AM radio reception

[age7875]

I have had the R36 for not even 24 hours now. It really is an amazing car.

However one sore point. The AM reception is absolutly hopeless. FM reception is fantastic (much better than the old car).

In my old car the AM reception was rock solid (i.e. much better than FM).

(I am also yet to apply any tint).

Is anyone else having issues with their AM reception? Is there anything that can be done to improve this issue?

Can you upgrade the RCD 510 to handle DAB+?

[ope126]

What is AM?

I have never tried to listen to Am on the radio.
If you have an issue, take it back to the dealer.
It should be able to reproduce all relevant AM/FM stations...

[Lance B]

I have had the R36 for not even 24 hours now. It really is an amazing car.

However one sore point. The AM reception is absolutly hopeless. FM reception is fantastic (much better than the old car).

In my old car the AM reception was rock solid (i.e. much better than FM).

(I am also yet to apply any tint).

Is anyone else having issues with their AM reception? Is there anything that can be done to improve this issue?

Can you upgrade the RCD 510 to handle DAB+?

AM isn't the best, but apparently Australia is one of the few countries that still use it and therefore the Germans probably don't really put much effort into the quality of it, I would imagine. I think most of the developed world is either digital AM/FM or FM mostly.

I do listen to AM a bit, but I haven't found it that much of an issue.

[tryingavw]

I have had the R36 for not even 24 hours now. It really is an amazing car.

However one sore point. The AM reception is absolutly hopeless. FM reception is fantastic (much better than the old car).

In my old car the AM reception was rock solid (i.e. much better than FM).

(I am also yet to apply any tint).

Is anyone else having issues with their AM reception? Is there anything that can be done to improve this issue?

Can you upgrade the RCD 510 to handle DAB+?

apparently your not supposed to listen to AM in the passat . its a rule applied by some members including recently banned ones.....

anyway i flout the rule and catch the news hourly without any issues on the 125 TDI. i wonder if the r36 tint or setup is different . we also have the rns510 - maybe a different radio.

[barrenjoey owl]

AM isn't the best, but apparently Australia is one of the few countries that still use it and therefore the Germans probably don't really put much effort into the quality of it, I would imagine. I think most of the developed world is either digital AM/FM or FM mostly.

I do listen to AM a bit, but I haven't found it that much of an issue.

Without going off topic I would be most interested on how you developed your theory regarding the use and popularity of AM radio around the world. Secondly your comment about the Germans not putting much effort etc reflects in the effort you put into the creation of your post.

[Transporter]

I have had the R36 for not even 24 hours now. It really is an amazing car.

However one sore point. The AM reception is absolutly hopeless. FM reception is fantastic (much better than the old car).

In my old car the AM reception was rock solid (i.e. much better than FM).

(I am also yet to apply any tint).

Is anyone else having issues with their AM reception? Is there anything that can be done to improve this issue?

Can you upgrade the RCD 510 to handle DAB+?

Check, if the antena is properly earthed.

[age7875]

Check, if the antena is properly earthed.

Thanks. How?

[reverseworm]

Without going off topic I would be most interested on how you developed your theory regarding the use and popularity of AM radio around the world. Secondly your comment about the Germans not putting much effort etc reflects in the effort you put into the creation of your post.

is this some kind of wierd succession plan or simply a mini-me?

[Lance B]

Without going off topic I would be most interested on how you developed your theory regarding the use and popularity of AM radio around the world. Secondly your comment about the Germans not putting much effort etc reflects in the effort you put into the creation of your post.

Well, the poor AM reception would speak for itself, would it not.

AM as we know it in Australia is not up to what is being used in the rest of the world and it is a different system to the many newer systems being employed around the globe, apparently. So, if we use a different and older system, then it would stand to reason that the designers would put less effort into the manufacture for a very limited market.

Ever heard of digital AM? analogue and digital FM? These are what are being used in the rest of the world.

My point is, analogue AM as we know it is on the wane and most listen to FM and many countires now broadcast in digital AM, so there would be little effort and expense put into the AM side of the radio.

And your theory for poor reception is?

[Umai Naa!!]

Most of the bigger AM stations broadcast on FM these days. As said, VW has nothing in place to rectify/improve AM reception. It's old hat, just like cassette tapes, and bolt-on sunvisors for your windscreen.

If it's the poor sound quality you're after, turn the treble up, and the bass down.

[Rocket36]

I have never used AM in the R36 but will try it and let you know my experience with it so you have more to compare to. I have full metalic tint too and even though I have been told by professionals that it doesn't affect the radio, there are some people that disagree so maybe it does. I guess I'll know if I can't tune any AM stations in.

[age7875]

I have never used AM in the R36 but will try it and let you know my experience with it so you have more to compare to. I have full metalic tint too and even though I have been told by professionals that it doesn't affect the radio, there are some people that disagree so maybe it does. I guess I'll know if I can't tune any AM stations in.

Thanks Rocket. Appreciated.

[barrenjoey owl]

Well, the poor AM reception would speak for itself, would it not.

AM as we know it in Australia is not up to what is being used in the rest of the world and it is a different system to the many newer systems being employed around the globe, apparently. So, if we use a different and older system, then it would stand to reason that the designers would put less effort into the manufacture for a very limited market.

Your logic is flawed and unproven. AM is used in many places around the world. take a look at google!

Ever heard of digital AM? analogue and digital FM? These are what are being used in the rest of the world.

yes I have heard about those systems. The penetration of these systems is less than steller at this stage.

My point is, analogue AM as we know it is on the wane and most listen to FM and many countires now broadcast in digital AM, so there would be little effort and expense put into the AM side of the radio.

AM Radios are cheap to make and have been for 60 years or more. The technology is proven throughout the world.

And your theory for poor reception is?

Bad arial connection most likely.

[Rocket36]

Thanks Rocket. Appreciated.

No worries... Just went down, got nothing in the basement. Not surprising really.

Drove round the block and counted 13 stations automatically picked up. Without manual tweaking or manual tuning one was too much static to listen to. One had some static and the rest sounded as I expect AM would sound. That was in Melbourne (Southbank).

Seems like yours might have an issue so maybe see the dealer? Was also nice to note that my full metalic tint hasn't affected AM radio at all. Not based on what my expecations of AM radio sound like anyway. Always nice to prove something... Eventually. LOL! Even if it's only to myself and means nothing to me.

[age7875]

Well mine was not picking up any AM stations automatically so there must be an issue. Thanks for the assitance.

Back to deal I go.