WAMU recently made changes to our 105.5 FM signal by moving the transmitter and antenna to a location in Bethesda, Maryland on a high radio tower so that we could reach many more listeners in the greater DC area.
- The former location in Great Falls, VA was at a cellular telephone tower location and although the signal was strong in the northern Montgomery County area, it could be not heard reliably elsewhere in the Washington, DC area.
- We have learned that this change in antenna location has reduced the signal for our listeners in upper Montgomery County and we are working to find a solution to improve coverage there.
- The 105.5 station is designated by the FCC as a “translator station” which operates with much less power than a full power station such as WAMU’s main signal. Nevertheless by locating the translator at a central high location the signal can be heard for many miles.
- All of our FM listeners in the Washington, DC area are encouraged to email bgcmembership@wamu.org to let us know where Bluegrass Country can be heard on 105.5 FM.
How much power does WAMU’s Bluegrass Country transmit on 105.5 and where is the antenna located?
The effective radiated power of the 105.5 translator which relays WAMU’s Bluegrass Country is 99 watts in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The vertical component is for your car and portable radios and the horizontal component for reception by a roof mounted antenna similar to a TV antenna.
WAMU’s Bluegrass Country broadcasts from a tower located on River Road in Bethesda. MD. For those who are interested, the geographic coordinates are North Latitude 38-57-51 and West Longitude 077-07-16.
The antenna is mounted 617 feet above ground on the tower.
The 105.5 FM coverage area
How well you will receive 105.5 depends on how far you are located from the transmitter in Bethesda, the radio and antenna you have, and where you are listening: home or office or car. Currently the signal can be heard quite well in areas around and beyond the beltway for about 5 miles except in northwest Montgomery County where interference and a weaker signal are currently experienced. We are working on improvements to the antenna to increase coverage in this area. In this area an outdoor antenna may receive a stronger signal. Learn more about our HD radio service which covers the greater Washington, DC area very well.
This is a preliminary coverage map derived from comments we have received from listeners. Generally the listeners within the green areas receive the signal well, the listeners in the yellow areas may receive fading and should try adjusting the location of the radio and the antenna. The white areas of the map show where 105.5 cannot be received except in unusual conditions.
What’s the first thing to check if I am having trouble receiving the 105.5 signal?
One of the easiest solutions to a reception problem, particularly if you are in the metropolitan area, is to move the radio to a different part of the room. Sometimes moving the radio only a few inches or several feet will bring in a clear signal. Most portable and clock radios use either a telescopic whip or the AC power cord as an antenna. The whip can be extended, retracted, and rotated to change reception. The ac cord can be moved around and draped across objects for the best signal or wrapped up to reduce signal. If your clock radio has no visible antenna or connections for an antenna then you can assume that the radio is using the power cord for an antenna.
For more information about improving reception review the 105.5 FM reception FAQ.
