AM radio advice

[EddieWalker]

I'm looking for a radio to listen to AM stations while on my tractor. I've had several walkman type units and currently listen to a Sony headphone radio.

I've come to the conclusion that I need to spend a little more money for something that will actually work.

I want lightweight, comfortable headphones and the ability to pick up AM signals clearly. I have several tractors, so being portable is also important.

Any thoughts?

Eddie

 

[MikePA]

We have the Peltor Racetunes and Worktunes. Neither of them pick up AM stations very well. The tuner seems to be very sensitive, with a fine line between getting a signal and static. FM reception is fine.

If I want to listen to an AM station, I use Pro Ears Dimension 2 headphones connected to a small AM radio. I put the radio in my pocket and snake the cord underneath my shirt (so it doesn't catch on anything) up to the headphones.

 

[RedRocker]

These guys are the AM radio guru's, you might look over their site for information.

 

[JerryG]

It is amazing how even radio is different in different areas. Where I live, you are really had pressed to find a AM station that will even come in.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've ran the gammit on headphones over the years. I've settled on Peltor Worktunes. I'm blessed with great radio reception due to close proximity to local radio towers. Yesterday afternoon, I spent 2 hours on a tractor cleaning up pastures (bush hog) I listened to an interview with Kenny Rodgers on a local AM station. Interesting to say the least. (Kenny is now married for the FIFTH time. Can you say "glutton for punishment"?)

As it has been mentioned, the Peltor is very touchy about tuning. So much as the slightest touch to the tuning know can knock it off channel. It's difficult to find the station again without stopping the tractor. From what I've seen, they get slightly better FM reception than AM.

I WANT A TRACTOR WITH A CAB /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks for the advice.

I have one local AM station, but it's not very strong. During the day it's great, then at 4pm it goes to sports, which drives me crazy. Who cares about the 1970's local high school basketball team and if they are better than the kids playing today? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Anyway, I've come up with two brands that seem to have pretty good reviews.

Grundig and Sangean.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Phils]

Has anyone investigated the Bose noise-cancelling headphones I've seen ads for recently? Everytime I see the commercial I think of how well they might work while tractoring. I may give them a try, knowing that Bose will refund if I don't like them, but some experiences shared here would much better.

Phil

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've got a pair that I wear to listen to the TV while my wife sleeps (We work different shifts sometimes) They're not self-contained radio/headphones. They do have AWESOME sound though.

 

[Phils]

Thanks, FwJ. I also emailed Bose questioning how well they would work with machinery, riding mowers and tractors specifically.

I quickly received an answer that they are designed to work well in my applications, however they recommend not listening to music or radio because of the danger to myself or others by not being able to hear noises that would indicate a safety problem.

I've put them on my Christmas wish list.

Phil

 

[Volfandt]

Admittedly I live in a valley between two large ridges and the power & deflection of my favorite AM station must be just right 'cause it comes in crystal clear. Sometimes I get a shot of static or lose the signal in certain spots when I turn my head a certain way but all in all this Radioshack digital tuner fullcup protector with AM/FM radio does pretty good. I was going to go with Peltor as I think they are stouter but stopped in a RS 1st and liked the protection and sound of this one and went with it. I've only had it a yr but it's working pretty good.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103049&source=WMM_037:A:051027051112:1:V1

Good luck
Volfandt