Jason,

I have an identical experience with the ATS-909 and using an external wire
in the plug. I can't give you a precise technical explanation but I think
it's related to the length of the wire vs. the internal rod being properly
tuned to the band.

That radio with a Select-A-Tenna or similar loop has excellent performance
on the AM broadcast band and I have many excellent catches with that combo,
so don't despair The gain knob and the signal meter on the radio and the
directionality of the S-A-T really make it possible to hear some good DX.



"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I'm hoping someone can help. I have a DX 398 and just picked up an
external
antenna and AM reception is worse with the antenna plugged into the
external
antenna jack. How could this be ? Even on local AM stations the
reception
almost disappears, why would this happen ? I am in a spot where AM
reception is really bad but shouldn't it improve with the external
antenna,
not get worse.

If any one could help I would appreciate it.

thanks.

Jason