How do I get better radio reception/signal?

Doc.Gneoson · 10-14-2009, 07:42 PM

i was wondering how to get better reception with my radio? yes i know this is a commutication/gps thread, but i thought i would get a better response from the cb radio gurus then the "how to install a sub gurus" lol. With the 94 toyota pickup i used to have with the stock cd player got amazing reception, and in place's i would never have guessed, from radio stations hundreds of kms away. but now with my 91 toyota pickup, which is worse condition, with an aftermarket cd deck from a few years back gets horrible reception, its garbage lol. what should i be checking/replacing/buying to make it better?any educated guesses would be aprieciated, i really know nothing about radio signals and such lol. ps don't tell me i should just get a satelite radio lol, i already know that lol

thanks
cris

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**aviator** · 10-14-2009, 09:08 PM

Well lets see... going down the list of possibles... check that the radio has a good ground... check that the antenna cable is in good condition without cuts/kinks/breaks, check that the antenna plug is firmly seated in the back of the radio, pull back the inner fender liner and check that the antenna mast is firmly mounted and cable in good condition here as well, check that the whip is firmly attached to the base, and also make sure the antenna cable is not running too close to sources of interference like the heater fan motor.
You may need to try a new antenna, but consider taking the radio out and bringing it to a radio shop you trust and having them check it. If it is an older unit like you say there could be something internally wrong with the radio. If there is nothing wrong with the radio then try a new antenna. The factory non-power antenna is very reasonably priced at the dealer.
Best suggestions I can come up with... I moved your thread to the audio forum... we have a couple of professional car audio guys who are members so you should get a good answer here...

Doc.Gneoson · 10-17-2009, 10:21 AM

alright thanks, i'll def check those out.

4Crawler · 10-17-2009, 10:25 AM

Might also check out a small in-line antenna amplifier. I have one on my '85 and it is powered off of the external antenna signal (since the '85 power antenna has a separate switch for it).

10-14-2009, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,469	Well lets see... going down the list of possibles... check that the radio has a good ground... check that the antenna cable is in good condition without cuts/kinks/breaks, check that the antenna plug is firmly seated in the back of the radio, pull back the inner fender liner and check that the antenna mast is firmly mounted and cable in good condition here as well, check that the whip is firmly attached to the base, and also make sure the antenna cable is not running too close to sources of interference like the heater fan motor. You may need to try a new antenna, but consider taking the radio out and bringing it to a radio shop you trust and having them check it. If it is an older unit like you say there could be something internally wrong with the radio. If there is nothing wrong with the radio then try a new antenna. The factory non-power antenna is very reasonably priced at the dealer. Best suggestions I can come up with... I moved your thread to the audio forum... we have a couple of professional car audio guys who are members so you should get a good answer here... __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way. Last edited by aviator; 10-14-2009 at 09:12 PM.

10-17-2009, 10:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Doc.Gneoson Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: summerland, B.C. canada Posts: 67	alright thanks, i'll def check those out. __________________ Cris

10-17-2009, 10:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	Might also check out a small in-line antenna amplifier. I have one on my '85 and it is powered off of the external antenna signal (since the '85 power antenna has a separate switch for it). __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

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