10 HD100 User’s Guide
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Using External Antennas
Depending on your location, you may find it necessary to use an external antenna to receive
radio signals. An external AM antenna is included with your HD100.
Connect the external AM or FM antenna to the corresponding connection on the back of
the receiver. When connecting an AM antenna, be sure the + and - GND (ground) con-
nectors are attached to the correct posts on the receiver.
How far away can you be and still receive an HD digital radio signal? That depends on the
local terrain, other radio stations in your area and man-made interference. All of these
things affect how well you receive a given station. Plus, a radio signal travels for
distances well beyond the area where it sounds acceptable. Each radio station has a local,
distant and fringe coverage area defined by the Federal Communications Commission.
Local coverage is the area where the radio signal is strong and almost any radio should
get good reception.
Distant coverage often requires a radio with a good antenna: smaller portable radios may
not receive the signal.
Fringe coverage is the area where reception is possible only with a good external an-
tenna, if at all.
An HD-capable radio should get reliable digital signals in the local coverage area and
may get digital signals in distant coverage areas, depending on the environment. Radios
in fringe areas usually don’t receive digital signals because, unlike a traditional analog
signal that fades out as you travel away from it, digital will simply disappear when the
signal isn’t strong enough.
Interference can cause radio reception to vary significantly from one location to another,
even in the same room. The following suggestions may help improve your radio
reception.
*Consider using an external antenna. Passive antennas, rather than powered, may work better.
*If you are using an external AM antenna, be sure the + and - GND (ground) are connected properly.
*Move the radio near a window or place it on a higher surface, like a shelf or desk. Do not place the
radio or antenna on or near metal, like a filing cabinet, especially when listening to AM.
*Avoid placing the radio or antenna near items that may generate electrical interference,such as
fluorescent lighting, fish tanks, computers, refrigerators and other appliances. Also, try plugging the
radio into a different outlet.
External AM
External FM antenna connection:
antenna
unscrew telescoping antenna
connection
and attach external here
About Signal Coverage Area and Interference
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