I was reading this Amazon customer review for the new Sangean WR-15 in which the reviewer praises the FM but says the AM is poor. Bob of Sangean replies:
Hello all. This is Bob from Sangean America, and I want to thank you for your interest in the WR-15.
I want to apologize for the problem our customer found with this model.
The WR-15 is powered by an included AC adapter which is a "switching" or "switch-mode" type. The DOE (Department Of Energy) has a Federal mandate, requiring manufactures must now use this type of power supply. This newer, power saving technology, has the unfortunate side effect of causing interference to the AM radio band.
Therefore, we recommend customers keep at least 1 foot distance between the AC adapter power supply, and the radio.
Bob at Sangean.com
Sort of like toilets that don't flush and dim light bulbs---they're improving things you know.
Posted by: Angelo | May 19, 2015 at 04:32 AM
Build a brand new vintage radio!
http://tinyurl.com/k7ujnay
Posted by: The Professor | May 19, 2015 at 06:10 PM
Bidding is brisk on that Heathkit radio. Were those any good, assuming they were assembled properly?
Posted by: Angelo | May 20, 2015 at 04:18 AM
Built one in 1970. Good sensitivity and selectivity on AM, FM was sensitive but could overload if you lived near a 50kW flamethrower. Most transistors of the 60's had this problem on FM, before FETs became available for the front end. Replaced with a GE Superadio in the 80's
Posted by: Marty | May 20, 2015 at 07:22 AM
The FCC has limits on How much radio frequency interference (RFI) an incidental radiation device such as a switching power supply can cause. But even then a compliant device can cause noise in an AM receiver if the signal is weak and the power supply is too close to the radio.
Posted by: Dane Ericksen | May 21, 2015 at 06:22 PM
The idea that touch lamps are legal tells you how much the FCC cares about devices emitting r.f.i.
It's gotten so bad that a lot of AM stations are now using FM translators. Here we have a 5KW station with a very strong signal all over the city (even at night) that's now on FM. Seems to be the wave of the future.
Posted by: Drive-In-Freak | May 23, 2015 at 12:09 AM
Hello everyone!
This is Bob formerly from Sangean America. I was forced out of the company because of abuse, so now I can speak the truth. The truth is I was forced to give the response I did, so dont believe everything I said while working with the company. HOWEVER, I have to say in this case, what I said is pretty accurate.
73
KJ6JJK
Posted by: Bob | August 13, 2016 at 01:26 PM