FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: “Is there a map of KCSN–FM’s signal coverage?”
A: Yes, please click here.
Q: “I have trouble receiving KCSN at home. Why?”
A: Occasionally, some extra effort is required to receive KCSN (fortunately, the varied programming makes the effort worthwhile!) Most ‘tabletop’ or ‘stereo’ receivers have a connection point – usually on the back panel – for an external antenna. In fact, a small ‘dipole’ antenna is often included with the receiver packaging (if not, Radio Shack sells these antennas for less than $5, the part number is 42–2385). Connecting this antenna will usually significantly improve reception.
Keep in mind that KCSN’s primary coverage area is the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, and West Los Angeles. We do have a number of devoted listeners beyond this, most having taken the ‘external antenna’ route to improved reception. Too, automobile reception is limited to our primary coverage areas, namely the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, and West Los Angeles, north of I10 freeway.
Q: “Okay. I am able to erect an outdoor antenna. I should ‘point’ it at Mount Wilson, right?”
A: WRONG! It is true that most Los Angeles area FM and TV stations transmit from Mt. Wilson, but not KCSN. Our signal comes from Oat Mountain, in the northwest San Fernando Valley. Using a road map for a visual reference, one would point the antenna slightly northwest of the intersection of the 405 and 118 freeways.
Q: “What other options do I have to improve my reception?”
A: Invest in the new ‘HD Radio’ technology. HD Radio is the trade name for digital radio, developed by Ibiquity, Inc. KCSN was one of the pioneering stations of this new technology. With an HD Radio receiver – and assuming that the above noted antenna is properly connected – the noise and distortion that occasionally plague “regular” FM reception vanishes. If you are one who can appreciate the sonic difference between a cassette tape and a compact disc, you’ll certainly appreciate HD Radio.
Click here for more information about HD Radio from Ibiquity Digital
Receivers to decode HD Radio are available from:
www.bostonacoustics.com
www.radiosophy.com
If you have specific questions regarding your reception situation, please call (during regular business hours) or e–mail engineering@kcsn.org
