Crap reception with Z3 antenna...normal?

[phenryiv1]

I get really crappy reception with my Z3 antenna. I have the 12V+ and ground hooked up but the reception is so bad that I can't get stations more than 20-25 miles away (and I am in an uncluttered market).

Is this normal?

[fresh_TD]

Because you probably are running a stubby antenna. The longer the antenna, the better the reception

Sent from my Samsung Note 4

[phenryiv1]

Because you probably are running a stubby antenna. The longer the antenna, the better the reception

Sent from my Samsung Note 4

If that is the culprit I can use a longer antenna. I don't care much about the looks- I only went Z3 because my stock one had a bent mast and dead motor.

[beta14ok]

I'm running a 16" mast with mine.....all is well with the reception.

[AndrewBird]

Might double check the antenna is still plugged into the stereo properly.

[phenryiv1]

Might double check the antenna is still plugged into the stereo properly.

It is. That was the first thing I checked.

[rcsoundn1]

I still have fine reception. Did you replace your antenna wire? I know your end was cut off at some point. I wonder if there is a cut/break in the wire.

[phenryiv1]

I still have fine reception. Did you replace your antenna wire? I know your end was cut off at some point. I wonder if there is a cut/break in the wire.

It was replaced, front to back. The current wire is unbroken and complete.

[rcsoundn1]

Makes me wonder if the h/u is faulty? If I recall this was not an issue before correct? Same HU just antenna wire swap and z3?

[phenryiv1]

Makes me wonder if the h/u is faulty? If I recall this was not an issue before correct? Same HU just antenna wire swap and z3?

No, this HU was the only one I have had in the car.

I had no antenna at first, then I rigged up the antenna using the original cable, which the PO had cut the connector off of.

I then switched out the cable for a new one.

At no point have I had a reliable signal, but I expected that that was because I had cobbled together the connector with the original cable. Unfortunately, swapping cables had no real improvement.

I did not care too much because I was using Pandora on my iPhone but the new IOS update has rendered the iPhone unable to connect with my HU in either Pandora or iPod mode. It also will not connect in my daily driver so I know it is the phone but at least in my daily the radio works properly.

[rcsoundn1]

HMMM, Then I wonder if the HU is to blame. I have had HUs that had just terrible reception before. Do u have an extra to try a swap?

[Gooch]

I get pretty crappy reception also with the ti antenna and OEM mast.

[rcsoundn1]

I have a stock antenna I do not think I will be using. Let me verify it functions before I say anything else but if you have any interest in it LMK. I think some antennas have differnt plugs so we would need to check that 1st, as well as operation of it. I do recall I had a pioneer p1r?? HU years ago as I said before that just had crap reception. EVERYTHING else about it was far above par.

[Das Delfin]

The center lead in my antenna wire was super super thin and I could see how you might have a hard time getting a good connection. That being said, the longer the antenna the better reception you'll have. I bought a $10 two foot mast antenna from advance auto when I was trying to get my antenna to work and its reception is great. I have a Pioneer ipod radio if that matters