Fuzzing FM Radio.. Help Plz?

Question

Hello iv just finished installing my new premium sound system in my car worth more than £1500 so im almost certain its not my hardware but when i listen to the radio i cant get one station that isnt hevily fuzzy...

its using the standard ariel but i shouldnt think that would make much diffrence its connected to my dvd player via an adaptor (the Golfs is a circular shape and the radios a pencil shaped one) but thats the only modification iv made

anybody know were im going wrong or have any sugestions ? thanks :)

Answer 1

The only suggestion I might have is to check your ground wire and be sure that it is attached, sometimes insufficient ground wires can cause poor reception.

Answer 2

Highly likely your modifications.

Also do you have any other equipment on in the car at the same time - just ideal - e.g. a CD player ready to go.  That is extra ideal equipment that is sperate from the system and installed seperately.

Answer 3

A question to you, do you have 'ground effects' or any after- market lighting?  If so, these could be causing the reception problem.  Make sure they are grounded correctly and the power supply as far away from your antenna lead.

The modification to the antenna connection, did you make it or is it after-market?  In either case, poor insulation can cause a RF leak that results in poor reception.

On to your equipment, make sure your audio equipment is grounded, this will clean up any minor RF leakage and improve sound quality.  If you are trying to pick up FM stations that are far away, check the specifications of the radio in the manual.  Look at the tuner technical information for mono usable sensitivity.  The lower the number, the better reception.  

You might want to consider installing an antenna amp.  Again, make sure you get a quality unit with good insulation to keep electrical noise to a minimum.  Also, buy an antenna connector from a dealer who is authorized by your car manufacturer or a reputable after-market dealer.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You won't like this answer.  First of all, price isn't a guarantee of quality.  It's mostly an artifact of intense marketing and advertisement.  Your radio may very well be faulty.  There are several internal circuit failures that could make the radio sound "fuzzy", even in a grossly overpriced radio.

On the other hand, if the radio is OK, just make sure that the connection between your radio and aerial is solid and that something isn't shorting the conductors.