I recently installed an after market stereo in my 2001 F250. It does not get as good of reception as the factory stereo. I bought an inline antenna amplifier, but it still doesn't get the reception I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Is there a really good antenna I can buy? Should I look for a better antenna amplifier? Any links? What do you think? Thanks for the help.

 

Was there any instructions on how to tune the radio to the antenna?

Back when I was young (yes, they had cars back then) most aftermarket radios had a small tuneable capacitor that was accessible from the rear of the radio. You tuned the radio to a distant AM station, then you slowly tuned the capacitor until you heard the AM station get strongest.

Otherwise, it just might be that your new radio doesn't have the sensitivity of the stock radio.

 

I'm with Sarg, there should be (or at least there used to be) an adjustable function on most all radios, but I haven't bought an aftermarket radio since christ was a cowboy so a lot has probably change in that area also.

 

That manual tuning was only effective on AM reception. The OP didn't specify if his problem was AM OR FM related. That tuning cap doesn't exist anymore on any of the recent aftermarket head units I've installed.

An antenna amplifier probably won't help, it will just amplify whatever junk the antenna is delivering to it.

The factory head units generally had very good tuners and good operator ergonomics but almost always lagged well behind the aftermarket in new features and conveniences. The after market units usually have great features, lousy ergonomics, gimmick features like disco lighting, and tuners that range from crummy to mediocre to okay. You'd really need to dig into the technical specifications to figure out what to expect.

 

Subscribed. I too am interested in aftermarket antenna recommendations as I don't have any antenna on my truck right now (bought it that way). Someone removed it as it has the premium OEM head inside.

 

? is what tech data should you look at to assure good reception for a aftermarket radio, thanks

 

Shot in the dark, with mine I had trouble and found the cig/USB charger I was using was very noisy. Did not affect stock radio but killed reception on the JVC I installed. A little was improved by unscrewing and cleaning the base of the antenna. The switching power supply in the USB charger is what makes the noise.

 

I rarely listen to anything on am. My problem is fm for sure. I bought an inline antenna amplifier, and it doesn't seem to be doing anything. Does anyone know of a good replacement antenna?

 

The OEM antenna is actually about as good as you're going to get. Make certain that the connection point on the fender isn't corroded as the base of the antenna MUST make good electrical connection because the body of the truck serves as part of the antenna (ground plane).


Primarily usable sensitivity, SNR, and selectivity.