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General => Car audio => Topic started by: Andy-H on 13 April 2009, 08:17

Title: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 13 April 2009, 08:17
Hi,
This has probably been talked about loads of times but I can't seem to find an answer using the search function.  :sad:

Anyway, when I bought the car (1995 GTI), the wing mounted aerial was seized up so it was only poking out of the wing about 7". I had a really crap radio signal that when you tuned it in, the signal would be lost as soon as you got 20 yds down the road.  :angry:

I bought a replacement aerial from a guy called lesbray who has a shop on the bay but I don't have any better reception from the radio 

The head unit I have is a Sony CDX-GT602U.

Any ideas ??

Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: troublestarter on 13 April 2009, 09:19
whenever you fit an aftermarket h/u in a vw you need to fit an aerial booster
http://www.awesomeautomotive.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=662
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 13 April 2009, 10:20
Nice one cheers  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 13 April 2009, 21:39
I have this problem sometimes, I got a signal booster from Halfords, cost £10 I believe. My problem is it doesn't work properly with the iPod plugged in though. Not sure why but meh lol!
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 13 April 2009, 22:09
I'll get one sorted and try it with my iPod plugged in to see if the same problem occurs and report back Shady  :wink:
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 13 April 2009, 22:30
I'll get one sorted and try it with my iPod plugged in to see if the same problem occurs and report back Shady  :wink:

Is your iPod connected via a special iPod connection to the HU or is it through AUX?
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Wayne on 13 April 2009, 23:39
You could try switching to a glass mounted aerial with a built in amp, much better signal.
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 14 April 2009, 07:33

Is your iPod connected via a special iPod connection to the HU or is it through AUX?

It's through a USB port in the front of the HU.
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 14 April 2009, 10:57

Is your iPod connected via a special iPod connection to the HU or is it through AUX?

It's through a USB port in the front of the HU.
Give it a try and report back :)
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 16 April 2009, 19:23
Fitted the aerial booster today and all is good  :smiley: :smiley:

Radio signal is crystal clear now and keeps it when driving around....many thanks troublestarter for your help.

Shady, tried it with the iPod plugged into the front and there were no probs. No static, no difference in signal etc.

The aerial booster I bought was this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-VAG-Aerial-Booster-Amplified-Antenna-Lead-VW-Cars_W0QQitemZ110375562756QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Terminals_Cabling_ET?hash=item110375562756&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 16 April 2009, 19:33
There's a booster built into the radio antenna I have but maybe I need another? Guess it won't hurt as it's only £6 delivered. I still don't know what is wrong with mine then, how much does that suck lol!
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 16 April 2009, 19:48
Does your iPod plug into the front of the facia the same as mine does ??

I use my original sync lead for mine..........my theory here is, if you are not using that lead, could it be a suspect connecting lead causing interference (spelling?) ??  :undecided:

Worth a thought mate  :smiley:
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 16 April 2009, 23:46
I'm using the cable provided by Alpine, it's a HU specifically designed for iPods so couldn't imagine there'd be anything wrong with that. Cheers for the thought though, I'm gonna have another little fiddle with things and see what's what.
Title: Re: Bad radio signal
Post by: Andy-H on 17 April 2009, 07:41
Ah, yeah. That lead should be pretty much the best type you can have for it.

Good luck with it mate. Maybe another booster will do the trick.