1999 Ford Mustang Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 43

Controls and features Radio frequency information The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies AM and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies are: AM 530, 540-1600, 1610 kHz FM 87.9, 88.1-107.1, 107.9 MHz Not all frequencies are used in a given area. Radio reception factors Three factors can affect radio reception: • Distance/strength. The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is. The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km (24 miles). This range can be affected by "signal modulation." Signal modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their strength/volume relative to other stations. • Terrain. Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems. Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering structure (out of its "shadow") returns your reception to normal. • Station overload. Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station frequency is displayed. The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo. 43