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Old 07-18-2021, 01:20 PM   #1
LRL
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FM radio reception

We have the Boss radio in our 2017 E21. Nancy likes listening to the news on FM wherever we travel, but for the past few months, FM reception is gone… just static. Even in places where we know we have strong reception and have listened before (Iike at home). AM reception seems fine. The antenna connections seem intact. I actually switched out to another radio, and it was the same story: no FM, just AM. Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

Thanks in advance.
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Old 07-18-2021, 01:24 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by LRL View Post
...
I actually switched out to another radio, and it was the same story: no FM, just AM. Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

Thanks in advance.
Did this second radio use the same antenna connection?


Have you tried your car radio in the same location?
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Old 07-18-2021, 01:34 PM   #3
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We have the Boss radio in our 2017 E21. Nancy likes listening to the news on FM wherever we travel, but for the past few months, FM reception is gone… just static. Even in places where we know we have strong reception and have listened before (Iike at home). AM reception seems fine. The antenna connections seem intact. I actually switched out to another radio, and it was the same story: no FM, just AM. Any thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

Thanks in advance.
I'm not all that impressed with the stock Escape antenna. I switched to a Shakespeare Marine Antenna, a marine mount (folds down for traveling), & a radio chosen for the best FM sensitivity per Crutchfield's specifications (7dBf), a Sony single DIN receiver (which, as usual, is not longer available).

I have found that both the converter & my solar controller each blank weak stations (generating RFI). Shutting them off can make a big difference if you are trying for distant stations.
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Old 07-18-2021, 01:50 PM   #4
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Hi: LRL... Could be FM stations are going off the air due to Sirius competition!!! Alf
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Old 07-18-2021, 02:10 PM   #5
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Did this second radio use the same antenna connection?


Have you tried your car radio in the same location?
Yes, same antenna connection. When I unplug the antenna plug from the radio while it’s playing AM, the AM reception goes away, and comes back when. I plugged the antenna back into the radio. So (maybe erroneously) I assumed that the antenna was functioning.

Moreover, I did attempt to unscrew the antenna connection from within the cupboard where it’s mounted internally, and instead got the bolt and the nut to turn, but the nut wouldn’t loosen. Now I can turn the bold and nut combo in all directions, and nothing loosens or tightens. So not sure how to change out the antenna!
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Old 07-18-2021, 02:14 PM   #6
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I'm not all that impressed with the stock Escape antenna. I switched to a Shakespeare Marine Antenna, a marine mount (folds down for traveling), & a radio chosen for the best FM sensitivity per Crutchfield's specifications (7dBf), a Sony single DIN receiver (which, as usual, is not longer available).

I have found that both the converter & my solar controller each blank weak stations (generating RFI). Shutting them off can make a big difference if you are trying for distant stations.
John: it looks as if you had to make a few extra holes in the fiberglass to mount this? It looks great, but I’m not sure exactly what your process was. Too, as I noted in a previous response, I may have made it impossible to remove the old antenna, as the mounting bolt and nut (on the inside of the cabinet where it’s connected) are turning as a unit, and now I can turn infinitely in either direction, and nothing gets looser or tighter.
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Old 07-18-2021, 02:27 PM   #7
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Hi: LRL... Could be FM stations are going off the air due to Sirius competition!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 07-18-2021, 03:07 PM   #8
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Yes, I had to make some new holes for the mount. The original antenna used the mounting bolt as the electrical connection. Is the antenna spinning as you turn the inside body? I had to clamp the outside antenna in order to unbolt the inside connection.
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Old 07-18-2021, 03:36 PM   #9
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Yes, I had to make some new holes for the mount. The original antenna used the mounting bolt as the electrical connection. Is the antenna spinning as you turn the inside body? I had to clamp the outside antenna in order to unbolt the inside connection.
No, the antenna isn’t spinning. It’s slightly loose, but not spinning. I think to change it I’m going to have to break it apart from the outside, or somehow saw across the nut on the inside. In either case, I’m not really looking forward to it but I guess it needs to be done! Do you think the antenna mount that you used could effectively be taped or glued down, so as not to need to make any new holes in the trailer body? Also, what did you use to seal the hole the cable comes out of?
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Old 07-18-2021, 05:40 PM   #10
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No, the antenna isn’t spinning. It’s slightly loose, but not spinning. I think to change it I’m going to have to break it apart from the outside, or somehow saw across the nut on the inside. In either case, I’m not really looking forward to it but I guess it needs to be done! Do you think the antenna mount that you used could effectively be taped or glued down, so as not to need to make any new holes in the trailer body? Also, what did you use to seal the hole the cable comes out of?
I doubt taping would work - wind pressure can put quite a bit of stress on the mount. I drilled 1/4" mounting holes, used stainless flat head machine screws with fender washers on the inside. I didn't cut the cabinet liner. I sealed all (mounting & cable) holes as well as the top & sides of the mount with ProFlex.

I I also ran a ground plane consisting of a # 12 wire the length of the overhead cabinet. No idea if it was necessary (or helped) but attached it to the radio ground (negative).
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Old 07-19-2021, 10:09 AM   #11
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I doubt taping would work - wind pressure can put quite a bit of stress on the mount. I drilled 1/4" mounting holes, used stainless flat head machine screws with fender washers on the inside. I didn't cut the cabinet liner. I sealed all (mounting & cable) holes as well as the top & sides of the mount with ProFlex.

I I also ran a ground plane consisting of a # 12 wire the length of the overhead cabinet. No idea if it was necessary (or helped) but attached it to the radio ground (negative).
Thanks John. New radio, antenna, and mount are on order!
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Old 07-26-2021, 07:14 PM   #12
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John: one more question, I used the link you included to order the antenna without paying much attention to the details. It arrived today: a 4 ft marine VHF antenna. Is that truly what you’re using? Yours looks shorter in the photo. Thanks again!
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Old 07-27-2021, 08:06 AM   #13
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I believe mine is closer to 3' but the link is the one I ordered, at least according to Amazon...
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Old 07-27-2021, 09:18 AM   #14
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I believe mine is closer to 3' but the link is the one I ordered, at least according to Amazon...
I have no doubt you’re right, but somehow the link I opened (and didn’t review closely enough!) took me to a 4 ft VHF antenna. I did a bit of searching and ordered a 3 ft AM/FM with a Motorola plug that will fit standard car stereos and still fit on the same mount you use (and that is now firmly attached to my trailer awaiting an antenna!).

Thanks again for your help,
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Old 07-27-2021, 07:24 PM   #15
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I have no doubt you’re right, but somehow the link I opened (and didn’t review closely enough!) took me to a 4 ft VHF antenna. I did a bit of searching and ordered a 3 ft AM/FM with a Motorola plug that will fit standard car stereos and still fit on the same mount you use (and that is now firmly attached to my trailer awaiting an antenna!).

Thanks again for your help,
Sorry about that - hope you can send the other one back.

Jon
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Old 07-27-2021, 08:43 PM   #16
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No problem Jon. It was my mistake. You were just trying to help. I appreciate it.
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Old 08-04-2021, 10:48 AM   #17
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In anticipation to poor signal while camping I didn't order a radio instead I bought a SiriusXM satellite radio. Works good.
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Old 08-05-2021, 08:22 AM   #18
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I have no doubt you’re right, but somehow the link I opened (and didn’t review closely enough!) took me to a 4 ft VHF antenna. I did a bit of searching and ordered a 3 ft AM/FM with a Motorola plug that will fit standard car stereos and still fit on the same mount you use (and that is now firmly attached to my trailer awaiting an antenna!).

Thanks again for your help,
Would you have a link to the antenna you ordered?
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Old 08-05-2021, 11:31 AM   #19
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Would you have a link to the antenna you ordered?

I hope this link works:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It's a Shakespeare 3 ft FM/AM antenna with Motorola radio plug.
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Old 08-05-2021, 11:50 AM   #20
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I hope this link works:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It's a Shakespeare 3 ft FM/AM antenna with Motorola radio plug.
The linked antenna is a bit confusing. The description says Motorola connector, which is the one used on automobile radios, but the image shows a UHF connector. I'd call Shakespeare and make sure it has the correct connector.
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