Thread: am\fm reception

What do you drive? How far away from radio stations are you?

2002 defender , had a pioneer cd\radio fitted when i got the car new, live half way between Melbourne and ballarat reception dies closer i get to ballarat , even when im out bush the other people im with reception seems ok while i struggle to hear anything

If you are talking FM, I am surprised as Pioneer have just about the best FM tuner of all aftermarket sets.

If you are talking AM , I am not surprised as nearly all aftermarket sets have terrible AM performance as that is how they are designed because in USA and Japan and just about anywhere else the problem is AM crosstalk due to close stations, so they cut sensitivity to avoid paying lots for high quality components to boost selectivity.
You can buy a helical high gain antenna from AFAIK Mobile 1 , but it is tuned to FM, but still helps AM a bit.
The only other things you can do are to shut up the car electrically as much as possible to improve the s/n ratio.
An antenna booster is possible but the car better be quiet electrically or there will be little gain.
Regards Philip A

I would check your antenna hans. Mine had crapola reception when I bought it. Under warranty, LR refittted the antenna and cleaned all the antenna contacts and mounts and it worked much better.

I must say, still nowhere near as good on AM as my 2001 Defender.

Originally Posted by Sleepy

I would check your antenna hans. Mine had crapola reception when I bought it. Under warranty, LR refittted the antenna and cleaned all the antenna contacts and mounts and it worked much better.

I must say, still nowhere near as good on AM as my 2001 Defender.

Hi All

When a aerial repair causes the FM reception to improve and the AM stays crook. The aerial trimmer ( a small variable capacitor ) needs adjusting, but unfortunately, trimmers are not always found on radio's produced now days.

As above. If the problem is mainly AM, it could be some specific equipment is causing excessive interference, which may be able to be improved by fitting suppressor capacitors to it (but seek expert advice - some equipment does not take kindly to these). Also, consider fitting coaxial capacitors to the power feeds for the radio, as close as possible to the set. Check and clean all earth connections (not just the radio). Bonding leads between the bonnet and bulkhead may help, and it may be necessary to bond other panels such as the mudguards as well (these are supposed to be electrically bonded but particularly if there have been repairs or connecting surfaces may be painted or corroded or bolts loose).

John

thank you every one for the reply,s will act on all suggestions as soon as possible, will let you know on results thanks again for the effort
regards Hans