Crappy AM reception **Update**
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Crappy AM reception **Update**
Y2k ranger factory radio w/cassette and cd player. The AM reception is horrible as compared with the radio in my car. Stations that come in loud and clear in the car are hardly audible in the truck. Is there a decent aftermarket radio with good AM reception I can put in? I listen to a lot of talk radio and unfortunately this radio doesn't cut it. I used to have XM radio but they just got too expensive. Thanks.
**Update**
Well first thing I have to thank everyone who replied, the AM reception is now 100% better.
Here is what I did to achieve this, 1st was to replace the 12" antenna mast to a 31" and then I pulled the radio out and remembered when I had XM radio I had installed a XM direct splitter into the antenna port. Since I hadn't used the AM portion of the radio after that I didn't notice the how much reception had degraded. I took that out and now AM is back to where it should be.
Thanks for saving me $$$ to replace the radio, total cost was $15 for the new mast.
**Update**
Well first thing I have to thank everyone who replied, the AM reception is now 100% better.
Here is what I did to achieve this, 1st was to replace the 12" antenna mast to a 31" and then I pulled the radio out and remembered when I had XM radio I had installed a XM direct splitter into the antenna port. Since I hadn't used the AM portion of the radio after that I didn't notice the how much reception had degraded. I took that out and now AM is back to where it should be.
Thanks for saving me $$$ to replace the radio, total cost was $15 for the new mast.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 8
From: Southern Oregon Coast
Have you thought about using an amplified antenna? It would be less costly than a new stereo unit.
Amazon has these "shark-fin" looking antennas that don't look too bad - but maybe you can find one that replaces the existing antenna...
Amazon.com: Kenson Electronics Shark Fin Amplified AM/FM Antenna Universal Style (White): Car Electronics
Amazon has these "shark-fin" looking antennas that don't look too bad - but maybe you can find one that replaces the existing antenna...
Amazon.com: Kenson Electronics Shark Fin Amplified AM/FM Antenna Universal Style (White): Car Electronics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
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From: So. Cal.
rangergolfer, has it always had bad reception, or has is gotten worse with time? AM radio is so basic that it's hard to do it bad. The problem might be the antenna, not the radio. Check all your connections and grounds, unplug and re-plug the antenna, look for corrosion, clean anything that looks doubtful. The antenna requires a good ground, too.
For AM radio, the longer the antenna, the better, and you can't overdo it because the ideal length would be in the range of 1/4 mile. Of course, that's impossible for a moving vehicle, so all car antennas are optimized for the FM band. Back before FM came into use, car radio antennas were much longer than todays stubby pieces of junk that are so common now.
Sorry Furyus1, that shark fin antenna would be extremely poor for AM, it's just too short. The amp would be nearly useless as you can't amplify what isn't there, and getting a signal to amplify requires a decent antenna to start with.
For AM radio, the longer the antenna, the better, and you can't overdo it because the ideal length would be in the range of 1/4 mile. Of course, that's impossible for a moving vehicle, so all car antennas are optimized for the FM band. Back before FM came into use, car radio antennas were much longer than todays stubby pieces of junk that are so common now.
Sorry Furyus1, that shark fin antenna would be extremely poor for AM, it's just too short. The amp would be nearly useless as you can't amplify what isn't there, and getting a signal to amplify requires a decent antenna to start with.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
reddog nailed it. I would consider doing a VERY minute examination of the current antenna. The coaxial cable can get water-damaged, as in water can get inside, and degrade the signal reaching the radio. The wire inside the coax is also VERY small in diameter, and could be broken.
If you are adventurous, you could buy a new antenna, and connect it in place of your current one, and check for reception. If it improves significantly, you can then take the time and effort to replace the original. Use string and tape to fish the wires back and forth.
tom
If you are adventurous, you could buy a new antenna, and connect it in place of your current one, and check for reception. If it improves significantly, you can then take the time and effort to replace the original. Use string and tape to fish the wires back and forth.
tom
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Junior User
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Now that I think about it I suspect your right about the antenna, it's only about 15", no prob w/fm so tomorrow I'm going to auto zone as they have one that extends to 53" then I'll report back. Thanks for your help.
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