Are there FM antenna boosters?

[tbone28]

I listen to FM radio most of the time, and the reception on our Smarts isn't all that great.

Is there such a thing as an FM booster?

[chieftmc]

Yes there is

FM Signal Amplifier Signal booster for problem reception areas at Crutchfield.com

[a2jack]

T bone. The Smart radios are among the very cheapest radios that will still make noise in a car. An add on RF Amp will not help much, and may make it even worse.

Two routes to go. 1. Buy a good after market radio. 2. Try having a new radio wiring harness installed.

The harness will include a new RF amp and will be covered by warranty. I'm having my harness switched out next week. If the radio is no better. I'll do step 1. A2Jack.

BTW. Be sure and keep your old radio for resale time. Many buyers insist on an original car.

[tbone28]

Actually, I am looking going to replace the head unit. I'm looking for a Kenwood 7120 or 8120. So based on what you're saying, my radio reception will improve with the head unit? i thought it was the cheap antenna on the outside of the car causing my issues!

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by tbone28

Actually, I am looking going to replace the head unit. I'm looking for a Kenwood 7120 or 8120. So based on what you're saying, my radio reception will improve with the head unit? i thought it was the cheap antenna on the outside of the car causing my issues!

T bone. By head unit you do mean a new radio right?

The antenna is very short for AM and is "loaded" to half way compensate. The length on FM should be about right.

Many folks have replaced their radios with after market units and are happy with the results. A2Jack

[tbone28]

Originally Posted by a2jack

T bone. By head unit you do mean a new radio right?

The antenna is very short for AM and is "loaded" to half way compensate. The length on FM should be about right.

Many folks have replaced their radios with after market units and are happy with the results. A2Jack

Yes, it's a new radio/navigation/blue tooth unit.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by tbone28

Yes, it's a new radio/navigation/blue tooth unit.

Keep us posted on how your new system works out. A2Jack

[lunay]

Originally Posted by tbone28

I listen to FM radio most of the time, and the reception on our Smarts isn't all that great.

Is there such a thing as an FM booster?

Yeah, just like this Car FM Antenna Booste , You can stick the this Car Radio Antenna to the roof or window of your vehicle, it is a waterproof one, so you can listen to FM radio all the time.

[Gilbert's]

There is in fry's they call it fm booter for VW 2002

[geosynch]

Originally Posted by tbone28

Actually, I am looking going to replace the head unit. I'm looking for a Kenwood 7120 or 8120. So based on what you're saying, my radio reception will improve with the head unit? i thought it was the cheap antenna on the outside of the car causing my issues!

If you listen to radio a lot, I think you ought to consider HD Radio and/or satellite radio (Sirius or XM).

On Sat Radio you get commercial free music, although it will cost you $12/mo. My wife loves her sat radio. HD radio, in case you are unaware, is broadcast over the same FM frequencies as "normal" radio, but it is digitally encoded. Many stations broadcast two HD channels within their alloted spectrum. Typically, HD1 is a mirror of their analog channel. HD2, on the other hand, is frequently non-stop commercial free music.

That's what I listen to in my smart -- HD2. No commercials, and it is free.

geosynch