Andrew wrote:

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For quite a while now I have noticed that FM from Rowbridge
on the Isle of Wight seems to be more hissy than the previous
38 years. It seems to be worst on 88.50 Mhz, which is R2.

I used to have an Aiwa AX7400 receiver which was utterly
brilliant at receiving FM and the signal strength meter
showed a good signal where I live, about 50 miles north
east of the transmitter, but slightly hidden by the
South Downs.

My Onkyo replacement has no signal strength meter
so all I have to go on is what my ears are telling me.
It was fine from 2006 to about 2014 (subjective
assessment).

How do we know if the transmitter has been downgraded
to save on power ?, (and to 'persuade' people to
switch to the awful DAB) ?.


** That is pure paranoia.

Apart from hiring some expensive measurement kit,
how could I measure what I am receiving these days ?.


** All you need is another, known hiss free receiver ( or just a tuner) to try.

After nearly 40 years, the odds are very high your low signal level is due to one or more a common antenna problems - a result of the damaging actions of rain, wind or birds.

Also check your internal antenna wiring, splitters and down leads for corrosion and loose contacts.

If in doubt, renew the lot.



..... Phil