Shark fin - can it receive FM ?

[GP1005]

Hi Experts

I have a CDTI 135+ 2005 ZT-T. Radio signal has always been poor like many others have mentioned over the years. I do not have high line but low line without sat nav. I changed to a Kenwood head unit which improved things a little and also fitted HK.

I tried an internal stick on the window type aerial which did not help so I have acquired a shark fin tourer aerial which I believe was used for the Sat Nav and not the AM/FM. The Tourers as we know used the rear side screen as the aerial with the later cars only using one part of this and not selecting best signal like the Symphony system. I have linked the two aerial filaments together which has given a small improvement.

My question is, can anyone suggest how I can use the shark fin as an external am/fm aerial and is this likely to improve things ?

I also need to buy a new head unit and Sean has been very helpful about this but sadly my pockets are not that deep

Thanks
Gary

[Duotone]

The MG Rover sharks fin is not a FM aerial.

Check that the aerial amp has a 12v supply, it is located above the off side load window.

Also check the aerial elements in the of side load window glass. They are prone to damage from loads being carried and breaking the elements.

You can check the elements with a test meter on continuity.

If, like mine a few of the elements are broken then the only answer is to fit a good quality roof mounted aerial.



Dave T

[anddyy]

You can get a fm aerial shark fin on ebay for £10 would give better reception and look good.

[GP1005]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I had already checked the voltage and continuity along the aerial element in the windscreen.

I had thought about buying another Shark FM aerial and transferring the internals which may be the best option.....

[Duotone]

Originally Posted by GP1005

Thanks for the suggestions.

I had already checked the voltage and continuity along the aerial element in the windscreen.

I had thought about buying another Shark FM aerial and transferring the internals which may be the best option.....

If you have the 12v supply to the aerial amp and the elements are ok check the aerial connection at the back of the radio.

Its also possible the aerial amp is faulty.

I would try to improve the signal before you change the radio or start drilling holes in the roof.

The Sypmhony radio when fitted in the tourer usually works very well, so if you have a poor signal then the fault needs tracking down.

Dave T

[GP1005]

Thanks Dave

I think I might have another amp somewhere so will change it if I have one.

I do not have the symphony system as they did not fit this to later cars. Seems to have given a better reception

Gary

[Duotone]

Originally Posted by GP1005

Thanks Dave

I think I might have another amp somewhere so will change it if I have one.

I do not have the symphony system as they did not fit this to later cars. Seems to have given a better reception

Gary

The tourer aerial amp is not as reliable as the saloon version and unfortunately they do not have the same screen connection.

I replaced mine with a type similar to this. A Range Rover version.



MG Rover continued fitting the Symphony right through production. Above is a picture of a late 2004 Rover 75 V8 with a factory fitted Symphony.

Dave T

[GP1005]

Yes you are right the Symphony was available but I believe with the High line systems only.

Mine had a Siemens/VDO unit from the factory. I will look at for that Range Rover unit on ebay

Thanks
Gary

[GP1005]

Dave
Was there any difficulty wiring it up ?

Gary

[Duotone]

Originally Posted by GP1005

Dave
Was there any difficulty wiring it up ?

Gary

Mine only had one screen connection, so straightforward.

The one shown in the picture has the diversity function which you cannot use as only the Symphony and Hi Line units were diversity fitted, so you must use the correct aerial connection.
If the aerial plug is difficult to remove use a plastic try-wrap to hold in the clips

Dave T