170 Radio reception
Usually, the problem with radio reception
does not mean there is a problem with your ra-
dio − it is just the normal result of conditions
outside the vehicle.
For example, nearby buildings and terrain
can interfere with FM reception. Power lines
or telephone wires can interfere with AM sig-
nals. And of course, radio signals have a lim-
ited range, and the farther you are from a sta-
tion, the weaker its signal will be. In addition,
reception conditions change constantly as
your vehicle moves.
Here are some common reception problems
that probably do not indicate a problem with
your radio:
FM
Fading and drifting stations − Generally,
the effective range of FM is about 40 km (25
miles). Once outside this range, you may no-
tice fading and drifting, which increase with
the distance from the radio transmitter. They
are often accompanied by distortion.
Multi path − FM signals are reflective, mak-
ing it possible for two signals to reach your an-
tenna at the same time. If this happens, the
signals will cancel each other out, causing a
momentary flutter or loss of reception.Static and fluttering − These occur when
signals are blocked by buildings, trees, or oth-
er large objects. Increasing the bass level
may reduce static and fluttering.
Station swapping − If the FM signal you are
listening to is interrupted or weakened, and
there is another strong station nearby on the
FM band, your radio may tune in the second
station until the original signal can be picked
up again.
AM
Fading − AM broadcasts are reflected by the
upper atmosphere − especially at night.
These reflected signals can interfere with
those received directly from the radio station,
causing the radio station to sound alternately
strong and weak.
Station interference − When a reflected sig-
nal and a signal received directly from a radio
station are very nearly the same frequency,
they can interfere with each other, making it
difficult to hear the broadcast.
Static − AM is easily affected by external
sources of electrical noise, such as high ten-
sion power lines, lightening, or electrical mo-
tors. This results in static.Caring for your cassette player and tapes
For high performance from your cassette
player and tapes:
Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.
A dirty tape head or tape path can de-
crease sound quality and tangle your cas-
sette tapes. The easiest way to clean
them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet
type is recommended.)
Use high−quality cassettes:
Low−quality cassette tapes can cause
many problems, including poor sound, in-
consistent playing speed, and constant
auto−reversing. They can also get stuck
or tangled in the cassette player.
Do not use a cassette if it has been dam-
aged or tangled or if its label is peeling off.
Do not leave a cassette in the player if you
are not listening to it, especially if it is hot
outside.
Store cassettes in their cases and out of
direct sunlight.
Avoid using cassettes with a total playing
time longer than 100 minutes (50 minutes
per side). The tape used in these cas-
settes is thin and could get stuck or
tangled in the cassette player.
