
I hope the information provided in this article helps to resolve your FM radio issues. If you have more suggestions or input regarding this topic, kindly enlighten us in the comment section. Cheers…