Doug Smith W9WI wrote in message ...
Jeff Meyer wrote:
Anyone know how strong is the signal for 1050 ESPN Radio in New York?
Where do they transmit from? I seem to have more trouble picking it
up than I do for other stations such as 660 (WFAN), 880 (CBS), 770
(ABC), 1010 (WINS), etc. I like listening to sports radio when
driving and usually flip between 1050 and 660, depending on what's on
or who's at commercial. 660 seems to come in so much clearer. 1050
seems to fade in and out a lot with static and there was even one
time, on a Sunday I think, where 1050 was being overpowered by some
other station because I was hearing music over the talk and it was not
being played by ESPN. I wouldn't think that ESPN would skimp on the
power of their stations.

1050 ESPN Radio is 50,000 watts fulltime, just like the other stations
you mention. However...

- AM signals "carry better" at the bottom of the dial. For the same
amount of radiated power, 660 is stronger than 880 which is stronger
than 1050 which is stronger than 1560.

- ESPN Radio (and WINS) are directional. They average 50,000 watts but
that power is concentrated in some directions. ESPN concentrates its
power to the northeast and radiates relatively little signal to the
southwest, towards Philadelphia. WFAN, WCBS, and WABC are
non-directional - radiating equally well in all directions. WINS
concentrates its power due east. If you're in Jersey, you may be
running afoul of the Philadelphia null in ESPN's pattern. (though WINS
should be even weaker)

(there's a station in Philadelphia on 1060; it and ESPN must null their
signals towards each other in order to avoid mutual interference)

OK, so I guess that explains it. I do live in NJ so I guess the Phill
station is the reason. Kind of sucks though. Why is it exactly that
staions at the bottom of the dial "carry better?"