FM Radio reception problems can be caused by many things. It is often a process of elimination to find the cause.
First, check whether it is a reception problem by checking your own installation,听or whether there are any external problems听such as faults in the network听or weather.
Certain sounds, such as sibilance, whistling, twittering, popping, hissing, buzzing or clicking can point to听a particular problem. Some may indicate the problem is being caused by an interfering signal.
Basic Installation
It is important to check your installation is听working properly and that your radio is in the best possible position.听We have a basic installation guide听to help you with this.
Works and warnings
Check whether there are any known works or warnings that may听be causing the problem.
Transmitter faults and frequencies
Use our Transmitter Checker听to check the transmitter is not undergoing any work and to see which听FM radio services you can receive from your location.听听
Hi-Fi radios
If you are using a Hi-Fi听tuner and stereo reception is hissy, but mono is fine, your aerial may not be powerful enough. You may need to consider a loft or external aerial to solve your reception problem.
Weather
FM radio signals can be affected by fine weather including high pressure and the only solution is to wait for the weather to change, you should not re-tune during this time. Our information on how clear skies and fine weather can affect your radio reception听may be useful, please see our Weather Guide.
Pirate Radio
In some urban areas Pirate Radio can be a problem. The regulator, Ofcom, deals with Pirate Radio听and you can report it using the听
Distorted S and Z sounds (sibilance)
This can happen when your radio receives more than one signal. The second signal is picked up by the radio moments after the first. For example you receive one signal directly from the transmitter and another is being reflected off a nearby hill. Try moving the radio or tuning to a different frequency.
Twittering and whistling
This often sounds like birds tweeting and happens if there is another frequency being transmitted near the one you are listening to. This can commonly be caused by high pressure when,听during fine weather, radio signals can travel much further than normal. These signals can be both UK and foreign stations. There is nothing that can be done and the problem will go away when the weather changes.
Hissing and fading
This normally means that the signal you are receiving is not strong enough.听See our guide on Hissing and Fading.
Buzzing, clicking and pops
This may mean an electrical item in your home or nearby, is interfering with the reception of your FM radio and is causing the buzzing, clicking or pops you can hear. See our guide on Buzzing and Clicking.听 If you are still having problems see our sister site 听for further information.
Distortion -听fuzzy, gritty, scratchy sound
This is commonly caused by the FM signals being bounced off objects or hillsides and reaching your radio by different paths.听 Its technical name is multipath distortion. It is often worst in hilly or heavily built-up areas.听 Indoor portables are especially susceptible.
Distorted sound can also occur if your radio is off-tune.听 This can increasingly happen if your batteries are beginning to fail. Ensure your radio is correctly tuned-in, and check that your batteries are in good condition, or use mains power. 听
Humming
If you are hearing a hum it is often linked to an issue with your mains adapter. You may need to check that all parts of your receiving system are fully earthed.
听
What to do
If your radio is a portable, try moving the aerial to different angles. You could also try a different position in the room. Window sills and high shelves are good places for radios; avoid putting them close to radiators or electronic equipment such as computers, mobile/cordless phones or TV sets.
The telescopic aerial fitted to stereo portables is a compromise and the radio will often only give really good results if connected to an external aerial. If that鈥檚 not possible, switch to mono as it will usually sound better. Some sets do this automatically.听
Make sure you are tuned to the best frequency for your area, as you can often pick up more than one signal. Use our Transmitter Checker听to find the best frequencies for your location.
Qualified Installer
The 麻豆约拍 cannot recommend individual installers. The CAI () is a recognised trade body which can put you in touch with one of its听members in your area.
