FM Broadcast - WDSD 94.7

[K3DHJ]

Is anyone aware of transmitter changes to this local radio station? I'm in Newark but drive around New Castle County and Statewide. Have noticed in recent weeks in my vehicle and on my SDR at home, changes in my reception. In the car, 94.7 mhz sounds over-modulated, and on my SDR from rtl-sdr.com with a whip antenna, I can no longer pick up at all. Wondering if a transmitter power change or atmospheric conditions are in play?

Jefcon-1

 

[delaware74b]

I have lived in the Dover area for over 30 years and 94.7 is the single worst offender for bleed through for 5 miles. Their signal is so strong you can receive them clearly on a car radio with the antenna disconnected (analog tuner!!)
Anybody attempting to tune near 94.7 or 105 get nothing other than 94.7.
I normally don't listen to 'commercial radio', so I couldn't tell you if anything has changed recently.
Looking at the FCC licensing database, I see their rated power is 50KW. Maybe they're trying to extend their range by over-modulating?

 

[K3DHJ]

Thanks for your response, delaware74b. I worked in Dover back in the 90's and recall stories about folks picking up the radio station on telephone handsets and computer speakers.
I may have mischaracterized what I heard as over modulation. After listening for a while at different at locations around New Castle County, I think I'm getting a weaker signal. Either something's wrong with my car radio or atmospheric conditions changed.

This radio world is an old hobby I'm getting back into, in my "spare" time. I dusted off my old CD set, kicked myself for giving away my old scanner, now trying to re-educate myself about antennas, frequencies, etc. Will likely be posting newbie questions from time to time!

 

[ka3jjz]

There's a possibility of an antenna reorientation or power change, or both, here. It's not uncommon for stations to have to change their radiation pattern for one reason or another

Mike