We’ve noticed some questions and concerns about increased static on our radios compared to others. This feedback is common with radios as sensitive and selective as ours. While this sensitivity allows them to pick up weaker, distant signals, it can also mean they’re more affected by unwanted interference, including static from electronic devices in your home or environment.
I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on the concept of the “noise floor,” but after nearly 30 years of working with radios and reception, I’ve seen some dramatic changes in it. For those looking for more technical insights, I’ve included resources at the end of this post that dive deeper into the science of noise floors. Here, I’ll share a practical perspective based on my experiences.
In simple terms, the AM noise floor refers to the level of background noise—often heard as static—that interferes with receiving clear radio signals. This noise comes from a wide variety of sources, and over the years, the number of those sources has grown exponentially.
How Times Have Changed
When I started at C. Crane in the late 1990s, my home had just one TV, a landline cordless phone operating at 900MHz, and standard incandescent lightbulbs. Internet access was dial-up, and reception was excellent—even without antennas. Testing radios outdoors or inside a home was much simpler because the “noise” levels were so much lower.
Today, like most modern homes, mine is filled with potential sources of interference: multiple smart TVs with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a mesh Wi-Fi network, LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and more. Everything, it seems, operates on a frequency, and that cumulative electronic noise has a significant impact on radio reception.
The situation is no better at C. Crane headquarters, where our workspace is surrounded by Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, computers, and fluorescent lighting with auto shut-off features. Just like in the late ‘90s, we still step outside to test radios for clear reception, but even that can sometimes be a challenge due to the environmental noise created by public Wi-Fi hotspots, LED streetlights, and other transmitters.
Why Noise Happens and What You Can Do
Every electronic device emits energy at certain frequencies, and when you consider how many devices are operating in your home—and in homes nearby—it’s no surprise that the noise floor has risen dramatically over the years. Add to that public infrastructure, such as Wi-Fi-equipped streetlights and traffic systems, and you begin to see why radio reception has become more challenging.
If you’re dealing with static, there are practical steps you can take to identify and reduce interference:
- Start Simple: Run your radio on batteries and walk around your home. Notice if the noise gets worse or better in certain areas—this can help you identify the source of the interference.
- Rotate the Radio: AM radios are directional, so rotating them can help pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
- Go Outside: If the static improves significantly outdoors, it’s likely your home environment is the culprit. Consider using an external antenna to boost reception or investigate further.
- Investigate Electrical Noise: Some people find that turning off circuit breakers helps identify wiring issues or faulty devices contributing to noise throughout the home.
You can also check out our Radio Noise resource page for more ideas, including less obvious culprits like LED lightbulbs, power adapters, and nearby appliances.
Our good friend Jock Elliott also had these suggestions:
- Improving radio reception is all about improving signal to noise…you can reduce noise (as suggested above) or you can improve signal or both. Here’s an article he wrote about the BHI noise eliminating module.
- The Terk AM Advantage antenna is another way to improve the signal – in this article Jock shows how he uses his.
- You could also build your own AM loop antenna
When a Traditional Radio Isn’t Enough
Unfortunately, the rise in the noise floor means that a truly static-free experience may not be possible in some environments, especially if interference persists even outdoors. Our radios are highly sensitive, which can sometimes make static seem worse compared to less sensitive models. If this is the case for you, our CC WiFi 3 Internet Radio offers an excellent alternative. By streaming stations online, you can enjoy crystal-clear reception without worrying about environmental noise.
The Bottom Line
Radio reception has become more challenging in our increasingly connected and noisy world, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to enjoy clear AM signals. With some troubleshooting, adjustments, and the right equipment, you can often improve your listening experience. And when traditional solutions fall short, internet radios provide an option to stay connected to your favorite stations without interference.
Whether you’re a seasoned radio enthusiast or a newcomer, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of modern radio reception. For more tips and ideas, visit our website or reach out—we’re happy to share what we’ve learned over the years.
In depth resources for noise floor
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/interference-define-and-conquer
https://whisperroom.com/tips/demystifying-the-noise-floor-unraveling-its-impact-on-audio-quality
https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/steps-to-lower-noise-floor-and-revitalize-am-radio
https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/noise-floor-receive-amp-settings-and-signal-reports.454430
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Excellent resource and availability of your products, keep up the good work. Keep your information coming please 🙏🏼
Thank you for a great article on noise during AM listening. My problem isn’t noise. I can turn off the static causes, the lights and appliances. My problem is the content on night time AM radio. Very little interesting talk or programming. Conservative talk radio is great. But there’s little else. Talk is what AM listening is about, but dull talk about pork futures or football players is not what I’m seeking. I have an intellect. A mind. I’m not finding what is interesting to me on AM radio. So, I’m looking elsewhere.
Frank,
I saw your comment and was curious what type of show you enjoy listening to or have enjoyed in the past? I was thinking we might be able to help find something you would enjoy even if it is a podcast or a host that’s typically too far away to receive on terrestrial radio. Both our CCWiFi 3 radio and the CCRadio 3 have Bluetooth options and the CC WiFi 3 uses Skytunes so you have aggregated over 25,000 stations to choose from.
Best,
Jessica
Sitting in the boonies of E. Oregon this AM I fired up my Skywave 2 and plugged in my antenna. The inside antenna is about 80 feet of 20ga speaker wire run just below ceiling height. I can sit comfortably looking out at the snow and (on 7390 kHz) listen to the “Marine Report” from New Zealand. Being a blue water sailor (years ago) I think either “A great day for sailing” or “Nope. I wouldn’t go out in that.” Then I plug in my iPad charger and the noise generated causes me to unplug it for now. A few hours of no TV, just SWL reminds me of my youth, when I could listen to stations from Radio Moscow, BBC World and even Quito, Ecuador. Great little radio with a looong reach.
RGR
I have the rugged C.Crane radio 1 and recently replaced the size D batteries with new rechargeable Lithium ion batteries made by Camelcell that pack a whopping 12,000 mW hours into each battery (compared to 5000 mWh for ni-cads).
Unfortunately, I was dismayed to see that when I unplug the radio from the ac outlet and operate in battery-only mode, the AM band has a wall of white noise obstructing reception of most stations.
This is the opposite of previous experience where when you unplug from ac, the battery-only option usually yields less radio interference, not more.
Although these new Lithium ion batteries are half the weight and have built-in quick charge usb-c modules compared to older ni-cads, internal circuitry in these Li batteries radiate out loud AM band interference.
Many newer nifty technologies (batteries, electric cars, solar converters) seem to have consequential side effects that spell doom for the future of interference-free listening of AM and shortwave radio bands. It accelerates my opinion that the sooner the AM broadcast industry switches from analog to digital transmissions, the better, for optimal static free listening.
[…] Tip:Choose a radio with excellent AM sensitivity and selectivity. You might also consider a tuned AM antenna or try listening in open areas or near water for better results.⚠️Important reminder: If static is the problem, a sensitive radio can make it worse. Visit this blog post for more tips on radio noise and static. […]