When I first got my new 2008 xB, I noticed all FM radio stations were in mono due even though I was less than 30 miles from the station transmitters. This fading to mono happens with most FM head units when the signal falls below a certain level. Problem is the new xB has only a 7 inch antenna. The Pioneer tuner is good, so this is my solution. The radio reception can be improved dramatically by putting a longer antenna. (Don't exceed 31" or the reception starts to drop off again)

Now I hear stations 40 miles away in full stereo separation and can pick up extremely distant FM stations. AM reception is also dramatically stronger.

Just hope you garage entrance has enough clearance. If not get at least a 14" "rubber duck" antenna

Also note reception to stations facing the rear of the car will be received less strongly due to the absence of the ground plane effect behind the antennal

 

Yeah, short antennas suck for reception.

 

Actually, the length of the antennae does not always have to effect reception. I can pick up my local FM station close to 100 miles away in my box. I have used "shark fin" antenna's for years on vehicles instead of longer versions with no noticeable difference in reception range. It is more about the antennae design and materials and ground plane not to mention station transmitting power and terrain as well as atmospheric conditions.

 

Be sure to post how you installed that puppy!

 

I don't doubt that you can receive distant stations, just as I can, actually my main objective was to receive stations with stereo separation up to 40-50 miles away instead of up to 20 miles with the current 7" antenna. (i.e. stereo reception with a greater than 30dBu FM signal)

Absolute distance that the station can be heard (albeit in mono with treble reduction by the FM head unit) is more a function of transmitter height and power.

I guess most people don't care or notice the loss of stereo separation, so car manufacturers install lousy antennas (e.g. window antennas, short antennas)

Actually it would be optimal if I could mount the antenna in the center of the roof for equal reception in all directions but I don't want to drill holes yet in my new xB.

 

my sirius satellite antennae picks up stations from thousands of miles away

 

if you are saying that a longer antenna picks up reception better, how do you explain the great reception on the gen 1's?

 

I think they were saying that it doesn't matter the size...


I guess I just have a crappy antenna. Oh well. I use my Ipod most of the time anyways.

 

Go to Sharkfinantenna.com...