[JayTei]

Hi all

Replaced my factory fitted RD3 stereo, for a Sony with USB.
Problem is my radio reception is now crackling.

Can anyone tell me, does the RD3 stereo have an signal amplifier built in? Or is their one built into the aerial base?

There is a blue AC wire which i left disconnected. The Sony instruction manual states it's for power aerials, of which i have none. But i wonder if it also boosts the radio signal, and therefore, should I connect it?

Cheers in advance

 

[pr1vatepiles]

Hi all

Replaced my factory fitted RD3 stereo, for a Sony with USB.
Problem is my radio reception is now crackling.

Can anyone tell me, does the RD3 stereo have an signal amplifier built in? Or is their one built into the aerial base?

There is a blue AC wire which i left disconnected. The Sony instruction manual states it's for power aerials, of which i have none. But i wonder if it also boosts the radio signal, and therefore, should I connect it?

Cheers in advance

Had same problem mate, same car and a sony stero. I ended up removing the base for the aerial, cleaning all contacts and the securing nut that had got covered in grime.

This improved it for me slightly but i wasn't happy. I ended up chopping the connectors and soldering directly. So far radio's been perfect. Someone did post you can get a booster for the signal, not tried but may fit one in as well.

 

[Gibbo]

I bought one of these years ago:

Just goes in-line with the aerial and tap into the 12v feed. Worked an absolute treat.

 

[storeman]

Hi all

Replaced my factory fitted RD3 stereo, for a Sony with USB.
Problem is my radio reception is now crackling.

Can anyone tell me, does the RD3 stereo have an signal amplifier built in? Or is their one built into the aerial base?

There is a blue AC wire which i left disconnected. The Sony instruction manual states it's for power aerials, of which i have none. But i wonder if it also boosts the radio signal, and therefore, should I connect it?

Cheers in advance

The blue wire will be the 12v signal feed to raise/lower a power aerial when the ignition is switched on/off. My RD3 has a very shallow aerial connector and if yours is the same, it may well be that it isn't making a good connection in the head units aerial connector. It may require some kind of adapter Maybe like this one or you could look at

which is a little cheaper. Some adapters have built in amplifiers which could be powered from the blue power aerial lead from the head unit.

 

[GavinH]

If you had good reception before changing the head unit, chances are you won't need a boaster.

I wouldn't be surprised if you needed one of those adapters.

 

[Gibbo]

It is possible that the aerial adapter isn't fitting correctly.

Check that this:

Looks OK and is fitted correctly.