How to choose the right radio and forget about interference
On May 7, Russia celebrates Radio Day: more than 120 years ago, Russian physicist Alexander Popov demonstrated his ingenious invention, which is considered the grandfather of modern radio. Let’s talk about his many “grandchildren”.
Contents of the article:
many people consider radios to be a relic of the past. However, this is not true. They remain popular among the older generation, supporters of long-distance hiking trips, and radio amateurs.
The beginning of the summer season is just around the corner. This means that interest in this activity, simple by modern standards, is awakening again. After all, nothing reminds us more of the upheavals of our country’s past than the destruction of garden intrigues to the active trill of the “dacha” radio on a May morning. Before buy radios a whole list of factors must be taken into account.
Despite the simplicity of their design, radios have a number of undeniable advantages over smartphones and smart speakers.
- The price may vary depending on the model;
- Independence from the Internet and mobile networks.
The last factor is especially important. Firstly, you have to pay for the Internet, and secondly, with the removal of civilization, the quality of mobile communication services degrades many times faster than the quality of radio.
As you know, many modern receivers (including those for smartphones) do not pick up radio waves, but only connect to radio broadcasts via the Internet. In other words, they are not actually radios, but merely simulate functionality. Below are just questions about what they actually are.
Types of radios
There are several basic types of user level. The simplest one is compact. Radio receivers can be:
- Stationary – powered from a 220 V network with powerful stereo speakers Weighing more than 1 kg;
- Portable (figurative or pocket-sized) – you can take them with you outdoors and listen to them on headphones on the bus. They are autonomous (powered by batteries), but less functional than stationary ones.
There are intermediate offers on the market that cannot be clearly classified into a specific category. This is because they can combine the advantages of both fixed and portable receivers. However, as you might expect, they are more expensive.
Depending on the method of signal conversion, radio debugging can be analog or digital.
Devices belonging to the first category are more primitive. They are easy to distinguish from radio waves and sliders on a clearly recognizable scale (in the form of arrows or strings). Finding the desired radio station requires some skill – you need to slowly turn the tuning wheel. Often, once you spot a wave, it will only come from the DJ’s mouth.
Digital radios are much more convenient. Unlike analogue ones, they are often equipped with an LCD screen, which displays the exact wave value and other useful information (battery level, name of the radio station, track being played, etc.).
Such devices have the ability to scan the radio and remember the channel. With just a simple press of a button, the receiver is tuned to optimal radio reception using a built-in bandpass filter. It can “remind” you of some of your favorite stations, so you won’t waste time searching for them next time.
Analog radios are almost as popular, even though you don’t have to pay much for the digital conveniences. Firstly, their retro release is filled with nostalgia and a sense of style. Secondly, real radio amateurs will not trade the opportunity to catch non-standard waves with soulless filtered buttons.
Wave range and types of modulation
When choosing a radio receiver, you need to understand physical concepts.
Modulation is a method of converting sound into radio waves; there are two types.
- Amplitude (AM);
- Frequency (fm).
FM is much more popular because it allows you to transmit higher quality sound.
In this method, waves are modulated in the ultrashort frequency range (UHF). Most radios pick up FM in the range 87. 5-108 MHz. If you don’t plan to move your device away from civilization, problems with reception quality rarely occur.
AM includes fewer frequency waves (long wave, medium wave, and short wave); Compared to FM bands, they are more susceptible to interference. This means that in urban environments the sound is saturated with external noise. However, such receivers can “catch” channels where FM radio stations are silent.
Incidentally, truck drivers, pilots, ship crews, and even submarines communicate on low-frequency waves. Some of these signals can be picked up by conventional radio receivers, but in most cases they are encrypted, so only noise and crackling are audible.
Technical features – what to look for
In addition to the above, there are a number of other important technical characteristics. These include the radio receiver’s sensitivity and selectivity.
Selectivity
The latter characteristic indicates that the device can clearly distinguish between short-range signals. In other words, a receiver with excellent selectivity will prevent echoes from two different radio stations.
This effect is achieved through the use of special bandpass radio filters. These can be physical (electromechanical, quartz, etc.) or digital. The cheapest devices with ceramic filters are expensive.
Sensitivity
If a radio receiver has selectivity issues, low sensitivity may occur. This can be easily controlled using the Local/DX switch (not available on all receivers).
Speaker
A receiver’s good selectivity is unlikely to lift your spirits outdoors if the number of speakers is insufficient. This characteristic is reflected in parameters such as output power. For portable radios, 1-3 watts is sufficient, while for stationary receivers, 10 watts or more is sufficient.
Furthermore, stereo sound (surround sound) is always preferable to monophonic. Music lovers should look for devices with two speakers.
Food
Battery life is an important feature for portable radios. Ideally, the device should have an additional compartment for a standard AA battery, with a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged from the included 220V power supply.
Such receivers are useful for long trips and travel.
Multifunctionality
For some, sound quality and technology stability are decisive factors, while for others, the device’s versatility is crucial. Some radios are equipped with additional features, such as flash or SD card slots, Bluetooth, and flashlights.
The world of radios is surprisingly diverse. This simple gadget will delight longtime fans with high-quality music and ease of use. We want you to find your sweet spot!
