What should I do if my radio reception is poor?

Report a problem with FM or DAB+ radio reception (in french)

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    There are many causes of poor radio reception. From faulty or misused equipment to electrical interference and transmitter problems.
    Some solutions come under the control of you. These will be the first you try before summoning Arcom to check why you still can't listen to the radio broadcasts you're watching.

    Check your equipment

    Sometimes, listeners alert Arcom's services about the difficulties they encounter in receiving, close to an FM diffusion site, the FM radio supply shown in a zone but from more distant transmitters.

    In addition to the actions that can be taken by technical operators to improve program reception in the area concerned, you can influence reception quality by applying these few tips.

    Set the station

    Wired antennas

    Contrary to popular belief, in these reception conditions, it's sometimes best not to use the wire antenna. If it's supplied separately, we advise you not to plug it in. If it is attached to the receiver, avoid unwinding it by folding it up as much as possible.

    Telescopic antennas

    For the same reasons, telescopic antennas should not be extended, and should be folded away as far as possible.

    Individual or collective roof-top antennas

    When a collective "FM" antenna socket is available in the dwelling, it is preferable to connect to it.

    Complementary antennas

    These are antennas specifically designed for FM reception and purchased separately. These amplified antennas are suitable when you're far from the transmitter operating the desired program, but can be disturbed by the proximity of another transmitter.

    There are also attenuators, to be placed at the antenna socket of the radio receiver, when it has one, to optimize reception of the radio signal.

    Putting your radio in the right place at home

    In addition to the above tips, you can improve reception by moving your radio away from windows, or by finding the best location for reception, which comes under the control of your home's orientation.

    The position of the radio in your home influences reception quality, which can vary significantly from room to room, and even from one part of the room to another.

    In addition, it is often inadvisable to place your radio close to metal surfaces or electronic equipment (computer, Internet box, radiator, refrigerator, cell phone, etc.).

    Switching from stereo to mono mode

    If your receiver features a mono/stereo mode control, selecting the first of these two modes may improve listening comfort.

    A guide for FM radio listeners

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    Interference and electrical installations

    Arcom receives many complaints about interference from other transmitters, or from reception installations that don't comply with norms (in the case of FM).

    Other disturbances are caused by electrical installations used in industrial or domestic environments (in the case of AM). Arcom takes preventive action within the framework of the relevant standards bodies (International Telecommunication Union, International Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Special Committee on Radio Interference, European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Its aim is to ensure that the disturbing effect of electrical and electronic equipment is limited, at the design stage, to the values necessary to ensure correct reception of radio broadcasts.

    Transmitter failure

    Check with your neighbors to see if they are in the same situation as you. If so, it may be because the transmitter you come under the control of is down, or temporarily shut down for maintenance.

    You can check with the radio station

    If problems persist

    If, despite all your efforts, the problem persists, even though you used to receive the radio well, you can summon Arcom.

    Thanks to its network of audiovisual technical attachés (ATA), based in the regions, Arcom is able to monitor radio broadcasting conditions and identify the source of the problem.

    You can report a reception problem to Arcom by

    Radio on the highway

    The radio supply is completed by seven freeway radio services, whose programs are shown on a single frequency, 107.7 MHz.

    This frequency is available to freeway radio stations throughout France.

    Synchronized transmitters provide coverage in a band restricted to the freeway route, so that the radios do not interfere with each other.

     

    How do I receive the radio?