I have had a pioneer X-ray p970 f model.. had it for years. However getting radio reception has always been an issue. I live rurally. I would like ABC AM 720. Any ideas. Thani you Susan

A web search for your model turned up a blank. You aren't kidding about having it for years. I'll give you some generic information about AM radio reception and hope you find something useful.

Generally, AM reception is through a wire coil wrapped around a ferrite (very fast magnetic material) rod. Received signal strength is dependent on the angle between the rod and the radio station's transmitter antenna, so rotating it in a horizontal direction (around an imaginary vertical line through the center of the receiver) is often helpful. The angle of the best direction can be affected by nearby equipment (metal appliances, ductwork, computers, etc.)

Many non-portable audio receivers and a few boom box types have both an AM and and FM antenna terminal on the back. The FM antenna is very much like a TV antenna (you can use a TV antenna) and is generally required to get FM reception except in units with a telescoping antenna mounted to the case. The AM antenna is used to augment the coil signal, and is generally needed only if you are trying to pick up a weak signal. Attaching a wire to the AM terminal may help (make sure you have a good electrical connection between the terminal and the metal of the wire). This wire will also have an optimal angle for best reception. Try arranging it vertically; many AM radio stations transmit vertically polarized signals for the benefit of car radio antennas.The longer the wire is, the better, but it doesn't have to be very large. The physical limit is about 110 yards, the practical limit is how much you can stand to have stretched out behind the stereo. (A thin wire going up the wall to the hook behind a picture will probably not attract much attention.)

Portable radios often use a single telescoping antenna for both AM and FM along with the internal coil previously described. If you have this, experiment with antenna position and radio location. I have been told that some early model LED light bulbs may interfere with AM radio reception, especially if they are within a few feet of the radio.