Re: Lousy reception with aftermarket stereo in Audi

[Chris Idleman (FSAC-AAD) <cidleman@PICA.ARMY.MIL>]

> > >For a quick clue, look at the amount of the antenna's length that extends
> > >above the roof line.  Sorry about the bad news.  I've got a 4KQ also.
> > 
> > A reasonable theory, but my experience indicates the situation is a little
> > more complex.  With the factory antenna on the rear left fender I get
> > _excellent_ reception behind the car and OK reception in front. For
> > expample,  I can consistently receive the D.C. public radio stations on the
> > bypass around Richmond until I pick up I-64 on the way to Norfolk.  This is
> > probably a distance of 80+ miles by air. On the return trip, however, the
> > same stations cannot be adequately received until I'm probably 20 miles closer
> 
> Although it is certainly not the entire problem, it does contribute to 
> the overall problem.
> 

I've already taken care of this one (or so I thought)!  The aftermarket 
antenna I installed is mounted in the original antenna hole (halfway up
the left "c-pillar" or "sail panel".  I made sure I put in the longest
antenna I could find -- it's got a 39" mast so approximately 2-1/4 feet
extend above the roof of the car.  I originally thought that this would
solve my poor reception problem but it only marginally improved the FM
and didn't seem to help AM at all.  Without the in-line signal booster
I added, the signal is too weak to lock on to.  I also suspected that
there was a problem with the antenna lead, so I replaced the entire 
cable.  Since the only places my stereo system "touches" my Audi's 
factory wiring is at the battery + terminal (hard wired) and miscellaneous
grounding points, I have to suspect that the problem is in the supply
voltage -- ie: something in the Audi electronics is causing my reception
problems.

One person on the 'net mentioned that their stereo installer had to in-
stall several "relays" to isolate the stereo system, and ironically 
mentioned that the same thing was needed to prevent power fluctuations
from setting off the aftermarket alarm system.  I tapped my alarm system 
into the same hardwire I run my stereo off of, and occasionally my alarm
would go off mysteriously (usually while driving --- a little embarassing
in town but people think an emergency vehicle is coming and they get out of
your way!!!)  The "relay" trick sounds like it's the ticket for BOTH my
stereo and alarm problems, so I'm willing to try it.  Does anyone have
details for how this is wired?  I'm desperate for decent reception and am
willing to try anything -- maybe even hooking back up to the factory
stereo power wiring????   HELPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!

					- Chris
					  '87 Coupe GT