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Tinted the windows - How to improve AM reception?

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Old 11-09-2011, 11:26 AM
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Question Tinted the windows - How to improve AM reception?

I tinted the windows over the weekend and now my AM reception sucks. Do you guys know how I can improve it? Are there hidden antennas or amplifiers that I can use?

Any help is appreciated!


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Old 11-09-2011, 11:48 AM
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There are lots of antenna amplifiers on EBAY...or just google "car AM antenna amplifer"
Old 11-09-2011, 12:07 PM
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Any specific recommendations? I would like the installation to be as stealth as possible.
Old 11-09-2011, 12:34 PM
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Isn't the AM/FM/Satellite antenna located on the roof?
Old 11-09-2011, 05:13 PM
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The roof antenna is GPS and satelite radio. The AM/FM antenna is usually mounted on the top of the backglass.

Some tint (I think ceramic) will interfere with radio signals. Only way to fix it would be to try a different tint for that window.
Old 11-09-2011, 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by B6JoeS4
The roof antenna is GPS and satelite radio. The AM/FM antenna is usually mounted on the top of the backglass.

Some tint (I think ceramic) will interfere with radio signals. Only way to fix it would be to try a different tint for that window.
or you could try an antenna amplifier which is what the OP asked about.....
Old 11-09-2011, 10:54 PM
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My experience with the type of interference certain metallic and ceramic tints can cause will not be aided with an amp. The tint is actually reflecting the signal so there is just less signal. While the amps I have tried did "grab" the weaker signal, it was just louder "crappy reception. Maybe your experiences have been different, but, amps can be tricky with the glass embedded antenna. I am guessing the signal degradation you are experiencing is preventing the AM HD radio signals as well. (HD makes AM sound like FM when the signal is present). I would let the shop that did your tinting know. I am sure they will be able to recommend a more appropriate tint.
Old 11-11-2011, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ImInPA
My experience with the type of interference certain metallic and ceramic tints can cause will not be aided with an amp. The tint is actually reflecting the signal so there is just less signal. While the amps I have tried did "grab" the weaker signal, it was just louder "crappy reception. Maybe your experiences have been different, but, amps can be tricky with the glass embedded antenna. I am guessing the signal degradation you are experiencing is preventing the AM HD radio signals as well. (HD makes AM sound like FM when the signal is present). I would let the shop that did your tinting know. I am sure they will be able to recommend a more appropriate tint.
Correct, but only metallic tints cause the problem. ceramic tint is fine.

In addition, the OP must be very careful when removing the tint to make sure that the defroster lines aren't damaged.
Old 11-12-2011, 10:55 AM
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Dang I wish I knew that back in 03,,,now when I tint the '10 I have to ask questions,,cause the reception was crappy in AM after the tint.
Old 11-12-2011, 11:01 AM
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not trying to be funny: what do you mainly listen too on AM these days?
Old 11-12-2011, 11:06 AM
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Last edited by golfster; 11-12-2011 at 11:18 AM.
Old 11-12-2011, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by golfster
News, world events, finacial reports.
Zacly,,I like the trafficon the local NY AM dial,,1010wins

Just got a quote for the non-irritating kind for $175,,whole car,,Not a bad price.

Last edited by stemags; 11-12-2011 at 07:41 PM.
Old 11-12-2011, 08:55 PM
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I listen to ESPN Radio on our local AM station....so stay away from metallic type tints?
Old 11-14-2011, 10:48 PM
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It got so lousy sometimes,,I had a small pocket sized jobby,,tucked under the handrail over the drivers head.Gotta have AM radio.
Old 01-05-2012, 11:59 PM
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was the tint removed then put back on by any chance?? having similar issues and on my mercedes and the antenna is in back windshield glass...

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