Signal 101

Probably the most common complaint we hear at WNKU is that you cannot recieve a good signal from us. Signal 101 is designed to help you understand why the signal may be weak the accompanying article, FM Reception Tips has lots of practical suggestions to improve your reception.

While our antenna height and transmission power are nearly identical to WGRR's, several factors contribute to poor WNKU reception:

• Our signal is directional. It is restricted toward West Chester from our Highland Heights transmitting antenna to prevent interfering with Lakota High School's WLHS on 89.9. The result is that our "protected" signal in that direction extends only to the intersection of I-71 and the Norwood Lateral.

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has different rules on channel spacing for noncommercial stations in the reserved (88-92 MHz) portion of the FM band. Because this part of the FM dial is relatively more closely packed, signals from nearby stations like WLHS, WHSS (Hamilton High School), WMKV (Maple Knoll Village), and WVXW (West Union, OH) affect reception at the fringes of our coverage area. Also, listeners to the northeast may hear 50,000-watt WOSU-FM from Columbus which is on the same frequency as WNKU, 89.7 MHz.

• Listeners in Clifton and parts of Price Hill may hear interference that sounds vaguely like WRRM (Warm 98). This results from the proximity of WRRM's transmitter to WVMX's (Mix 94.1) transmitter. Because of the mathematical relationship of these stations' frequencies, your radio can produce interference on WNKU. It work like this: Multiply Mix by 2 (94.1 x 2 = 188.2) and subtract Warm 98 (actually 98.5), and the result is 89.7. Unfortunately, the FCC offers no relief for this type of interference since it occurs when the stations are operating within legal parameters.

• The general vagaries of FM reception apply to WNKU as much as any other station. These can sometimes be overcome with better, or better-placed, receiving antennas. For a full discussion, see the companion document, FM Reception Tips. If you've overcome reception problems, share your experience with us so we can better help other WNKU listeners. Send e-mail to wnku@nku.edu.