TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

APPLICATION NOTES

AM/FM RADIOS

Symptom

Cause

Possible Solution

 

 

 

 

No Power

No 12VDC

Check circuit fuse at source

 

 

 

Check in-line fuse on power

 

 

 

lead

 

 

 

Power lead disconnected

 

 

 

Ground connection

 

 

 

disconnected

 

 

 

 

Power indicated;

No 12VDC to memory

Circuit fuse at source

lead(electronically

In-line memory lead fuse

no audio output

tuned units only)

 

or very distorted

 

sound

Speaker Output

Check continuity of speaker

 

 

shorted

leads to ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker out cross

Check for proper speaker wiring

 

 

channeled

Note: Radios have a sticker on

 

 

 

them explaining wiring color

 

 

 

code.

Only one channel

Radio Balance

Check radio function

(right or left side)

 

 

Speaker Disconnected

Check speaker connection at

 

 

 

 

 

radio and/or speaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker lead shorted

Check speaker wiring continuity

 

 

or grounded

to ground w/tester or meter

 

 

 

 

Popping in one or

Speaker wiring shorted

Leads from speaker cone to

both channels

or positive lead

terminal touching metal basket

 

 

grounded

or speaker

 

 

Speaker terminals

 

 

 

grounded or shorted

 

 

 

 

 

No AM Reception

Antenna disconnected

Connect Antenna

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antenna mast grounded

Check antenna or substitute with

 

 

or shorted

antenna known to be good

 

 

Antenna center lead

Check antenna or substitute with

 

 

broken

antenna known to be good

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE:Antenna leads can be tested with continuity or

 

 

multi-tester. Some may have electronic component

 

 

(capacitor) built in which not allow it to be tested.

 

 

 

 

AM/FM RECEPTION

Some boats have more than one AM/FM radio.The best way to insure good reception is to supply a separate antenna for each radio. Other options available to supply adequate AM/FM reception to these radios are listed below, along with some general information in regards to radio reception.

"Y"ADAPTORS

The "Y" adaptors used to connect one antenna to two radios will compromise both AM and FM reception.

AMPLIFIED AM/FM ANTENNA

A popular second antenna that can be used is our AB-100 amplified AM/FM antenna . It is small and has a retractable mast that can be mounted vertically or horizontally. This antenna provides good FM reception , but the AM reception will be compromised to some degree because of the length of the mast.

MAST LENGTH

AM/FM antennas compromise AM reception by design . The optimum mast length for FM is approximately 30 inches which is the standard for most automotive antennas. The optimum mast length for AM reception is over 100 inches which is not practical for mobile applications.

Special circuitry in electronic tuned radios or AM trimmers in mechanically tuned radios, make up for some of this difference in optimum mast length for AM reception.

ANTENNA CABLE

Increasing the antenna lead cable ( adding extensions ) will reduce sensitivity of AM with electronic tuned radios.

GROUND PLANES

Ground planes are also important when considering antenna performance. Most automotive antennas are designed to be mounted on the metal body of the vehicle.

The metal body reflects the signal interference generated by the vehicle's electrical system while it also provides the ground for the antenna lead shield. All this is necessary in order to maintain a good signal, especially AM.

FM RECEPTION

FM reception can be received with a very limited antenna and strong local FM stations can be received without an antenna , depending on the circumstances.

CONCLUSION:

AM/FM reception is subject to the choice of an antenna and it's application. There can also be a variety of methods used to supply signal to both primary and secondary radios , but AM performance is the ultimate "test"

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ASA Electronics MS250 AM/FM Reception, Yadaptors, Amplified AM/FM Antenna, Mast Length, Antenna Cable, Ground Planes

MS250 specifications

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