kudzooter said:
What time(s) of day/night is this happening?
DeadElvis, you mention "tis the season." Does this happen only certain times of the year?
Well, I don't want to get too deep into this, as it is a bit extra-topical. But, here is a quick overview:
The means by which the really long-haul FM stuff (routinely anywhere from 500 to 1400 miles) is by refraction through the E-layer of the ionosphere ("sporadic-E," it's called). And, yes. This is highly seasonal.
FM sporadic-E is almost exclusively a Summer thing, starting in mid-May and running though Early August +/-. Your actual mileage may vary. Best times to find it are mid-to-late morning and late afternoon/early evening, if it happens at all. Still, it can pop anytime (hence, the name "sporadic"). Paths from here to Florida and the Eastern Seaboard are pretty common.
Signals via sporadic-E can be very strong, indeed. You'll get full stereo, often overriding semi-locals, or even locals in exceptional openings. I have seen FM "skip" strong enough to hold HD.
Other mechanisms can bring in long-distance FM signals. The means by which Michael, the original poster, got his stations was by atmospheric ducting in the troposphere (the atmospheric layer we live in). "Tropo" is not especially seasonal (though, Spring brings in a lot), but tends to be far shorter-haul than Es, and can be a lot weaker. But, it is interesting none-the-less. Look for tropo mainly in the mornings -- fog, BTW, often is a hint things may be up. Tropo and fog are results of similar conditions.
Hope this helps. If more info is needed, grab me off-line: ag4ki at yahoo . com
DE
PS. Just read where WHBQ-FM was heard in NJ this weak. That's pretty good -- it's a class A on the top of the band. WHRK was heard by the same guy, which is less unusual
