How does KNAU transmit it's signal? FM radio waves travel in straight lines, therefore irregular topography can prevent good reception of any station. Also, as distance from the transmitter increases, signal strength decreases. KNAU has 13 transmitters across northern Arizona. To find your nearest transmitter, check out KNAU's coverage map.
What can I do to make improve my reception? Nothing beats a quality tuner (i.e. a quality receiver) connected to an external antenna. This is crucial for those living in the fringe areas of KNAU's transmitters.
What type of antenna is best to receive KNAU's signal? You can never have enough antennas! A roof-mount is very good, assuming it is pointed in the proper direction. Roof-mount antennas will also help you pull in distant TV signals (until everything goes digital that is). KNAU uses some very expensive ($500) products from a broadcast company called Scala. Less expensive brands include Weingard, Channel-Master, and others. There are many choices. Expect to pay $50 to $100 plus mounting hardware.
How do I know the proper direction to point my antenna? KNAU is glad to help you orient your new antenna. Just give us a call (928-523-5628) - and if possible, have a compass handy. Keep in mind, pointing the antenna at the transmitter doesn't always result in the strongest signal. Your own ears are the best guide. If your radio has a signal strength meter - that is all the better.
Besides mounting an antenna on my roof, what else can I do to improve my signal? NPR recommends the simple dipole antenna, which is a step up from the inexpensive antenna widely available at the local Radio Shack. Some people report success from desktop-type antennas incorporating a "power booster". These are also widely available under many different names. Results may vary depending on your location.
My radio doesn't have a way to attach an antenna. Are some parts of the house better than others for good reception? Yes. Move the radio near a window. An interior room, such as a bathroom, is a challenge for many radios. So are steel-frame buildings. For some radios, the power cord acts like an antenna. In that case, make the cord run as straight as possible and avoid radiators or other surrounding metal objects like bed frames or bookshelves.
Can you tell me more about receiving KNAU better? If your radio has a "mono" switch, try it. That may clear up some noise. For more information, our friends at New Hampshire Public Radio have already published a detailed discussion on reception issues.
What kind of radios do you use at KNAU?> For some of our repeater stations, we use tuners made by Inovonics and Fanfare. These are very expensive (about $1500) and not practical for home use. We're happy with the Eton E10 that we take into the field - though this model is unfortunately no longer available. Check out the Eton G6 "Buzz" instead. KNAU's Grundig S350DL is also a good performer. If you're not looking for a portable radio, Sony's XDR-F1HD tuner gets a rave (although extremely technical) review. Others recommend the Sangean HDT-1 tuner. Both of these can receive HD signals as well as FM and AM and will set you back less than $200.
This is getting way to complicated. Sorry. Let's simplify. Here are some radios you can get through the NPR website.
What is this "HD radio" I am hearing about? In a nutshell, HD radio is a digital service that can provide improved fidelity and, in some cases, additional programming choices. It requires a special receiver and complete revamp of KNAU's transmitting system. KNAU's plans for HD radio are currently in process.
Can I listen to KNAU on my computer? Yes! Click Listen Live at the top of this page and that will open a window where you can choose from one of our two streams:Classical Music and News or News and Talk. You will also choose your preferred media player. Be patient. Sometimes it takes 10-15 seconds to make the connection. If you don't have a media player on your computer, we've provided a link so you can download one for free. And the best part - you can listen to KNAU while you surf other sites!
Disclaimer:
This article is not an endorsement of any particular product and does not reflect any official policy of KNAU, nor has the writer or radio station been compensated in any way to make product recommendations. It is meant to be purely informative and to help KNAU listeners better receive our broadcast signal.
What happens to my contribution? KNAU, and all that it offers, is made possible by community support. Your contribution helps pay for the cost of all the programming, local news, music and the equipment and staff needed to keep the station running. KNAU's 2007 Annual Report has a full disclosure of financial information. KNAU's finances are managed by the NAU Foundation
Is my contribution tax deductible? Yes, your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
If I receive a thank-you gift, is my entire contribution tax deductible? If you receive a thank-you gift, your receipt will reflect the value of that gift. The remaining amount is then tax-deductible. For example, if you donate $100 to KNAU, and receive a gift that is worth $25, then your tax-deductible donation value would be $75.
If I choose a thank-you gift when I make a pledge, does all of my contribution go to the station?Yes, all of your contribution goes to the station. But, note that many thank-you gifts (like books, certificates, etc.) have a dollar value to them - that portion of your contribution is not tax deductible.
Does KNAU sell, trade, or share my information with any other organizations? KNAU never sells, trades, or shares your contact information for use by other businesses or organizations.
Are the local hosts I hear on KNAU always live? Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition as well as Classical Music from 9 AM to 3 PM are hosted live each day. All other breaks for News and Talk or Classical Music are pre-recorded in KNAU's studios.
How can I submit an idea for a story to KNAU? The KNAU newsroom always welcomes leads on local news stories. You can submit an idea for a story by filling out our comments form online, or by calling or faxing the newsroom (phone 928-523-4912; fax 928-523-6202).
Where do I send a press release? You can fax a press release directly to the newsroom at 928-523-6202. Or email our News Director, Daniel Kraker.
Where do I submit a Public Service Announcement (PSA)? The best way to get your PSA on the KNAU list is to email the information. PSA material has the best chance of getting on air if you submit it at lest 2 weeks in advance. More information.
What is KNAU's source for weather? KNAU gets current weather reports from the National Weather Service's Flagstaff office. Weather is updated on the Associated Press wire twice a day and the local host is in charge of updating it for air. Some breaks are pre-recorded - and air in the middle of the night - so we don't always have up to the minute weather information.
How often does KNAU announce school delays and closures? Our Morning Edition host Gillian Ferris Kohl announces delays and closures as she receives them about every 10 minutes during ME.
How does KNAU decide what programs to air? Sadly there are only 24 hours in the day. That means that KNAU simply can't fit some excellent public radio programs into the schedule. The programs we DO air must be high-quality and appeal to a broad section of our listening audience. They must also satisfy KNAU's mission to be "the premier source of balanced, accurate information, civilized discourse and cultural inspiration in northern Arizona". KNAU's Program Director Geoff Norcross decides which programs to air. Have a suggestion?
Why doesn't KNAU air music other than classical? We do! There are many non-classical music programs on KNAU. You can hear a two-hour block of Celtic music on Saturday evenings. American Routes explores the best of American folk and roots music. And A Prairie Home Companion is a music-lovers favorite, with musicians from many different genres showing up to perform. Having said that, classical music is enormously important to KNAU's mission. We are northern Arizona's only outlet for classical music on the radio.
Who are "Public Radio International" and "American Public Media"? National Public Radio is the largest producer and distributor of public radio programs in the country, but it's not the only one. KNAU is also an affiliate of PRI and APM, which means we are able to air programs like Marketplace, This American Life, and A Prairie Home Companion.
I've got an idea for a program. Whom do I talk to? KNAU's Program Director Geoff Norcross decides what goes on the air, so he is the best person to talk to. Before you do, you should have more than just a general idea. What is your show about? Does it satisfy a need in the community? Can it be consistently excellent? Is it sustainable (i.e. is there enough material to produce a show every week)? And lastly, How would it be funded? Email Geoff (or call him at 928-523-2356).
