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WMUK Kalamazoo Public Radio - WMUK History, coverage map, Western Michigan
University, National Public Radio, NPR, Battle Creek, Michigan, primary coverage,
secondary coverage, WMCR
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What is HD Radio?
HD (High Definition) Radio is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally – a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past.
An HD radio receiver is necessary to listen to WMUK’s HD signal. HD Radio receivers are available today in automobile, tabletop and component versions. HD receivers can tune conventional AM and FM signals as well.
Where can I find the latest news and reviews related to HD radio?
NPR Labs: Recommended HD Radios
Consumer Reports: HD radio: Our first tests
Consumer Reports: First Look: Sangean HDT-1 HD Radio tuner
CNet News: Sony joins HD radio push
CNet Reviews: Tune into HD Radio
What HD Radio receivers are avaliable?
Where can I buy an HD Radio receiver locally?
HD radios are currently available from many Internet outlets. WMUK
will update this page as new local retailers carry HD radios in
their stores.
4520 Stadium Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
5460 Gull Road Suite E
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
6650 S Westnedge Ave Suite 146
Portage, MI 49024
How Can I Optimize My HD Reception?
Reception of WMUK’s new HD signal may require the use of an external antenna. Packed with most HD radios is a bundle of wires that unfolds into what is called a “dipole” antenna, as unfolded it forms a “T” with each arm of the “T” called a pole. This antenna will fasten to the back of the radio either by an “F” connector (it’s round and threaded) or by fastening the end of the antenna to two screw terminals. Check the owner’s manual for the location and instructions of the antenna connection.
When picking up a strong FM Stereo signal, you may not need to give much thought to setting up the dipole. For HD, the arms of the “T” should be fully extended and in a line, that is, not bent when looking down on them or looking at them. You may be able to string the arms along the back of a bookcase or wooden curtain rod, or find some other unobtrusive location that works well.
A dipole antenna picks up signals in a “Figure of Eight” pattern. There is very little reception if the station is in front of or in back of the “T”. but stronger at the ends. In my own home, I found that best reception resulted by pointing one end of the dipole at the WMUK transmitter site, located at the corner of 24th St. and AB avenues in Kalamazoo County.
In some areas, the antenna may be more useful in blacking out an interfering signal. This may result in one of the ends of the dipole pointed away from the WMUK transmitter.
There is an excellent discussion of setting up an antenna for best reception written by John Holt, a former WMUK engineer now at WAMU in Washington DC. More information can be obtained from this address:
http://wamu.org/about/engineering/engineering_faq.php
There are a variety of “Rabbit Ear” TV/FM antennas that will also work in place of the dipole. But, caveat emptor. In John’s words:
“There are a number of indoor specialty antennas available for FM reception. Some work very well and some do not. I would make sure that the antenna could be returned before purchasing it.”
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