Radio woes

[Paul T. Casey]

This morning on the way to work I noticed that the light for the "tune" bar on my radio is out. Anyone know if it's an easy fix? Also, could this be a sign of bigger trouble? There are times, although never when I have a scheduled appointment, when my radio will not tune in. It flutters, almost like antenna problem, but connection at window is tight.

[Firedab]

Was the light out on tune while you were listening to the radio or CD? When you switch to CD, it changes the lights on the radio for the buttons that actually work the CD functions. Same for Cassette.

[duhtroll]

It's a crappy antenna design. I was going to post about this soon anyway.

I had mine taken completely apart yesterday to find out if there was an antenna problem with the car, and they found no separations or breaks along the grid or body all the way from the head unit. The answer is . . .

The antenna design sucks. There is no way to get better reception other than adding another antenna from what I am told. I inquired at the best car sound place in the area, and asked about a signal booster. They literally laughed and said "all you'll be doing is boosting a crappy signal if you do that," and it kind of makes sense. (in other words amplifying the noise as well as the music) They don't even sell them anymore. They recommended an external antenna, or at least one mounted somewhere better than inside glass.

I did not go any farther with them as I was waiting to hear what others on this board had done to improve their reception. The only solution I could find in the archives is about a signal booster, and that's right out for me unless I order online (no offense to anyone who has done it - the words above are the techs words, not mine).

So, all you gurus, who knows about all this stuff, is this tech guy full of it, what has worked for you, etc.?

I live in an area where I only get 4 stations I like anyway, and now that is cut to two, and one of them hisses.

Please do not reply about satellite or XM radio. I know about it and don't feel I should have to pay for something that's free. (and it ain't the money - it's just not what I want right now - maybe in the near future)

Thanks all,
-A

[67435animal]

Having upgraded my speakers and having repaired the vibrating subwoofer, my sound is so good that I listen to CDs rather than listen to the radio.

I've spent the past 7 years listening to AM talk radio on a 92 Escort and my 67 442. So, lousy reception is kind of normal for me.

I don't want to add an external (ugly) antenna. It would take away from the good looks of the car.

Bob

[RCSignals]

My radio reception is good. If I travel to a more remote area it will degrade depending on the station.
I think the antenna is fine, and you'll get poor reception in certain areas from some stations even with a mast antenna.
One thing you can check are grounds for The antenna. Poor grounding will cause poor reception.
A signal boost/antenna tuning unit will not just amplify lousy reception. Was the guy a real "tech" or just an "installer"?

[Zack]

I remember the dual antennas inside the windshield of my 76 Buick Electra. They worked awesome!!

[gja]

Here's a suggestion, XM radio.
All the reception crap goes out the window (no pun intended).
And no commercials to tick you off.

[duhtroll]

RC -

No, this guy was definitely not the installer. I have a feeling from the smoky air about him and the rolling chair attached to his a$$, as well as the 3 billion radio parts around him that he is the guy they keep in the cage to work on the real stuff.

Do you have a sig booster and does it work?

Thanks,
-A

[RCSignals]

I have used them before, and we used them in the Army.
I don't have one on the Marauder.

[Paul T. Casey]

RC, you may be onto something. It will be fine one minute, then completely gone or partially gone the next. Sometimes it'll be good for days. Always good when I go to the dealer. Murphy's Law I guess.