Poor radio reception fixed, F3T Ltd

[always young]

Well I fixed my radio reception and I can now get tons of stations, some a 100 miles away believe it or not with clear reception. Like others have stated, BRP loves their Loctite! I bought a $15.00 antenna (30 inch long) at the local parts store which included the cable. Since I put my top box on I needed to relocate it anyway. So while disconnecting things I found Loctite on the antenna base as mentioned by others, plus, on the ground screw. Obviously their techs don't understand electrical connections. Anyway, I added a ground cable to the antenna base and ran it back to the ground point, after cleaning all the Loctite crap off. Now the radio works great. So, it wasn't the unit itself that was bad, just their inability to understand electrical connections. BTW, I work for a local aerospace company and on our drawing notes we state 'sparingly apply Loctite to the first three threads' and we've never had an issue with things coming apart. So, I hope this helps others with their radio wows.

[canamjhb]

I think BRP assemblers never saw a bolt or screw that didn't "need" locktite

[Hey Yu]

I think BRP assemblers never saw a bolt or screw that didn't "need" locktite

Possibility that many of them were/are H-D riders!

[Chupaca]

Often wondered about that... my radio and antenna are built into the G9 unit on my helmet...but still wondered about those with radios and outside antennas...

[Mikey]

Loctite is a great tool ,when used right. Yesterday I read most of the way threw the red rust tread on here, NOT wanting to start it up again, I think a lot of the problems with that is that stuff and how they maybe applying it. Good to hear you got your tunes working. I have to work on mine this winter the antenna broke off on a long run up state. Haven't decided what antenna to go with, My bike has two one for the cb, one for the radio, I don't use the cb but I don't want a empty hole so I have to replace two, want to go short ones this time. Sorry for jacking your thread but if anyone has a idea I am open for ideas!

[robhowen]

I replaced my antenna with a short one so I could put my cover on more quickly. I cleaned the threads, etc. I find my reception is not as good with the short antenna. Any ideas on how to increase reception AND still have a shortie?

Rob

[IGETAROUND]

I think BRP assemblers never saw a bolt or screw that didn't "need" locktite

If you all think that they are applying loctite on the assembly line I believe you're a bit daft!! They buy all their fasteners with the white and yellow loctite already in place from the manufacturer of the fasteners!

[WA5VHU]

I replaced my antenna with a short one so I could put my cover on more quickly. I cleaned the threads, etc. I find my reception is not as good with the short antenna. Any ideas on how to increase reception AND still have a shortie?

Rob

Yes, simple, just figure out how to break the laws of physics! Shortened antenna, less signal pickup. Larger antenna, more signal pickup. Works the same way as guys and girls.

[always young]

I replaced my antenna with a short one so I could put my cover on more quickly. I cleaned the threads, etc. I find my reception is not as good with the short antenna. Any ideas on how to increase reception AND still have a shortie?

Rob

Along with replacing the antenna, remove the grounding screw for the antenna lead (trace the wire from the antenna and you will find it) and clean off the surfaces so that you get a good ground. That should help if you're still using the original mount.