Need suggestions getting stations

[Neel]

I just started a new job inside Costco Pharmacy. The portable radio we have gets 1 radio station (KOLA 99.9) and we are about 45 miles from LA. Is there a type of portable radio that might get superior reception to the little one we have or a way to get better reception inside the wherehouse (obviously a rooftop antenna is not an option)?

 

[radioman148]

I just started a new job inside Costco Pharmacy. The portable radio we have gets 1 radio station (KOLA 99.9) and we are about 45 miles from LA. Is there a type of portable radio that might get superior reception to the little one we have or a way to get better reception inside the wherehouse (obviously a rooftop antenna is not an option)?

If the building has lots of metal, unfortunately you're going to need a better antenna to get the LA stations.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

I just started a new job inside Costco Pharmacy. The portable radio we have gets 1 radio station (KOLA 99.9) and we are about 45 miles from LA. Is there a type of portable radio that might get superior reception to the little one we have or a way to get better reception inside the wherehouse (obviously a rooftop antenna is not an option)?

I just was out there a couple of months ago. I was deep inside a hotel in Ontario, the Ontario Mills mall was across the street. I had a GE Superadio III with me, my expendible one I take on trips. It was getting all the locals, I primarily used it for KIIS and KRTH. No problems whatsoever.

 

[stormy01]

Definitely a radio like the Superadio with high sensitivity will help since the metal in the building's structure is going to attenuate the signal. Experiment with the placement of the radio in the room. Perhaps try attaching a length of small #18-24 gauge wire around 10' long (about a full wavelength on FM) to the whip antenna and try to get the wire near one of the skylights if your warehouse has them. You could make the wire longer if there is a way to safely get the wire up higher, preferably near a skylight, or in the absence of a skylight, make sure the radio/antenna is along the wall that's facing the stations you want to hear. The additional wire will increase the signal voltage to the radio, bringing in previously barely audible stations to a listenable sound level. I know, it works based on my experience with several portable and clock radios with low sensitivity.

 

[Neel]

Thanks, I'll try it out. I was bummed that I got assigned to Fontana primarily cuz of that issue. Someone else with my same exact job who gets a warehouse in OC or LA has much more listening options at work. Crazy isn't it? I have a Sirius radio too, but I already no that won't work.

 

[stormy01]

Thanks, I'll try it out. I was bummed that I got assigned to Fontana primarily cuz of that issue. Someone else with my same exact job who gets a warehouse in OC or LA has much more listening options at work. Crazy isn't it? I have a Sirius radio too, but I already no that won't work.

So there are apparently no Sirius repeaters nearby whose signal could penetrate the warehouse walls? What about a FM adapter that could broadcast the signal from your car to the warehouse? (assuming the car isn't too far away) Of course, a separate battery for running your Sirius tuner and FM adapter would be desirable so that you don't have a dead battery in your car when you go home from work. Alternatively, if you have a dockable Sirius radio, would your workplace allow you to run an antenna up to the skylight? I'm sure there is someone in the warehouse that could help you get the antenna up near the skylight with a 'skyjack'. You may be able to get a signal from Sirius if the antenna is up near the skylight. But you would need an antenna extension cable between your Sirius receiver and the antenna. Then at least you could change channels more easily being that the receiver is inside. Whatever it takes, I say...