Total posts : 45366
Hi and welcome to this board,
When you set up your transmitter try it with and without a ground connection. Usually a ground (power line ground or computer sound card connection ground) will improve the range but it might produce hum in you signal. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
The major problems with AM range in a dorm type building come from two causes:
a) The signal is absorbed by the building materials.
b) The electrical noise in the building interferes with the signal. This is probably going to be your biggest problem.
Based on my experience many moons ago with this you will probably cover a distance of 50 to 100 feet in all directions with a usable signal to line powered receivers. Since a dorm has a high population density, this can yield many potential listeners.
Try different antenna orientations and experiment. Sometimes a small change such as placing your antenna north-south vs. east-west or up-down will make a big difference. Keep your antenna straight for best results.
Good luck.
Neil
