Boosting FM Signal

[QBA]

Hi

I just bought a Mazda3 2008.5 and I'm not happy with the strength of the FM signal, I live in Down Town Toronto so is not a matter of being away from the radio signal.

I'm able to listen to the stations and the noise level is acceptable but I think the signal should be stronger compare to the car I used to have two weeks ago.

Could any one tell me of any FM booster I could connect on the back of the factory radio or an aftermarket antenna with built in FM boosters that could replace the one that came with the Mazda3?


Thanks

Alex

[Noisy Crow]

Do you have the stubby antenna? You could try borrowing/buying a fishing pole antenna from a member who swapped theirs out for a stubby or sharkfin.

[QBA]

Thanks for the reply Noisy Crow,

What is a stubby antenna? I just have the antenna that came with my new Mazda3 2008.5.

[Noisy Crow]

Thanks for the reply Noisy Crow,

What is a stubby antenna? I just have the antenna that came with my new Mazda3 2008.5.

There's a bunch of pics in the classified... but you probably can see that yet. Below is a pic from one of the for-sale threads (thanks Flippy, hope you don't mind!)

The older (pre 2008.5 version) looked much the same, except it had about 18" of black wire sticking straight out of the end. It also gets better radio reception....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/FLIPSPEED/kiastub2.jpg

[mit-gee-mui]

Unfortunately, your problem is actually rather common.:complain
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=12950&highlight=reception+station

[p-o-g-i]

Thanks for the reply Noisy Crow,

What is a stubby antenna? I just have the antenna that came with my new Mazda3 2008.5.

The pic Noisy Crow is referring to in the pic above is basically the antenna from a Mazda CX7 the many people on the forums here will swap there original antenna for.

[QBA]

Thanks guys, so I go to the dealer and say I want to order a "stubby or sharkfin." antenna for the Mazda CX7?

[Seliina]

Thanks guys, so I go to the dealer and say I want to order a "stubby or sharkfin." antenna for the Mazda CX7?

No...what they're saying is that the longer one is better (the "whip") - not the stubby or sharkfin. They're worse.

[QBA]

oops Thanks Seliina for the clarification, I belive my Mazda3 2008.3 doesn't have the "stubby or sharkfin" Antenna, So I guess swapping antennas is not my solution, I need to get me a FM booster.

Any ideas?

[Iceman_F1]

Actually, the picture posted above of the blue Mazda3 is the same antenna as the one I have. I have a 2008.5 Sport GT and that was the default one. While so far I have no problems with radio stations, there have been times I wish it was better...

[QBA]

Any more ideas? :)

[Iceman_F1]

Depends...

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=24202

Based on this, which one do you have? If it's the first image, you have the non-stubby version and thus, seems to have the best reception. If you have the 2nd one, you have one that they put stock on my car (2008.5 Sport GT) and seem to have a bit worse reception though most of the time, can hardly tell.

Unless you have the sharkfin like this in the 2nd image which seems to have the worst reception (though I can't say for sure as I've never been in a car with the sharkfin mod)

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=25476&highlight=sharkfin

Other than that, theres not much to do from my knowledge. I'm sure there are boosters out there, but from what I see, you then make the look of the car worse IMO unless I'm looking at the wrong things.

Though I'm sure if you search more, you might stumble on something.

[SilentJay]

There are actual FM reception boosters available. A friend of mine has it installed on his Civic, and he is able to clearly receive American stations.

[06Touring3]

that would be nice I miss listening to 93.7 WBLK

[Flagrum_3]

Any more ideas? :)

What antenna do you have? A pic would be helpful here!! ...the stock whip antenna :chuckle, will give you the best reception.

As for FM boosters, in my experience they also boost noise, so it defeats the purpose unless you purchase a higher quality booster with built in filters.


_3

[QBA]

Thanks for the reply guys, I went to the garage and took a pic

http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q449/qban/CarAntenna.jpg



As for FM boosters, in my experience they also boost noise, so it defeats the purpose unless you purchase a higher quality booster with built in filters.

Flagrum_3, I have been over seas and deal with FM and UHF booster and if is true that they amplify the noise as well, is also true that they do increase the reception and quality in places where there is no signal, to a point that if you turn the booster off you could lose all reception.

So as you well said as long as it has filters and is a good booster they do the job and I swear by them because I have seem them work and love them for it.



There are actual FM reception boosters available. A friend of mine has it installed on his Civic, and he is able to clearly receive American stations.

SilentJay, Could you please ask your friend with the Civic, Where did he got his booster from and if he recommends me one in particular?

Thanks

Alex

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks for the reply guys, I went to the garage and took a pic

http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q449/qban/CarAntenna.jpg




Flagrum_3, I have been over seas and deal with FM and UHF booster and if is true that they amplify the noise as well, is also true that they do increase the reception and quality in places where there is no signal, to a point that if you turn the booster off you could lose all reception.

So as you well said as long as it has filters and is a good booster they do the job and I swear by them because I have seem them work and love them for it.




SilentJay, Could you please ask your friend with the Civic, Where did he got his booster from and if he recommends me one in particular?

Thanks

Alex


Well I'm glad you love them, but I'm not convinced even the good ones would work well in downtown TO!

30 years ago many people used fm boosters in their cars including myself and they worked quite well even the cheap ones, but with the increase in tall building structures, new technologies using the FM bandwidth etc; its gotten pretty difficult to get clear reception, even boosted I would expect, but I haven't used one in years so I to am curious has to how well one might work today.So in saying that, I am anxious to hear how one works out for you and if it helps I might seriously consider getting one also! ...as I'm not ready to jump on the satellite bandwagon yet, with their IMO, unreasonably high monthly subscriptions.


_3

[QBA]

I agree Flagrum_3