DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am wondering what I can do to improve nighttime radio reception from Boston WBZ in my condo in Auburn. The buzz sound beginning at 8 p.m. most nights makes it impossible to understand the talk show host.

It also seems WBZ is almost swallowed up by two loud neighboring channels, yet they advertise they reach 28 states loud and clear. Why does it not come in clear in Maine? Would an electrician help this problem in my home?

Thank you for helping me solve this problem. — No Name via email

ANSWER: When Sun Spots asked Mr. Sun Spots, who has a degree in electrical engineering, about this question, he said an electrician isn’t the answer and that electronics and electricity are two different things, even though they have the same prefix. 

He also explained how many devices radiate energy in waves. These frequencies differ in strength and can interfere with each other. AM radio is particularly subject to interference. 

In your case, something is changing at 8 p.m. that is interfering with the signal. A search across the Web revealed that the most likely culprits are TVs. One post noted that just holding your TV remote in the path of the signal will have a very deleterious effect. TVs in general have a bad effect on the signal, with plasmas being a special problem.

Since you live in a condo, all your neighbors’ TVs going on at prime time could certainly be the issue. 

Workarounds might include wiring an exterior antenna through a window to your radio. The success of that procedure could depend on which side of the building you live (whether the building is between you and Boston, from which the signal emanates).

Another option would be streaming the station on your computer, which it looks like you can do at http://streema.com/radios/WBZ_NewsRadio_1030_WODS_HD3

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of anyone in local areas who will repair an RCA stereo with five-disk changer? The disk-loader doesn’t work right. The radio and cassette are OK. I really miss it. Can you help me?

You do help so many people. Thank you and God bless. — No Name, East Dixfield

ANSWER: Sun Spots has three repair services listed in her Rolodex, but she’s not sure if the last two are in business. They did not return her phone calls.

* Deny’s Service Center, 125 Sabattus St., Lewiston, 207-783-6869

* JD Electronics, 193 North Raymond Road, Poland, 207-998-5687

* Maurice Belanger, Belanger’s Electronics, 153 Ferry Road, Lewiston, ME 04240. 207-784-2731

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You recently printed the name of a shop that carried used medical equipment. I think it was located on Lisbon Street, and you included a telephone number to call. Unfortunately, I didn’t save this information.

My friend is a recent amputee without insurance, and I’m anxious for you to reprint your information. Thanks for all you do. — R.A.C. via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots guesses you are looking for Gaarad Dees, Global Home Care Services, 145 Lisbon St., Suite 503, Lewiston, 207-376-3060.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The last time I wrote I was overwhelmed with people’s generosity. I am a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, and I deliver to a blind couple. 

They are in need of a shower chair with a weight limit of 350 pounds. I would be happy to pick it up and deliver it to them. — Carmen, Lewiston, 330-0905

ANSWER: You might also try Global Home Care from the previous question’s answer.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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