Poor radio reception

[Johnny_Swindle]

I have a 2011 RT SE5 and my only complaint is: The radio reception is poor. It is the stock radio with stock antenna. Any suggestions on how to address this situation?

Thanks...

 

[Johnny_Swindle]

Any ideas??

 

[stevedfive]

Sounds like a loose antenna cable.

 

[fastfraser]

I would have a look at the ground strap for the antenna while you are checking the antenna connection .:dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

The radio reception on both of my RT's has been mediocre. The lack of a metal ground plane makes for poor radio reception...AM, FM, or CB. That being said, it can easily get even worse. Too much Loctite on the antenna screw keeps the antenna from making good contact. This was especially a problem with the 2010 RT's, which were plagued with losing antennas. The service bulletin prescribed cure was to add a single drop of Loctite on the last thread only, and use a star washer too. Unfortunately, many were installed with too much Loctite (sometimes during dealer prep) and the radios worked even worse than they normally do. The antenna mount was redesigned to hold the antenna better, but sometimes the antenna is still too insulated to work well, as many techs still use a bunch of Loctite during installation.

 

[Johnny_Swindle]

Thanks to all who replied. When the weather stabilizes for a few days, I will investigate all aspects of the antenna including the mounting.

 

[finless]

Odd.... maybe it's location but I have had no issues with my radios reception. I still have the stock antenna.

Bob

 

[Bob Denman]

Bob,
You've got one of the good ones! :thumbup:

 

[swmp321]

Radio reception

FM reception is okay. But Am is terrible. It cuts out every time I shift. I own a 2013 RTS SE5 with 300 miles on it. I would think the wires would be insulated but from what I hear when I shift, I wonder if they are.

 

[Bob Denman]

Don't waste your time with the AM portion of the radio... it sounds about like something in the dishwasher has come loose, and is trying to bust out! :shocked:
Did you get those two distinct "SNAPS", when shifting?? I sure did!

 

[DR Buck]

If you are using a USB power adapter plugged into the Spyder's 12 volt supply, reception will be very bad. Almost all Chinese made USB power adaptors generate a very large amount of RF noise. This drives up the radio's AGC level and that in turn blanks out weak signals and makes strong signals sound weak. This same effect can be experienced in a car even with a good radio system. It 's most pronounced on FM than AM.