Why FM broadcast can't travel too far like the AM ones?

[G6FGO]

The modulation method and the frequency are two different things. An AM transmission at 145MHz will propagate just the same as an FM transmission at the same frequency. What will make all the difference is something called the FM Capture effect. That (simply put) says that two transmissions in FM on the same frequency will not be heard on top of each other. The moment one FM signal is stronger, it will flatten the other. AM on the other hand will allow you to hear both signals almost down to the noise floor. It is the main reason why aviation stays with AM.

 

[Token]

I'm pretty close to O'Hare but haven't heard anything when scanning or slowly scrolling through the band.
I wonder who still listens to long wave that generates enough demand to keep offering it on radios? I see it on more radios than I do the weather band, and I would guess there are more people that could listen to the WB than LW.

Try tuning 379 kHz, Chicago / Waukegan.

 

[T680]

Try tuning 379 kHz, Chicago / Waukegan.

Thanks, I'll try that.

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Try tuning 379 kHz, Chicago / Waukegan.

identifier UG

 

[T680]

Try tuning 379 kHz, Chicago / Waukegan.

I heard some beeping in it the other day and figured that must be what mmckenna meant by something similar to slow Morse code.