New transmitters were needed to cover areas where Weather Radio reception was not available but where spacing was too close to stick to the original three frequencies. All of the new Alabama sites at Fort Payne, Winfield, Cullman, Jackson, and Auburn use those intermediate frequencies. If you live within any of the areas served by the new transmitters, it is necessary to purchase a weather radio capable of receiving all seven authorized NOAA Weather Radio frequencies. Weather radio receivers can be purchased at almost any electronics store or electronics department, but only the newer models are capable of receiving all seven frequencies. Older models generally have a three position switch for tuning the frequency of the receiver.
Some older models have a continuous tuner that allows reception of all frequencies.
In locations that are more than about 25 miles or so from a transmitter location, it may be necessary to 'walk' the radio around your home or business to find the best reception. As you get further from a specific transmitter, the radio signal weakens by the nature of VHF-FM broadcasts like those of NOAA Weather Radio. Something as common as the electrical wiring in your walls may be enough to interfere with reception. In some extreme cases, a hill or other obstacle may interfere with clear reception. In those cases, an outside antenna may be necessary to allow good reception.