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Like the topic says, I replaced my stock HU with an 2yr old Panasonic CQ-DF44. For some reason, I get decent FM reception, but VERY spotty AM reception. Any ideas? The antenna wire is pretty secure in it's socket at the back of the HU.

 
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i have the SAME problem, i put in a brand new pioneer HU and i get aweful am reception but pretty good fm. i have no idea how to fix it, but someone out theres got to know...

 
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WHo listens to AM Radio??? I have no clue how my AM reception is.. hmm... Did you connect all non speaker wires to the HU?... Is your HU grounder well?.

May be related tot he fact that out cars have crappy antenna's and the OEM HU has a built in AM amplifier..

 
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I need my AM for traffic news up here in Toronto. Looks like I'm going to hafta yank out the center dash console again.

 
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Yea, the stock head unit is really not that bad overall!

 
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for reception..no.. it has a cleaner internal amp than most older hu's that had 25watts x4 peak.. don't skip much.. their decent for an OEM HU..

 
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I wish I would have read this before purchasing my new Blaupunkt Las Vegas. I take from this forum no fix is known. Is this true? Is an AM amplifier available?[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG]

 
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I searched Crutchfield, and I found they carry an AM/FM amplifier unit manufactured by Metra - $14.99 + shipping. It says it boosts FM signals up to 15dB and AM signals up to 10dB.

I wonder how well it works, and if it introduces any noise into the signal? [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]

 
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I think I'm gonna buy one, cause I like listening to am in the morning.


Aaron

 
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I didnt know AM radio still even existed [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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SlickWillie,

Let me know how you make out with the amplifier. I'm not sure wheter to go that route or just install an antenna. I hate to drill holes in my car but I need those AM traffic reports!!

 
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Yes, by all means, let us know how you like the amplifier. I have an extension cable that I think I'll install on the end of the antenna cable to make sure it reaches in the event I need to add the signal amp.

Everything's just about ready to do my HU install -- sleeve all nice and tight in the kit, wiring harness all neatly crimped...just need to get these butterflies out of my stomach and do it! [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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I was browsing RadioShack catalog, and I noticed they carry a glass-mount wire antenna which attaches to the inside of the front windshield (runs along the perimeter). I wonder if that antenna, coupled with the rear windshield antenna using a Y-adapter, would improve reception.

 
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DMA001,

Take the plunge! It's not difficult at all following the FYI instructions from 7th Gen. Because I was unaware of the signal amplifier issue, I installed 3 different radios thinking it was the radio that was defective. During the last 2 installs I totally removed the center console providing much more working room.

 
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Well, I did it! The install was not nearly as bad as I feared it would be. I do notice a difference in the AM reception, although I still pick up a few of the stations; I don't really listen to AM, though. I did put in the extender cable for the antenna, so it will reach if I decide to put in the signal amplifier. FM seems to be fine, as far as I can tell. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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Congratulations. I'm looking to buy an AM/FM antenna amplifier locally and if that doesn't improve my AM reception I'll just get a new Fuba antenna. It is the smallest one I've seen on the market.

Strange how some civics have problems and others don't. I wonder if it's tied to the type of stock HU- i.e. AM/FM/Cassette, AM/FM, AM/FM/CD?

 
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My AM reception is fine. I asked the local installer at Circuit City if they did anything different that would cause it to be better AM reception. He told me that they run the ground wire for the radio to the grounding point of my amps (like a remote or amp turn on wire) and it removes ground noise and improves reception. Just something to consider.

 
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Replaced stock HU with Blaupunkt and had terrible reception, especially AM. Tried antenna booster from Crutchfield with no success. Ended up installing short roof mounted MDX/Si style antenna and now all reception is terrific. Funny how you don’t hear much about this problem from Crutchfield and other electronic suppliers.