Can't get radio on the AM dial!

[Gary M]

2001 Marlin, factory stereo install, factory antenna, etc......

I'm now on my third stereo and not one was able to recieve more than some scratchy audio on just a few stations locally. I added an AM/FM booster ($65) to my VHF antenna and all that did was cause problems with my VHF!

Any ideas or possible solutions?

 

[gerrys]

Are you splitting your VHF antenna? Don't do that as it degrades the signal. Instead, plug a single wire antenna into the back of the am radio.

 

[Parthery]

The only way I've ever been able to get a decent clear AM or FM signal is with a separate, dedicated AM/FM antenna.

When I had my 226, I stuck an 8' AM/FM antenna on the hardtop. On the 180, I tried the splitter and took it out as it killed the VHF range.

Right now I'm using the $5 dipole wire and the FM works fine...but the AM is weak. Waiting for someone to report on the Tune Trapper before I plunk down $39 for it.... :shock:

 

[Strikezone]

I have a 4 foot AM/FM antenna mounted on my hardtop. It is only raised when going offshore. I've never had a problem with AM or FM stations close in or far off.

 

[Gary M]

Thanks guys......

It has the factory wire antenna that plugs right into the back of the stereo units that I have and the FM is acceptable, but it's always been the AM that's basically unusable....

I'll look into the 4 foot antenna but it may be crowded on the hardtop with the VHF, GPS and Radar open array antenna already up there!

 

[Bob Coco]

Thanks guys......

It has the factory wire antenna that plugs right into the back of the stereo units that I have and the FM is acceptable, but it's always been the AM that's basically unusable....

I'll look into the 4 foot antenna but it may be crowded on the hardtop with the VHF, GPS and Radar open array antenna already up there!

I have a 282 Sailfish with 2-8' VHF antennas, 2- GPS antennas, a Ray dome, on a combo mount w/ mast light, a spot light infront of it and a 3' am/fm antenna behind the dome. Oh, and my Sirius antenna as well. It looks great and works. There's still room for my custom made rocket launcher and out riggers as well. And I'm guessing the Marlin hardtop is ever larger.