Not IDI, but still a truck question

[Michael Fowler]

How can I improve the AM radio reception in my truck? The radio appears to be a decent one, but I pick up a lot of interference that drowns out the right wing radio talk shows I like to listen to.
I hear a regular "whoosh" as slow speeds that increases with vehicle speed, until it is a constant "whoosh" at speeds over around 30 mph. Could I be picking up the signal from the vehicle speed sensor, or some other sensor?
Is it possible that better antenna would help?
How about a signal booster?

 

[LCAM-01XA]

I run a 4ft CB antenna in the mirror as a radio antenna, even with the camper right next to it the reception is great in all bands. That said, if your truck has an external voltage regulator (so '91 and older truck) there should be a ballast resistor or something right next to it, that IIRC is there just to help with the AM signal reception of the radio...

 

[international]

Car audio stores have things that plug in line with the antenna that help me listen to Beck, Rush, Hannity etc

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Those amplifier things? Do they actually work like they're supposed to?

 

[f-two-fiddy]

A good am antenna is the best bet. Most of the cheap boosters work for a short time, and then eventually add noise.

I used to have a truck with a standard type antenna, BUT it also had a dedicated am copper wound antenna wrapped around it. It worked great! I wish I could find another one

 

[international]

I don't think it was a booster. It was an isolator iirc.

ON EDIT: It was a noise filter (capacitor).

 

[jim x 3]

I run a 4ft CB antenna in the mirror as a radio antenna, even with the camper right next to it the reception is great in all bands. That said, if your truck has an external voltage regulator (so '91 and older truck) there should be a ballast resistor or something right next to it, that IIRC is there just to help with the AM signal reception of the radio...

Mike F: If the interfering noise is a buzz or hum that increases in pitch as the engine revs increase (this would happen even when the truck is standing still), then its not a ballast resistor you need but instead a bypass capacitor from the voltage regulator A terminal (and/or alternator B+) and ground.

Regards,

 

[international]

http://www.westcoastmall.net/firestik-am-fm-antenna-p-212.html

 

[nappy nate]

Before buying anything else I would make a ground circuit from the battery to the radio ground wire and also to the radio chassis.

 

[Michael Fowler]

Mike F: If the interfering noise is a buzz or hum that increases in pitch as the engine revs increase (this would happen even when the truck is standing still), then its not a ballast resistor you need but instead a bypass capacitor from the voltage regulator A terminal (and/or alternator B+) and ground.

Regards,

The "whooosh" varies with road speed; not engine speed. It seems to make several of the "whoooshes" with each tire ( or drive shaft) rotation. Revving the engine has no impact.