From: Dave Thayer <rockbox_at_thayer-boyle.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 01:12:10 -0600

On Tue, Sep 30, 2003 at 01:09:30PM -0500, LoveLearn wrote:
>
> AM-FM rather than just FM. Radio section IC chips are similarly sized
> and cost differences for including AM with FM are justified. All current
> top sized listener audience radio shows in the US are "Talk radio"
> programs. Most talk radio programing is only broadcast on AM. Ignoring
> this market simply because FM is sonically better is a terrible mistake.
> When selecting an AM-FM chip, find a top performer like the Sony
> CXA1129N AM/FM chip rather than another weak performer.
>
I agree AM would be a Good Thing; I did a fair amoount of research
before choosing my Sangean DT200V on the basis of its AM performance.
But there are a couple of technical obstacles to putting an AM section
in a AJB type device. First is the size of the ferrite antenna rod.
When you get down to an iPod sized unit this could be a considerable
impact. More difficult to deal with is the RFI generated by all of the
digital circuitry in the AJB. I get interference if my AJB is within
about a meter of my Sangean. IMO, it would be really tough to
adequately sheild an internal AM section in one of these devices.

cheers
dt

-- 
Dave Thayer           | WARNING: Persons denying the existence of 
Denver, Colorado USA  | robots may be robots themselves.
dave_at_thayer-boyle.com | 

Received on 2003-10-01