Radio reception
Submitted: Saturday, Jan 18, 2020 at 17:37
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139569
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Replies:
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Danny C3
Hello..
We recently purchased a new caravan with a fusion radio.. despite putting a bigger external antenna I get next to no reception once I leave town .. I get around 10 stations in the Ute here in
Mildura and 1 in the van..
Can anyone recommend a car radio that actually works out of town??
Cheers Danny
Reply By: Member - Boobook - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 06:18
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 06:18
Sony's have good reception. I put a sony in my caper and it works
well.
AnswerID:
629585
Reply By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 08:13
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 08:13
Hi Danny C3,
Firstly, let me state that I am not an Auto Elec, or a radio technician, but the problem really sounds more likely related to the antenna or antenna cable, possibly not “earthed” correctly. Fusion are a reasonable radio, and are standard equipment on a lot of caravans. Perhaps have it checked by an Auto Elec. before going to the expense of replacing it.
Macca.
AnswerID:
629588
Follow Up By: Gronk - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 10:52
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 10:52
I'd agree !
I have an ebay radio that is only 30mm deep ( no cd function ) and standard, the aerial was next to useless.
Bought a 1.5m mobile one antenna and reception is now almost as good as the 4wd wherever we go.
Have to take it off before travelling, but that's only a 10sec job.
FollowupID:
904586
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 13:16
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 13:16
.
I agree with Macca. Most probably your antenna system. And more likely to be antenna cable connections at either end rather than the antenna itself.
If you are unable to service it yourself go to a communications business.
Try David Carsen Electronics, 19 Pine Ave,
Mildura. (03) 5023 5472.
Website here.
FollowupID:
904589
Follow Up By: Danny C3 - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 17:37
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 17:37
Thanks Allan ..
David did a lot of work with us on
uhf radio’s when we had our sheep station.
Cheers
FollowupID:
904597
Follow Up By: Gronk - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 18:50
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 18:50
Most of the caravan antennas are little floppy plastic things approx 200mm long.
In a strong signal area , my radio had the same reception with the aerial removed.
New aerial, all good !!
FollowupID:
904598
Follow Up By: Member - shane r1 - Tuesday, Jan 21, 2020 at 09:00
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2020 at 09:00
Is the van brand new? Maybe warranty?
Cheers
Shane
FollowupID:
904652
Reply By: HKB Electronics - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 10:45
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 10:45
Have run your problem past the caravan dealer/manufacturer or radio manufacturer?
AnswerID:
629590
Reply By: RMD - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 11:38
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 11:38
Danny C3
Are you able to easily plug in an alternate radio aerial and lead to the back of the unit to
check if the present aerial is correct or not? Probably worth doing first to establish where the problem actually is. If no joy, you should begin to investigate the Sensitivity of the receiver in any radio system which is stated in radio specs. The lower Microvolt signal is more sensitive, 3 is more sensitive than one which states 11. Fujitsu Ten radios used to be fairly sensitive. I have seen the Fusion stuff in caravans and don't like it at all. Just personal preference but confusing to me. Funny you only see Fusion in caravans and nowhere else.
AnswerID:
629591
Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 16:20
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 16:20
Danny,
These are 2 of the best aerials available, for AM/FM use, made by Mobile One & available from Radio Parts Group in West
Melbourne. Their website
is here.Mobile One Antennas
I'd also agree that Fujitsu Ten radios are very sensitive. Landcruisers have been fitted with Fujitsu radios for many years.
Bob
AnswerID:
629593
Follow Up By: Danny C3 - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 16:37
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 16:37
Thanks for all the reply’s.. it is a mobile one antenna.. I have done all the basic tests that I can do with a multimeter and all looks ok.. maybe just a very poor quality radio I think..
However I think I have technician ringing me in the morning..
Cheers
FollowupID:
904594
Follow Up By: RMD - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 17:32
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 17:32
Danny
Have you tested the continuity from each end of the cable? Also, some radio plugs on cables push in and are firm BUT the centre is not quite touching the RF detection side and therefore, proximity will possibly allow a limited reception but making sure the plug is actually fully in the socket makes a big difference. Also, if you need a RF amplifier, older 2009 to 2010 Isuzu utes and RC Colorado's had a 12v powered amplifier in the base of their aerials in front centre of roof. One of those from the wreckers may assist if further problems are encountered.
FollowupID:
904596
Follow Up By: Gronk - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 18:53
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 18:53
My Mitsu Outlander has a 12v amplifier as
well. I'm assuming a lot of cars have them ?
FollowupID:
904599
Reply By: Phil G - Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 23:22
Sunday, Jan 19, 2020 at 23:22
I had the same issue with our caravan which had a Clarion radio and a rubber aerial on the side.
So I replaced the aerial with an Aerpro AP46. This is extendable with a boost coil built in. When replacing the aerial I noted there was so much silicone inside that it might not have being making contact with the groundplane.
At the same time I replaced the Head Unit with a Kenwood Media Player because I've heard that Kenwood were good for AM reception (and I don't need a CD player).
This combination has worked very
well and is equal to any other radio I've had in a car. Can listen to 891
Adelaide from over the borders. And the Troopy has the best radio I've ever had in a car - better than the 200series - it helps having an old style electric aerial that can be extended and not one of those in glass aerials found in modern cars.
AnswerID:
629596
Reply By: Member - Supersi - Monday, Jan 20, 2020 at 07:57
Monday, Jan 20, 2020 at 07:57
What type of caravan is it?
Does it have a fibreglass body?
If so consider aerials used on boats that aren’t ground plane dependent.
AnswerID:
629597