Believe it or not, an A.M. radio question

A straight long wire is best for short wave long distance reception. For the regular Broadcast band, apart from the ferite rod that used to be commonplace, Loops (open coils) are often used. One approach that I read about had the antenna wire hidden behind ceiling molding, and going around the room several times.

Not an answer to your question, but a comment that may save someone's life! As a former boater, a common trick that I used to use was to turn on an AM radio when the skies started darkening up, indicating potential thunderstorm activity. AM radio (tuned to a station or not) will indicate electrical activity, via audible static bursts, even before lightening is visible, or thunder is audible. NOAA weather radio can give you a potential thunderstorm advisory, but by tuning on an AM radio, you can monitor electrical activity in real time, giving you ample warning to get off of the water, beach, golf course, or hiking trail, allowing you to leave a particularly dangerous location well before a thunderstorm hits!

Don't waste your money on Terk. I already have. Their antennas are long on marketing and good looks and have pitiful performance. This holds for both radio and TV

Forget it. You would have to eliminate all the computer monitors to receive AM reception. The monitors are causing the problem.

Thanks everyone! Pkaram, I assume you are saying that even the Crane antenna referred to above will not be able to overcome the monitor problem.

Lp guy, I have had the same experience with Terk's TV antennae in the past.

Rich, that Crane looks interesting. I may use it at home.

Fatparrot, its been raining so much here that I just may use that tip!! LOL!