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Old 08-23-2017, 02:13 PM   #1
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Question No AM Stations?

Radio in my 2016 Wildwood 263BHXL receives FM stations great (if the Winegard amplifier is on) but it does NOT receive any AM stations with the amplifier on or off. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what did you do to correct it?
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:10 AM   #2
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Sadly we had the same problem on our 2014 WindJammer 3008W. The only solution for us was replace the whole unit. We are waiting for the replacement and trying to understand is this a plug and play unit or more complicated wiring to deal with?
Better luck with yours.
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:17 AM   #3
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AM Reception requires AM Antenna

We have the same problem, and others have reported same.

Many RV models have the built-in Stereo connected to the TV (TELEVISION) antenna - which is great for FM and does NOTHING for AM.

The long whip-type "Car" antennas are a dual-band antenna that works for AM and FM both, which is why our old car radios worked as they should.

A portable-type AM radio might be a good alternative, easier than poking holes and wiring up a radio antenna.
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:22 AM   #4
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Sadly we had the same problem on our 2014 WindJammer 3008W. The only solution for us was replace the whole unit. We are waiting for the replacement and trying to understand is this a plug and play unit or more complicated wiring to deal with?
Better luck with yours.
Let us know how your new radio works ou.
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:26 AM   #5
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We have the same problem, and others have reported same.

Many RV models have the built-in Stereo connected to the TV (TELEVISION) antenna - which is great for FM and does NOTHING for AM.

The long whip-type "Car" antennas are a dual-band antenna that works for AM and FM both, which is why our old car radios worked as they should.

A portable-type AM radio might be a good alternative, easier than poking holes and wiring up a radio antenna.
May try an indoor AM antenna and a two in, one out adapter for the roof antenna and AM antenna both inputs to the radio. Hoping someone has already completed such a modification.
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:31 AM   #6
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Let us know how your new radio works ou.
As soon as it arrives and understand the wiring will post same!
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:38 AM   #7
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May try an indoor AM antenna and a two in, one out adapter for the roof antenna and AM antenna both inputs to the radio. Hoping someone has already completed such a modification.
If you have an old-skool A/B switch, you might try that instead of a passive splitter/combiner. A lot of those metal-block kinds of splitters won't pass much of an AM-band signal.

It would be "nice" if the radio manufacturers brought the AM and FM inputs to separate connectors, like home stereo receivers used to be, but at least there is a proper impedance matcher / splitter on the inside of the 12-Volt radio head.
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Old 08-24-2017, 05:56 AM   #8
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If you have an old-skool A/B switch, you might try that instead of a passive splitter/combiner. A lot of those metal-block kinds of splitters won't pass much of an AM-band signal.
I just happen to have one.
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Old 08-25-2017, 04:11 PM   #9
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I will have to see if the AM works on my unit? I have not listened to AM for many years. What do you listen to on AM?
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Old 08-25-2017, 04:32 PM   #10
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I will have to see if the AM works on my unit? I have not listened to AM for many years. What do you listen to on AM?
We listen to news and talk radio.
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Old 08-25-2017, 04:34 PM   #11
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On my 2014 Rockwood 3008W it’s the AM range causing a problem that’s iinterfering with the radio itself so a new one is on its way, how easy it is to replace is another matter? Whether lts plug and play etc. But I do get some decent stations that aren’t on FM.
Another problem just emerged when the a/c runs small pieces of popcorn I assume insulation comes out of the living area duct! But I’ll post on a better site.
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Old 08-25-2017, 07:17 PM   #12
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I will have to see if the AM works on my unit? I have not listened to AM for many years. What do you listen to on AM?
700 WLW out of Cincinnati, at night you can pick it up in all states east of the Rockies. Listen to Reds and Bengal late night games. Can always get it on internet iheartradio.com but iheart does not usually carry the games. Also enjoy their overnight American Truckers Network talk show.

I ordered an AM indoor loop antenna and will be installing it next week...hope it fixes the problem.
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Old 08-25-2017, 07:36 PM   #13
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Indoor AM loop likely won't work with all the metal, LED interference and electrical noise. As someone mentioned a old school whip.

AB Switch could work, a splitter with 2 in 1 out still leaves the roof top antenna into the radio leaving interference still going into the radio.

My new Bighorn has a Jensen radio with no AM. Solves the problem. I have a portable radio I take outside should I need emergency information.
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:36 AM   #14
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Problem solved (kinda) with an indoor AM loop antenna connected to an A/B switch with the Wineguard roof antenna on the other A/B port. A little static on the AM side and only getting the stronger stations...but the stations I like to listen to ARE the ones I'm now getting.
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Old 08-29-2017, 01:09 PM   #15
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Hi,

I had miserable AM in my Silverback (FM was fine) until I attached a 6' length of copper wire to the end of my stumpy little antenna with an alligator clip. Voila, greatly improved AM!!!

Don't ask me why it works, I just know it does. And because I have to walk right past the dangling wire when I stow my house and power cord, I haven't yet forgotten to detach it when I leave a site.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips
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Old 08-29-2017, 05:55 PM   #16
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The radio in my new Trailer is a typical "supplied by the lowest bidder" unit.

If I do ANYTHING to it at all, I'll be replacing it with a Sirius XM car radio with subscription.

That way I won't be subjected to lousy music programs and farm reports when in the middle of nowhere.
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Old 10-09-2017, 11:02 AM   #17
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I have two outside cable TV hook ups which I will never use. Both are wired into the TV antenna plug along with the antenna from the radio. Why can't I use the wiring available to add an outside whip antenna to the radio? Is there some reason the radio has to be attached to the Winegard.
AM is important so I can listen to the Bears games while camping in Wisconsin.
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Old 10-09-2017, 11:37 AM   #18
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AM is important so I can listen to the Bears games while camping in Wisconsin.
Why do you want to torture yourself?
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Old 10-09-2017, 01:10 PM   #19
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Why do you want to torture yourself?
I agree living in Wisconsin can sometimes be a torture but staying in touch with my beloved Bears helps me stay sane.
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Old 10-09-2017, 01:16 PM   #20
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I agree living in Wisconsin can sometimes be a torture but staying in touch with my beloved Bears helps me stay sane.
LOL...good comeback.
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