How is the FM reception on the Jensen JMC 255?

[TomCat4680]

I was just at a store and I noticed they had a Jensen JMC 255 on clearance at 41.99 (regular price 69.99). I thought it looked like a great deal but they didnt have any on display so I could test the radio reception. So how well does this pick up distant stations from adjacent markets? I'm in the Flint, MI area and I want to pick up Detroit stations and anything else in say up to a 75 mile radius. I couldn't even see if it has an antenna by looking at the picture on the box.

[John Wilke K9RZZ]

I've only looked at the pictures of this unit by doing a Google search on the model number you gave. I've never seen this radio personally, but you get what you pay for, I'm afraid, and even $69.99 won't buy you 75 mile coverage.

I wouldn't expect much in receiving stations 75 miles away because you would probably need a decent outdoor antenna, and the selectivity would probably be too wide to allow you to get close enough to your local stations in order to pull the distant ones through. I can rarely hear any stations 75 miles away on a regular basis with any portable radio, even when modified with narrower IF filters. I can do it consistently with a big outdoor antenna and a modified radio, but not without.

Again, that's not first hand experience with the radio you're looking at ... just general experience with FM radios in general. :o

If you can hear your target stations on a car radio parked in your driveway, you might have a chance, otherwise don't get your hopes up. :o

[TomCat4680]

I've only looked at the pictures of this unit by doing a Google search on the model number you gave. I've never seen this radio personally, but you get what you pay for, I'm afraid, and even $69.99 won't buy you 75 mile coverage.

I wouldn't expect much in receiving stations 75 miles away because you would probably need a decent outdoor antenna, and the selectivity would probably be too wide to allow you to get close enough to your local stations in order to pull the distant ones through. I can rarely hear any stations 75 miles away on a regular basis with any portable radio, even when modified with narrower IF filters. I can do it consistently with a big outdoor antenna and a modified radio, but not without.

Again, that's not first hand experience with the radio you're looking at ... just general experience with FM radios in general. :o

If you can hear your target stations on a car radio parked in your driveway, you might have a chance, otherwise don't get your hopes up. :o

Actually I can. I think I'll give this one a try when I get paid again. If it doesn't work i can always take it back.