1999 Ford F350 Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 65

Controls and features • Do not expose tapes to direct sunlight, high humidity, extreme heat or extreme cold. Allow tapes that may have been exposed to extreme temperatures to reach a moderate temperature before playing. • Tighten very loose tapes by inserting a finger or pencil into the hole and turning the hub. • Remove loose labels before inserting tapes. • Do not leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not being played. 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 kHza • FM 87.9b , 88.1-107.7, 107.9 MHz Not all frequencies are used in a given area. a Some radios may tune up to 1710 kHz. b Some radios may tune down to 87.7 MHz. 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. 65