Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who writes:
Just how many MW stations in North America are broadcasting in “C-QUAM AM Stereo” these days?? I found this reference which appears to be the most accurate list around the internet.
http://www.meduci.com/stations.html
I have taken this list and have edited it and converted to a PDF file [click here to download].
Best way to catch a AM Stereo signal these days is with a SDR device. We have been using Bernd Reiser’s “SoDiRa” program (version 0.100 Preview 24) with a SDRPlay RSP1 and does an excellent job with C-QUAM AM Stereo decoding.
http://www.dsp4swls.de/sodira/sodiraeng.html
During sky wave nighttime conditions we received CFCO in Chatham Ontario well of late on 630 kHz in AM STEREO (country music format). Program also appears to have built in DRM and DRM+ decoding (we have not tested this part of the program). IMPORTANT NOTE : We found we needed to use the older EXTIO version 3.7 otherwise we encountered errors with OUR connected Windows 7 PC’s (your situation may vary).
Dan Robinson’s JRC NRD-545
Not to forget that the JRC NRD-545 receiver has “built in” AM Stereo decoding (AMS mode). One MUST use the phono jack “line outputs” on the rear panel connected to an external amplifier etc. It does NOT output via it’s headphone connector. Speaking of the JRC NRD-545, please see my web page for late important service information on my “Radio News” webpage.
Thanks for the tip, Dave!
The last time I listened to a C-QUAM AM stereo station it was with WNNC station owner/manager, Dave Lingafelt. We sat in his beautiful red Buick Reatta, parked at the station and transmitter site and listened to 1970s rock on 1230 kHz. Needless to say, it sounded absolutely amazing! Indeed, all of Dave Lingafelt’s stations (WNNC, WAIZ and WXRC) sound amazing.
To listen to an AM station in stereo is a real treat. Thanks for reminding us, Dave!
Don’t forget now that you too can be an AM Stereo station, if none exist in your area, with the Cuthbert AM C-QUAM Stereo transmitter kit. https://radiojayallen.com/cuthbert-am-stereo-c-quam-transmitter/ And, the Cuthbert ebay page, https://www.ebay.com/itm/AM-Stereo-C-QUAM-Transmitter-Kit-/142878080688?oid=132644744317 If you e-mail Sean Cuthbert, you may be able to deal with him directly (Like I did.). He also can built the kit for you, albeit, I chose to build myself, since I want to learn from this kit and then customize it for my uses. There are 2 RF power output settings for it, 100mW for Part #15 operation to a 10ft antenna in USA, or the 400mW output, which would be totally permissible in the USA for Carrier-Current operations. Why wait for commercial stations to revitalize the AM band, when YOU can do it now?
I also have a Buick Reatta and the AM Stereo reproduction is really spectacular. We have a local AM station (1450 KPBS) that broadcasts oldies in stereo. The first time that a person hears AM Stereo on a really good system it is a mind blower as they are so used to mono on the AM dial.
I’m afraid that list is completely out of date, but it’s a good starting point, I suppose. I can confirm these stations are no longer in stereo:
Alabama: WATV, WEUP, WOPP. WATV hasn’t been in stereo in 6 years since they moved from their Finley Blvd. tower site.
Mississippi: WTNI.
Kansas: KUDL. It’s now KWOD sports and I was told the stereo went off with the switch, although when I was in KC years ago, the classical was not really in good stereo with only the right channel carrying most of the audio.
Florida: WRNE. Has been off at least 7 years, possibly closer to 10.
New Mexico: KYVA. Spent the night in Gallup with an AMAX Sony Walkman and heard no stereo at all.
Missing is WLS, who supposedly runs stereo after dark. I have not heard it recently but did catch it here in Alabama several years ago. I get too much Cuban interference to get any of the Chicago clears really well.
Tom:
What about that mostly daytimer in Russelville,AL?
For those thinking about a vintage AMS Sony SRF-42 or
the earlier SRF-A1 or some such,consider that these
rigs were designed for the AM band of the 1980’s.
At night on today’s band their wider bandwidth is
not a benefit.