Medium Wave Propagation Characteristics
Medium wave signals have the property of following the curvature of the earth (the groundwave) at all times, and also refracting off the ionosphere at night (skywave). This makes this frequency band ideal for both local and continent-wide service, depending on the time of day. For example, during the day a radio receiver in the state of Colorado is able to receive reliable but weak signals from high-power stations such as 770 KKOB, or 610 KNML 500 miles away from their towers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, due to groundwave propagation. The effectiveness of groundwave signals largely depends on ground conductivity and higher conductivity results in better propagation. At night, the same receiver may pick up signals as far away as 1110 KFAB in Nebraska reliably, depending on atmospheric noise and man-made interference.
Some experiments and trials are planned or under way for a digital modulation, such as Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM).
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