After the Sangean WR-15 received low marks for AM reception in an Amazon review, Bob of Sangean America replied that poor reception is due to the radio’s switching power supply–a design that is federally mandated.
Many thanks to Jeff over at the Herculodge for posting this (click here to read the full response).
It’s a shame the WR-15 can’t accommodate internal batteries as battery operation this would solve the problem.
If I owned the WR-15, I would simply replace the switching type power supply with a regulated power supply.
Looking at the back of the WR-15 (below), it appears it requires 12 volts DC, 1.2 amps and an adapter with a positive center tip. Though I’m judging this only from the image, the plug looks to be a common size.
I bet I have a power supply that would fit the bill in my junk drawer.
Bob, at Sangean America, claims moving the radio at least one foot from the power supply should help. In truth, I believe much of the noise may be conveyed by the power cord itself, though I may be wrong.
It’s a shame Sangean engineers couldn’t compensate somehow for the noisy power supply as it seems this radio was actually marketed to AM radio enthusiasts.