[mjt57]

Since picking up the new car I've noticed that the AM radio isn't as good as the one in my other car (Mazda Tribute).

I don't know if it's because of the radio itself or the antenna design, which appears to be a screw in type on the back part of the roof.

I listen to AM talk radio a fair bit so it becomes annoying when it is easily interfered with. So, I am wondering who else here is in the same boat and are there any after market antennas out there that could help fix this?

[rustynutz]

Ah, so you're THAT person that still listens to AM.....  

If you do wanna try another antenna, there are plenty on ebay......

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/220776169660?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

They do say that they don't improve radio reception so there's probably not much point unless you want your i30 to look a little different.

But, I think UM has one on his/her CW so he/she may be able to tell you if reception is any better.... 

[Ugly Mongrel]

Since picking up the new car I've noticed that the AM radio isn't as good as the one in my other car (Mazda Tribute).

I don't know if it's because of the radio itself or the antenna design, which appears to be a screw in type on the back part of the roof.

I listen to AM talk radio a fair bit so it becomes annoying when it is easily interfered with. So, I am wondering who else here is in the same boat and are there any after market antennas out there that could help fix this?

mjt57, my problem was the AM radio cutting in and out, not poor reception. I had to bash the dashboard to get it to come good.

 I took the radio out and reseated all the connectors and never had another problem.

I have installed an alloy bee sting aerial. Looks good and didn't affect reception.

[mjt57]

Ah, so you're THAT person that still listens to AM...

Yep, I'm the one...

Actually, 3AW, the Melbourne station that I most listen to, routinely tops the ratings charts, particularly the breakfast show with Ross and John (two former barristers). Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch are also up there.

But when they're not on I tend to listen to Triple M if I can pick it up, or whatever's in the CD player, otherwise.

In any case, if there aren't any aftermarket antennas which don't improve reception then I'll stick with what I got.

That's the good thing about Holden and Ford. In this area they know their market and for that they ensure that things like radio reception is something that works in marginal reception areas, of which Australia has a lot of. The Asian and Euro markets can't understand this as they tend to have a radio station every 10 feet over there...

[Phil №❶]

AM radio wavelengths are '00s of metres in length, so trying to pick up signals with the standard antenna is likely to be disappointing for the reasons you've already mentioned. I would suggest the following item. It can be extended & has a built in signal boost coil which may help.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Truck-Van-SUV-am-fm-Stereo-Radio-BLACK-ANTENNA-Mast-Built-BOOSTER-/220903395073#vi-content 

[Surferdude]

That's two of us who listen to AM.
Can't stand all the rubbish on most FM stations.
So it's 4KQ or 4BH fo rme although there's an FM community station up here which is pretty good (antenna up on the hill where Seoul-mate lives so it's line of sight to us at home).

[Phil №❶]

No, 3 of us, 1125 AM 5MU country station, much better than the rest. 

[mjt57]

I would suggest the following item. It can be extended & has a built in signal boost coil which may help.

Thanks 84. I'll consider it.

[ElleB]

We have a "dicky" connection on our am radio as well,  hit a bump or some rural roads, ( for us that is all the time).. and it is "snap crackle and pop".!!
 FM is fine, never misses a beat., but am is definitely suffering from a bad connection, either at the ariel end or behind the dash.
 I will get the dealer to lookat it, next time I am that way... I know it was ok at the start, so it is something that has come adrift in the  last 15 K or so!!   I dont have the time to fiddle ..

 Lucky for CD'3 !!!

[mjt57]

I would suggest the following item. It can be extended & has a built in signal boost coil which may help.

Thanks 84. I'll consider it.

I've had a look at the antenna (I unscrewed it). It seems to have a proprietory looking connector, not a standard one that you tend to see on aftermarket aerials. So, I dunno if these ones would fit onto the existing base.

[Shambles]

We have a "dicky" connection on our am radio as well,  hit a bump or some rural roads, ( for us that is all the time).. and it is "snap crackle and pop".!!

Same here, though I found nothing loose, unplugged or otherwise amiss around my unit.

FM is superb here as well. Not much for me on AM/MW other than test cricket during the summer, but who really wants to listen to pom-bashing anyway

[Phil №❶]

We do 

[FatBoy]

I listen to AM Radio for Cricket and Football (take your pick of code, I'll listen to it).  For anything else, that is what my iPod is for.  I even podcast shows from the ABC to listen to in the car, at my leisure, it gives better sound quality too.

When i was on the South Coast of NSW, even the ABC was on FM.  The only AM station was also simulcast on FM, so why listen to AM?

It really depends on what you listen to though, FM gives better sound quality and transmits in stereo, therefore is more suited to music stations.  Talk back radio stations (and News Radio) don't need the quality or stereo, so are more suited to AM.

Back on topic, I did see a "Shark Fin" antenna listed on eBay some time back, but haven't seen it since.  Although I don't know if it would pick up AM any better.

We do 

84, I think they hold the Ashes at the moment, so don't mention test cricket and Poms, oh wait......

[Phil №❶]

Well, if they hold the ashes, then why is that Englishman complaining

Imagine when parliament goes FM, you'll be able to hear it in pristine stereo, WOW. 

[FatBoy]

Well, if they hold the ashes, then why is that Englishman complaining

Imagine when parliament goes FM, you'll be able to hear it in pristine stereo, WOW. 

I find it amusing that Question Time in the Lower House is transmitted in HD on ABC 24!!!   

[2i30s]

mister speaker. 

[Phil №❶]

Is that the left or right channel?

[2i30s]

   you can watch question time on ABC 2. 

[rustynutz]

I'm not even sure that I have tried my radio on AM.....

And, it seems to be only old codgers that listen to AM......