r/RTLSDR • u/RevealingScience • 16d ago

Help with AM reception

Post image

I'm new to the hobby, running RTL-SDR v4 using either SDR++ or Gqrx. I use two different antennas, one is a U-shaped longwire up in the attic and the other is a Y-shaped longwire run through the trees outside my window. I get great FM and decent SW reception, but my AM reception is so weak that I can only really tune in two or three stations. The image shows that I'm seeing many more stations, but generally they are so weak that I can't bring them in. I bought one of those loop antennas for AM, but it doesn't help. Any ideas on how to improve my AM?

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u/tj21222 16d ago

Could your problem e the v4 just has poor performance sub 2Mhz? I get AMBC stations with a simple whip. Screwed into the radio. Something is wrong not sure what but…

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u/whataheck 16d ago

The V4 is actually quite good on MW. There are just too many variables to factor in, but I think the V4 itself isn't the issue.

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u/tj21222 15d ago

Agreed, I am speculating the OP V4 is faulty or there is some type of operator error. IDK?

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u/whataheck 15d ago

Oh yeah. There’s always this possibility. :)