18 months ago, Northern Arizona Public Radio applied to the FCC for an additional Flagstaff FM frequency so that listeners could benefit from a wider range of public radio programming. Unfortunately, the FCC has frozen new frequency allocations. It could be a year before our application is approved. If we waited any longer we may have lost the opportunity to broadcast the outstanding public radio news/talk line-up now heard on 91.7 FM during the mid-days. The application for the new stations is still pending before the FCC. Once it is approved that station will re-broadcast the KNAU signal, complete with mid-day classical music. When this station gets on the air it should resolve the problems you are having with the 88.7 signal.
In the interim, there are a several things you can do to get better 88.7 FM reception in your home or office.
1) FM signals reflect off objects such as mountains or buildings. Because of this sometimes just moving a radio to a different location in a room can improve reception. Placing the radio near a window may be helpful.
2) An inexpensive wire antenna called an "FM dipole" can be added to radios that have terminals labeled "antenna" or "external antenna output." After an FM dipole has been added to a radio, the antenna should be stretched-out and oriented for the best reception. You can purchase an FM dipole antenna from Radio Shack for $3.29.
3) If the FM dipole doesn’t work, another thing to try is a larger "directional FM antenna." These antennas look like TV antennas but are designed for FM. Usually we install these antennas on a roof, as high as possible on the side of a building, or in an attic. They are then connected to the "antenna" terminals on the radio. Turn the antenna until you get the best reception. (KNAU’s main signal at 88.7 FM is broadcast from Mormon Mountain, 30 miles southeast of Flagstaff). This type antenna and the supplies to mount them and connect them to your radio are available at most electronics stores.
4) Small "amplified" antennas might work in some situations. We only recommend them if the store will let you "try before you buy." The signal you’re trying to pick-up is very small. You are best off getting an antenna up in the air so you can point it towards the station and "gather" only the signal you want. The small "amplified" antennas try to compensate for being small and collecting signal from all directions by adding amplification, "turning up the volume" on everything they pick-up. This usually just makes the noise that is interfering with your reception bigger. Radio Shack has set top antennas with boosters available for $29.
5) KNAU broadcasts on the World-Wide Web at www.knau.org. RealAudio is necessary to listen and a RealPlayer is available free.
6) Flagstaff Cablevsion carries KNAU audio on Channel 4 and 59 throughout much of the day.
7) If none of these solutions work, you can arrange to have a KNAU staff member come to your home or office to assist you.
KNAU is very interested in providing you with a quality classical music signal. If you need further assistance please call our operations department at 523-5628.
