Audio Systems: Amplified Antenna, fm antenna booster, antenna model

Question
I just bought and installed a Metro Amplified Rubber Antenna Model AW-US02RA Universal.

I installed it in my 1989 Chevy Van with a stock Radio.

I now have  little to no reception.  I no longer get the stations that I got with my old/broken antenna.

The connector to the radio was the same as my old antenna and I have checked to see that I do have voltage to the amplifier.

There is no noise from the motor so I don't need a noise filter.

What else should I look for to improve my reception.

Since I cut my old antenna cable for the installation,  I can't even put the old antenna back on for my up-coming trip.

Answer
Hi, rick.
Yes, this is trouble :(  I understand that the easy fix might have seemed to be 'cut the old wire' (that is, if you were going to put the new, Metra antenna in the stock location) but you had to run a new antenna wire anyhow so, in hindsight that was obviously a bad move since you cannot easily return to what you had.

According to this link, you need an adapter for the input to the stock radio:
http://us.ebid.net/for-sale/1989-chevy-van-fullsize-antenna-adapter-wire-89-1738...

But if you are SURE it fits properly, read on and I will try to help.

I presume that you did not purchase this one with a 'bypass' switch:
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&biw=987&bih=613&q=metra+FM...

Check the ground wire and be sure it is securely attached to the vehicle chassis, first.

1) If you are trying to boost AM, these units will not do it.
2) Have you tried it with the power off at the amplifier to see if there is any advantage to having it powered? If there is no difference then the amp is probably bad or not fully powered.
3) IF the FM is worse than before then either the FM amplifier it is not powered or it (or the interface cable) is damaged.


You could try buying a female and male antenna cable terminal end and try fixing the old antenna wire. Try a local electronics outlet. If there is enough slack you will not need an extender.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&biw=987&bih=613&q=am+fm+antenna+ext...
I wish I had more ideas that you could use but the best resolve in this situation might be a new Harada stock replacement antenna.
Of course, the hills usually win when in the mountains. I lived in Beaverton/Aloha near Portland and my FM booster worked pretty well when near Portland.