Long Range Listening

KVSC broadcasts from St. Cloud, Minnesota at 88.1 MHz with an effective radiated power of 16,500 watts. Our signal is vertically polarized. We often hear from listeners in the Twin Cities and other distant places asking how they might improve the reception of KVSC.

Often times people discover KVSC in the car but back at home it doesn't come in. This is common because like KVSC's transmission antenna, most car radio antennas are vertically polarized. This combined with the car antenna being free from obstruction makes your car a good place to tune in!

By the way, KVSC's signal is far stronger towards the Twin Cities from St. Cloud then to the North. On 94 for example the signal tends to start fading near Albany going Northwest versus Maple Grove going Southeast.

To see a map of our idealized coverage area, click here.

The antenna is the most important part of a radio receiver. When setting up an antenna it is important to know that KVSC's signal, unlike most FM stations, is vertically polarized. This means that for best reception your antenna should also be vertically polarized. For vertical polarization your antenna element(s) must be aligned vertically with the ground, like a common car antenna. This is the opposite of how a common rooftop TV antenna is mounted. Speaking of rooftop TV antennas, they often work quite well for FM radio (VHF type, not UHF). They can be modified for vertical polarization by removing the mounting bracket and drilling new holes. One good, and inexpensive, outdoor antenna for FM is the Model 15-2163 or the 15-2164 FM antennas from Radio Shack. Of course, don't forget antennas like the 15-2163, 15-2164, and most TV antennas are directional so make sure you point your antenna towards St. Cloud, the elements should all be in a straight line behind one another. Radio Shack also makes a good line of indoor antennas, some that are powered for better reception, which is something to check out for apartments and easier application. If you live in a house with an attic outdoor antennas often work quite well, look a lot better, and are far safer mounted in the attic. Lastly, make sure you use a short run of high quality coax cable with good (and as few as possible) connections! For indoor antennas try those basic "T" wire dipole antennas, or amplified indoor antennas. Always try positioning indoor antennas in a variety of fashions as many have directional characteristics.

A good receiver can make a big difference in FM reception as well. A good component tuner such as a Denon or Carver is ideal. An excellent portable radio for long range FM reception is the GE SuperRadio III, this is my personal favorite for both FM and AM reception.

Antenna installation can be dangerous. Use caution or hire a professional if you intend to mount an outdoor antenna above ground level. Lightning can destory equipment, start fires, or cause personal injury or death, you must use proper grounding for ANY outdoor antenna, check with your dealer for further information on proper lighting protection.