# Increase radio reception

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [September 30, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433 "2024-09-30T01:21:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/1 "2024-09-30T01:21:50Z")

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I have a 2009 Mazda CX-7. I live in a hilly area.

Oftentimes my radio station fades out.

Is there a way to boost my antenna so it receives a good signal?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/2 "2024-09-30T01:28:26Z")

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Pick one.

[https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sca\_esv=8fa316a111c88de3&sca\_upv=1&q=car+radio+signal+booster&udm=28&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWfbQph1uib-VfD\_izZO2Y5kzwt7ygYsFhfD\_XlB3RhPyvkzkN7s9YXYkyaH2wT6IHi-1\_liTJDuuR6\_e5\_s8aPt5Iyn033Tt65lOqR7y6jFgY8Tzkx1z7x910iSVLMgaT1ibNiTg1hV5D6onJjxxzO-uBqgMQLjeEl6pkq3nQhXrUGH7WEFO39AaddrHkTC95T\_YLBg&ved=1t:220175&ictx=111&biw=1366&bih=607&dpr=1](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=8fa316a111c88de3&sca_upv=1&q=car+radio+signal+booster&udm=28&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWfbQph1uib-VfD_izZO2Y5kzwt7ygYsFhfD_XlB3RhPyvkzkN7s9YXYkyaH2wT6IHi-1_liTJDuuR6_e5_s8aPt5Iyn033Tt65lOqR7y6jFgY8Tzkx1z7x910iSVLMgaT1ibNiTg1hV5D6onJjxxzO-uBqgMQLjeEl6pkq3nQhXrUGH7WEFO39AaddrHkTC95T_YLBg&ved=1t:220175&ictx=111&biw=1366&bih=607&dpr=1)

Tester

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/3 "2024-09-30T01:31:50Z")

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Or,  
High reviews.

`https://www.amazon.com/AntennaMastsRus-Screw-Antenna-Compatible-2007-2012/dp/B07D1RV7NW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=GWZA8F9D9G83&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jjtnMCoZQcxmQcLwDoc7kz5g8h4RL4e1pgyvCJv1w6kKCi2DDFDijxve6fO9OQcDXK8mfaMcbpGXF6zI4bDPrxULDd1d0Tx23XjYPzI5eenZCdVqZJ4snRMN3RHf-MsiPuJL6mUBq8QhETBmawCtTVEkcBx1QsxJYzTI5dBwP6CjDm4zd4Utq34szwGbxMGlm8FR9CjGv_0sUeEMr7BU0sHj0Zh5z7vLoR0msV2-kQafRjpcRXdYWSvpa6IgeQ4w3B0lq1hQSoSH19pFVEy21cV-TyzTsQLP0iaYjTxheOA.eyiA5NWh9ZDl8O4vllLM6nnDuNwqwLuRudTn-0E4gWA&dib_tag=se&keywords=mazda+cx7+antenna&qid=1727659722&s=electronics&sprefix=mazda+cx7+antenna%2Celectronics%2C793&sr=1-4#customerReviews`

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/4 "2024-09-30T01:58:08Z")

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My antenna is the same length as at the Amazon site.

This is glow in the dark tape that I attached about 5 years.

My reception was great in Houston, Texas.

That tape may affect reception.

 ![antenna](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/6/0/60f973062abccac1fee90d6d33cf38ec3d4ef1f1.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 5:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/5 "2024-09-30T05:03:37Z")

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Does streaming these stations not work well?

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**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 12:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/6 "2024-09-30T12:13:45Z")

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I have the original 2009 radio.

You gave me an idea for getting a new radio.

And replace the factory speakers with 3-way speakers.

I wonder if I can change out the radio without needing special tools and a large can of patience.

My radio has Mp3 on it. Wonder if I can burn .mp3s to it to fit more on it?

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 12:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/7 "2024-09-30T12:57:24Z")

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> [@Andy-Ke](#):
>
> This is glow in the dark tape that I attached about 5 years

Does that taping job look as bad in person as it does in the photo ? Take it off and then you will know if it is the problem

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**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/8 "2024-09-30T13:01:59Z")

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I took it off last night. It practically crumbled off.

It looks worse at night with my phone flash.

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**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/9 "2024-09-30T13:06:39Z")

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> [@Andy-Ke](#):
>
> I wonder if I can change out the radio without needing special tools and a large can of patience.

More than likely, you can–with the help of the Crutchfield people:

> **[Find what fits your car - Crutchfield](https://www.crutchfield.com/S-SCaPYhAWJEi/car/carselector.aspx)**
>
> Let us know what you drive, and we'll show you exactly what works in your ride. Get FREE 2-day shipping, discounted installation gear, and free custom instructions.

If you are going to replace the radio, I strongly suggest that you opt for one that can connect to Sirius/XM. IMO, the cost of that service is well worth it when you consider the scope/breadth of their channels (music, talk/commentary/sports coverage) and the fact that you can listen to a strong signal under virtually any conditions.

Many years ago, I listened to the BBC’s World Service at home, via an “iffy” shortwave signal. Now, courtesy of Sirius/XM, I can listen to that wonderful radio service while I drive, with a signal that sounds as strong as if it’s coming from the next town.

> **[SiriusXM: Everything You Want to Hear Lives Here](https://www.siriusxm.com/)**
>
> Whether it’s new hip-hop and classic comedy or ‘90s jams and sports podcasts, everything you want to hear lives here at SiriusXM.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/10 "2024-09-30T13:08:13Z")

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How do I stop this websites popups from occuring?

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**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 1:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/11 "2024-09-30T13:11:04Z")

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Try downloading _Ad Block_.

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/12 "2024-09-30T14:13:29Z")

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I use the DuckDuckGo browser and there are no ads at all. It also deletes browsing history after you close the app. That way companies like Google can’t track your history and tailor ads or news feeds for you.

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/13 "2024-09-30T14:16:50Z")

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OK , Andy. Time for silly questions.  
Do you lose reception on all stations AM and FM  
Where are you located ( just area not actual address)  
Does this happen to anyone else you know  
If you have another vehicle does it do the same

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**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/14 "2024-09-30T16:55:24Z")

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> [@Andy-Ke](#):
>
> How do I stop this websites popups from occuring?

I just switched over to DuckDuckGo (thanks to jtsanders and a few others) a week or so ago, BEST MOVE yet for this forum… Zero ads or popups so far…

> [@VDCdriver](#):
>
> Sirius/XM

I just wish you could only have a music version, it is like cable or dish, you get 500 (or whatever) channels and only watch maybe 20-30 of them, the rest are useless…  
But yeah I am thinking about trying it… I use Pandora now…

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/15 "2024-09-30T18:36:51Z")

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> [@davesmopar](#):
>
> I just wish you could only have a music version

I paid for SXM in my Hondas between 2005 and 2023 and liked it a lot. I listed to alternative rock, classic rock, and even more modern rock like 2000s and contemporary. I also listened to POTUS for a couple of political shows. For the most part I couldn’t tell what the host’s party affiliation was. I don’t use SXM anymore since I don’t have a satellite receiver on my Tesla. I know that I can use a phone app and did so when I wasn’t in the car before.

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**Author:** ![Clueless33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dbc845/32.png) [@Clueless33](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Clueless33)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/16 "2024-09-30T20:22:20Z")

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Not to drift away from topic. My uncle had a ford capri and he installed one of the longest CB radio antennas I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and it quickly became a trend afterwards. The antenna would pick up radio signal all over the 14 parishes , and interestingly, would pick up radio signal from the United states while living on the island.

I would say the antenna was about 12ft long.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/17 "2024-09-30T20:49:01Z")

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> [@Clueless33](#):
>
> Not to drift away from topic.

Isn’t that what you just did ?

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**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/18 "2024-09-30T21:17:41Z")

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12 ft would make for a good CB antenna, close to 1/2 wavelength. And would be pretty good I expect for ordinary AM radio, where 1/2 wavelength isn’t practical, so a longer antenna is the better than a shorter one. . But 12 ft might not work very well for fm radio, which has a 1/2 wavelength around 4 feet.

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/19 "2024-09-30T21:51:55Z")

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2 posts about CB radio antennas. How is that going to help Andy with his standard radio problems?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BadMotorWorks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/76d3ee/32.png) [@BadMotorWorks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BadMotorWorks)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2024, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433/20 "2024-09-30T23:06:29Z")

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SXM does have a music only subscription at about 1/3 the cost of full subscription. I have it on both my cars. If the SXM radio if factory and it hasn’t been under subscription for a while. You can get like a 3 year subscription deal for like $150. Gotta call and ask for a deal.

[Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increase-radio-reception/197433.md?page=2)
