Vintage radios and antennae.

[DavGoodlin]

Im hoping somebody knows how to properly connect a smaller, compact coil AM antenna
to the 1930's AM - SW sets that require a 100 foot outdoor antenna based on their antenna circuits. I do not think amplifying would help as noise will also be amplified.

Taking about 20 feet of bare copper antenna wire or lamp cord and burying it under a rug or behind crown molding has worked for me in the past. I have found that an RF amp stage helps slightly on daytime reception.

As for 1939 and later sets with built-in coil and ferrite bar antennas, just moving around within the room can make a difference. It is best to scout the room with a pocket radio.
Another method is to pull the plug on your AC set and if interference stops as clear reception fades away when filter caps discharge, you may benefit from a line filter installed inside your set. Fitting it with a grounded plug can help.

Scouting with a pocket radio is also helpful in pinpointing interference. I found a cordless drill battery charger in my basement was blanking out lower FM band at 90 second intervals of 5 seconds. If you have any motion sensor lights, these will affect night reception. Switch to LED lamps with less noisy driver supply