OregonJR wrote:
I want to get local AM stations. In specific, AM 1230 out of Coos Bay,
and ESPN radio station. We can't get T.V. here unless we have
satellite, which I could not justify the cost of monthly (just my wife
and I and we both work full time, not at home enough really).
Therefore, I am looking towards having some entertainment in the
winter, specifically local AM radio.

Man, that *does* look like a tough place for reception!

Have you tried antenna TV? My database suggests you should be within
range of channels 11 (CBS), 13 (NBC), 27 (ABC), 30 (Fox), and 46 (NBC),
even with simple antennas. (11 even ought to make it with rabbit ears)
It's not that good at taking terrain into account though, so maybe those
indeed aren't accessible to you...

What can I do to increase the reception power of my radios? I place
them near the window and it does help somewhat, but not substantially.
Am I am prime candidate for a C Crane "dinner plate" antenna or one of
their other models (http://www.ccrane.com/am-antenna.aspx)?

What's wrong with your reception of AM 1230? I mean, is it a buzzing
noise? Is it just generally weak? Is there interference from other
radio stations? Does it sound better if you take the radio outside and
away from the house?

It seems strange to me you'd have trouble with daytime reception of a
station less than 20 miles away. (night reception can be more
problematical due to massive interference from other stations) I
suspect you have a local noise source that's causing your problems.
--
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66
http://www.w9wi.com