Radio Problems???
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
Radio Problems???
I have an 03 PSD that has a factory Ford AM-FM with a 6 CD Changer. I listen sometimes to an AM station (don't laugh 
) that is some distance away but always comes in clear and strong on my other PSD. On this particular radio, it sounds like it just can't receive it very well, kinda muffled and not real loud volume. Was told by a radio repair tech that it might be the ground of the antenna causing this. What do you guys think? By the way, the FM side works perfect. Also the radio tech told me that if they sent it in for repair, it would take a week and a mere 
$300 to go through it!!! NOT JUST NO, HE** NO , I'll put up with the garble. Do you guys think it could be in the antenna? Thanks.
) that is some distance away but always comes in clear and strong on my other PSD. On this particular radio, it sounds like it just can't receive it very well, kinda muffled and not real loud volume. Was told by a radio repair tech that it might be the ground of the antenna causing this. What do you guys think? By the way, the FM side works perfect. Also the radio tech told me that if they sent it in for repair, it would take a week and a mere $300 to go through it!!! NOT JUST NO, HE** NO , I'll put up with the garble. Do you guys think it could be in the antenna? Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County, CA
I doubt it's the antenna, especially if the FM stations are coming in fine. Different radio receivers have different receiving capacities/strengths. It's hard to describe, but it's kind of like describing how a Ford 302 has different capabilities than the old Chevy 302. Same cubic inches; different abilities.
I also doubt it's the grounding, since all other normal stations you regularly listen to come in, right? I would contact a local aftermarket car stereo store and tell them the specifics of your problem. See what they have to say. The problem could be as simple as: the new radio doesn't have the power of the the old one and therefore cannot pull down stations (even AM stations) as well as the old radio in the other vehicle. Also, if they recommend some kind of "power booster" to increase the ability of the new radio to receive that AM station you're after, be wary. Most times this increases white noise and that awful "hissssss" you hear in the background of a station that "isn't quite coming in clearly". You likely need a more powerful receiver unit. And yes, this unfortunately means replacing the stock unit with a new unit.
Of course, you COULD try just adding power to the existing unit, but again, make DARN sure that you don't also get the residual background noise, etc.
Good luck with it. If this doesn't work out for you, you may consider posting this question on the "radio" (?) forum here on FTE for the guru's there to ponder!
Best,
Daryl
I also doubt it's the grounding, since all other normal stations you regularly listen to come in, right? I would contact a local aftermarket car stereo store and tell them the specifics of your problem. See what they have to say. The problem could be as simple as: the new radio doesn't have the power of the the old one and therefore cannot pull down stations (even AM stations) as well as the old radio in the other vehicle. Also, if they recommend some kind of "power booster" to increase the ability of the new radio to receive that AM station you're after, be wary. Most times this increases white noise and that awful "hissssss" you hear in the background of a station that "isn't quite coming in clearly". You likely need a more powerful receiver unit. And yes, this unfortunately means replacing the stock unit with a new unit.
Of course, you COULD try just adding power to the existing unit, but again, make DARN sure that you don't also get the residual background noise, etc.
Good luck with it. If this doesn't work out for you, you may consider posting this question on the "radio" (?) forum here on FTE for the guru's there to ponder!
Best,
Daryl
