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Old 02-12-2009, 12:58 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
tbone28's Avatar
 
Location: Bay Area, CA
Drive: '09 Brabus Coupe
Are there FM antenna boosters?

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?

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Old 02-12-2009, 01:02 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Location: Terre Haute, IN
Drive: 09 Red/Blk/Blk Passion
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Old 02-12-2009, 01:52 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Location: Annarbor, Michigan. (a2)
Drive: 09 Suzuki SX4 . 08 Smart
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.

Last edited by a2jack; 02-12-2009 at 01:56 PM..

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Old 02-12-2009, 03:43 PM   #4 (permalink)
 
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Location: Bay Area, CA
Drive: '09 Brabus Coupe
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!

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Old 02-12-2009, 07:27 PM   #5 (permalink)
 
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Location: Annarbor, Michigan. (a2)
Drive: 09 Suzuki SX4 . 08 Smart
Quote:
Originally Posted by tbone28 View Post
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

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Old 02-12-2009, 07:41 PM   #6 (permalink)
 
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Location: Bay Area, CA
Drive: '09 Brabus Coupe
Quote:
Originally Posted by a2jack View Post
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.

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Old 02-13-2009, 07:12 AM   #7 (permalink)
 
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Location: Annarbor, Michigan. (a2)
Drive: 09 Suzuki SX4 . 08 Smart
Quote:
Originally Posted by tbone28 View Post
Yes, it's a new radio/navigation/blue tooth unit.
Keep us posted on how your new system works out. A2Jack

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