Signal amplifier for car radio. Amplifier for radio in car

An antenna amplifier is necessary if you want to improve sensitivity and significantly increase the quality of the received signal from radio stations broadcasting on the VHF and FM bands.

It is important to note that the device does not solve the problem if the antenna built into the car is broken. For the device to operate correctly, the antenna will need to be changed. You can do it another way: disconnect the broken one from the radio, and in its place connect a new passive antenna with a connected signal amplifier.

Antenna signal booster

When using an antenna amplifier, the following recommendations must be observed:

1. You should try to install the signal amplifier closer to the antenna. Connecting to the car radio input increases the level of the received signal, but nearby electrical equipment provokes noise and interference;
2. The operating band must comply with the required frequency range;
3. It is important to pay attention to the gain and give preference to parameters of 15-25 dB;
4. It is better to choose a model that can ensure uninterrupted operation in the event of a fluctuation in the supply voltage;
5. The best option is an amplifier with a high dynamic range. This parameter promotes overload protection;
6. It is necessary to focus on the specified noise figure. It must be lower than the declared signal-to-noise ratio.

FM antenna signal amplifier for cars

The signal amplifier is designed to effectively and efficiently receive broadcasts of radio stations. Using it in a car results in more than a twofold increase in the received signal power. The advantage of the device is also its simplicity and ease of connection.

It is worth paying attention to the existence of negative factors that affect the quality of the received signal:

• urban saturation and radio broadcasting power often introduce overload into the level of the received signal. Manufacturers recommend turning off or reducing the gain in urban areas;
• It is strongly not recommended to use an amplifier together with an active antenna. This leads to distortion and deterioration in signal reception;
• the presence of failures in signal reception, after replacing and connecting the head unit, may occur due to the lack or incorrect connection power supply to the active antenna. The problem can be solved by purchasing or making a special adapter.

FM signal amplifier for home

An FM signal amplifier for the home is a device that allows you to qualitatively improve the signal at a distance of 60-120 km to broadcasting radio stations. The main buyers are residents of rural areas and suburbs who want to improve the quality of the signal received in the VHF and FM range.

The use of an amplifier is justified in case of poor reception, noise, signal loss or floating. If you exceed a distance of 150 kilometers to the broadcasting radio station, the antenna amplifier will not be able to help.

Antenna Signal Booster Manufacturers

Among domestic manufacturers, we can highlight the companies NPF "Triada", in whose line big choice antennas and signal amplifiers. For example:

• "Triad-301" is a car antenna amplifier in the entry-level price category, operating in the VHF and FM range;
• "Triad-302" - a device with gain control;
• "Triad-304 Long Range" powerful amplifier car antennas AM, VHF, FM with the ability to turn off the gain.

There are also models from Chinese manufacturers on the market.

Wholesale Antenna Signal Booster Suppliers

The supply of antenna signal amplifiers in bulk can be ordered on the websites of companies engaged in the sale of equipment of this type. Electronic components offered by JSC "CHIP and DIP" and the trading and production company SPIN. Wholesale sales are carried out by the online store “Musical Instruments” in St. Petersburg and the “Aksnot” website in Novosibirsk. Deliveries of any batches can be ordered in China.

Antenna amplifier for car radio

The antenna amplifier for the car radio is designed for better and more reliable reception. Recently, inexpensive car radios have begun to be produced, although with good functionality.
Unfortunately, they are not able to provide reliable reception of radio stations. This is especially true for areas far from the city, where there is a signal level, but it is too weak.
For a car radio, the antenna amplifier in this case acts as a device that sharply increases reception.
If earlier cassette tape recorders were found quite often, today they can only be seen in vintage cars. Modern car radios are more multimedia complexes equipped with a huge range of options.
Yes, modern equipment does an excellent job of navigation, plays excellent music from various media, helps the driver park, etc. But a motorist will always miss a radio or TV on the road - an experienced motorist knows this!

As mentioned above, a modern multimedia center is not capable of providing a good radio signal, especially outside the city. Then you have to purchase an antenna amplifier - a special device that significantly increases the power and quality of the signal.

How to determine if the signal is weak

This is not difficult to do.
It will be enough to familiarize yourself with the signs of a weak radio or TV signal, which are given below:

• The sound is distorted when watching or listening. Frequent interference;
• The list of accepted stations is sharply reduced;
• Image synchronization is lost;
• The signal disappears completely;
• Small white dots are visible on the screen instead of a picture, only noise is heard.

Getting to know the device

This amplifier is specially designed for efficient and reliable reception of stations. Most motorists who have installed an antenna amplifier in their car note that the signal has doubled, if not more.

Note. The device does not require any special skills to install. Its connection is simply connecting one contact to the head unit, and the other to the external passive dipole.

Almost all modern antenna amplifiers for cars are assembled using a two-stage design, although they may have some differences. But they must meet the standards of modern communication systems.

Selection options

• Primary attention should be paid to the possibility of installing the amplifier not far from the antenna.

Note. You should know that connecting directly next to the car radio input, on the one hand, significantly increases the signal level, and on the other hand, it threatens interference emitted by electrical equipment.

• We remember that the operating band must cover the required frequency range;
• The amplitude-frequency response should be as uniform as possible;
• As for the gain, it is desirable that it be in the range of 15-25 dB;
• When the supply voltage varies, stable operation must be ensured;
• The dynamic range must also be high, which helps protect against overloads;
• Finally, the noise figure must be much less than value signal/noise

Note. The gain is worth paying the most attention to. The fact is that with its small values, the reception quality cannot be high.
On the other hand, for the city these same indicators are quite normal. If this same coefficient is too high, the broadband amplifier may be overloaded, which can lead to its damage.

Inevitable factors that affect the signal

Note. Note that the best effect is achieved if you connect the amplifier to an external antenna. Thus, an active rather than a passive dipole is connected. Distance is also important. So, you should not count on high-quality reception if the station (main transmitter) is located at a distance of more than 120 km.

It is worth noting that there are side factors that in one way or another affect the signal level:

• In the city itself, signal over-amplification may occur. The manufacturer recommends either turning off the amplifier in a city area or reducing the gain;
• It is also not recommended to use the amplifier simultaneously with an active antenna. This can lead to the opposite effect: the signal will deteriorate and distortion will appear;
• After replacing the head unit, interruptions in signal reception may be noticed. It turns out that the problem may lie in the power supply, which was forgotten or could not be connected to the active antenna. Buying a special adapter or making one will immediately solve the problem.

What to choose

Today, the manufacturer offers not just one, but a whole host of amplifier options for a car antenna.

Domestic manufacturer

It is interesting that our domestic manufacturer also offers a whole line of products called Triad. All models deserve praise, and especially the amplifier for the car radio antenna Triada-304 Dalnoboi, which is equipped with the function of turning off the device and operating in the FM/AM/VHF radio bands.

Foreign manufacturer

Among foreign manufacturers, Prologi products take pride of place. For example, their model TFB-100 is capable of amplifying digital and analogue signals and simultaneously working with two antennas.

On your own

Yes, there is such an option. For radio amateurs, the Master KIT company offers special kits from which you can assemble a full-fledged amplifier with your own hands. Again, they are going homemade amplifiers according to a two-stage scheme.
Well, now you have learned how to strengthen the radio signal in your car radio. Installing an amplifier purchased or made by yourself will not take much time and effort.
Just follow the instructions, watch the video review and study useful photos– materials. The price of amplifiers varies and it all depends on the reception range, as well as the manufacturer.

A radio signal amplifier for car radio improves reception quality in difficult conditions. This device is used with both radios and televisions.

When do you need an amplifier?

A car antenna amplifier is needed when the signal level is insufficient for comfortable listening to FM radio in the car. This most often occurs in small towns, remote from large radio stations or powerful repeaters.

When receiving on a passive car radio antenna while driving vehicle in unfavorable conditions, noises and clicks occur that interfere with listening to music and speech programs. If the car enters an area with an extremely low signal, then the interference is constant, blocking the radio transmission.

What affects the signal level

The level and propagation of the signal in the FM range is affected by:

• uneven terrain;
• high-rise buildings built from reinforced concrete;
• atmospheric phenomena;
• interference sources installed in the machine;
• distance from the transmitter to the car antenna.

What to choose

When choosing an antenna amplifier, you should pay attention to various parameters. This device must have a wide bandwidth and a uniform amplitude-frequency response. Also, a high-quality antenna amplifier has a low signal-to-noise ratio. To ensure stable reception and protection from interference, it is recommended to install the amplifier closer to the antenna. If you install it next to the radio, the level of interference generated by automotive electrical equipment will increase.

The device must be accompanied by instructions and all accompanying documentation. Please note that this device should not be used in conjunction with an active antenna. Because of this, the reception will greatly deteriorate, since the car radio will catch all the on-air garbage. And while tuning the receiver, you will constantly listen to signals from strong stations with distorted and noisy sound.

Domestic manufacturer

Among car radio amplifiers produced in Russia, the most popular device is called “Triad-304 - Long Range”. It improves reception at a distance of 60 to 120 km from the radio station, operates in all required ranges, and has a light indication of the presence of power.

Another feature is a city-highway switch, used to lower or increase sensitivity depending on radio reception conditions.

The connecting cable is long enough so that the radio amplifier can be installed closer to the antenna.

Among other advantages - low price, high reliability and sensitivity.

Foreign manufacturer

The most popular foreign antenna amplifier is Prology TFB-100. It differs in that it amplifies both analog and digital radio and TV signals with equal quality.

You can connect several antennas to it, which will improve the quality and stability of the signal at the border of the stable reception zone. This accessory will be useful for those who have a multimedia system with a TV in their car.

How to make it yourself

You can also make an antenna amplifier for a car audio system yourself. This device is built according to the classical scheme. A high-frequency filter is installed at the input, assembled according to a P-circuit and providing an input impedance of 75 Ohms. It consists of a coil connected in series and 2 capacitors with a capacity of 27 pF connected in parallel. To protect audio equipment from accidental contact high voltage a filter is placed after the high-pass filter low frequencies according to the T-scheme.

1 stage, built on a KT 368 AM transistor or its analogue, gives a gain of 15 dB in the FM range. Resistors can be used to more finely tune the characteristics of a radio-electronic device. The positive power is supplied to the collector of the semiconductor, the negative to the emitter.

To stabilize and filter the current, a zener diode D 814 G or its equivalent and a capacitor with a capacity of at least 100 μF are connected parallel to the power input.

The number of stages is determined by the required gain. The connection between them, as well as the car radio input, is capacitive. You can assemble an amplifier for a car radio using either a radio kit or existing parts. A short piece of coaxial cable with a suitable plug is connected to the output of the device. The entire structure is placed in a plastic or tin case of the required size.

How to install and connect

Installing and connecting the amplifier will not cause any particular difficulties. First, you need to remove the plug of the external external car antenna from the radio. The amplifier is then secured in a suitable location. If it is equipped with a city-highway switch, then for ease of control the device is installed on the instrument panel near the radio or in the glove box of the car.

The output plug of the amplifier is inserted into the antenna socket of the radio, and the antenna plug is inserted into the input connector. After this, power is connected to it. To do this, the wire coming from the amplifier is connected to the blue wire with a white stripe of the radio, which carries the power plus.

The negative is supplied to the amplifier through the side contact of the socket and the screen shell of the connecting cable. With a strong signal, the quality of reception on an antenna with an amplifier can be improved by folding the telescopic rod or bending the flexible one. It is worth considering that the receiving dipole should not come into contact with the car body.

Cassette tape recorders today can only be found in rare cars, but modern cars are equipped with more serious systems that act as entire multimedia complexes capable of performing hundreds of different tasks. However, drivers love listening to the radio and watching TV on the road just as much as before. Unfortunately, most inexpensive radios with good functionality stop picking up radio stations as soon as the car enthusiast leaves the city limits. The sound becomes distorted and jumpy, the image synchronization is disrupted, and noise appears. These signs indicate that the signal has become worse and soon you will have to drive along the highway in complete silence.

It’s worth saying right away that even the most advertised brand will not guarantee you a high-quality radio signal. Therefore, if you like to listen to the radio on the road, then buying a more expensive radio will not help. It is better to purchase a tape recorder with an antenna and supplement it with a special amplifier.

Antenna amplifier

You can buy an antenna amplifier for a car radio ready-made or make it yourself. When choosing a model, you need to focus on the following characteristics:

• the amplitude-frequency response must be uniform;
• the device must operate over a wide range regardless of temperature and power;
• minimum “noise”;
• the gain factor should be about 15-25 decibels. A lower value will not improve reception quality.

It is better to buy amplifiers that can be installed on the antenna itself. If the device is located in the area of ​​the antenna input, this may lead to an increased noise-to-signal ratio, which will undoubtedly affect the sound quality.

The most popular amplifier models

But they are not there. Example, “domestic” amplifier “Triad 304”. Such an amp costs about 650 rubles. Let's say right away the reviews about this amplifier are not the best. Judge for yourself what good can be in it if it is empty inside.

Most likely this miracle, registered under a Russian name, was produced wherever you think... And there are plenty of such amplifiers.

The antenna with a built-in amplifier “Bosch Autofun Pro” received positive reviews.

Only here lies the catch. Here are the photos for you. One antenna is “left” (on the left), and the second is the original (on the right). One doesn’t catch anything, but the second caught perfectly well 100 km away.

DIY antenna amplifier

An antenna amplifier for a car radio is a device that you can make yourself. For this, a classic two-stage circuit with 8 main resistors is used. Elements R1, R2, R4 and R6 in this case will stabilize changes in transistor VT1 if at some point a voltage surge occurs or the temperature rises sharply. All components must be selected so as to ensure maximum performance amplitude and frequency of the device.

In addition, amplifiers often use 2SC2926 bipolar transistors at frequencies below 1 GHz. This will reduce the noise level from the amplifier itself. All components two-stage circuit must be soldered on the board in the correct sequence. After assembly, you need to connect the amplifier input to the antenna input, and send the output to the radio receiver. To do this, use a cable with a resistance of at least 75 ohms. It is important to observe polarity.

It is better to organize power supply with a network with a voltage of 12 volts. After this, you can connect the made board to the radio (ANT output). So, the amplifier will start working as soon as you turn on the car radio.

For those who are curious, you can try to make such an amplifier. Once you try it, please post.

In custody

If we talk about what is better - a ready-made antenna amplifier for a car radio or a home-made one, then it is worth noting several advantages of each option. Finished device It's inexpensive and you just need to connect it. In turn, a homemade device does not require special skills and knowledge, but at the same time it allows you to get a clearer signal and reduce interference.

Modern car radios, or more precisely multimedia systems (head units), are not always effective in terms of reliable reception over long distances. They are usually designed to operate at short distances from large cities where radio transmitting devices and broadcast stations are installed.

If you move 20-30 kilometers from a populated area, the quality of reception deteriorates sharply. If a standard antenna is not enough for reliable reception of broadcast stations, it’s time to think about installing a signal amplifier for a car antenna.

Signs of an unsure reception

Depending on the type of car head unit and the information being reproduced, various signs of poor reception may appear:

• interference in the form of signal loss and a kind of “hissing” when playing an audio signal;
• loss, “fading” of the signal;
• reducing the number of available channels when moving away from the city;
• disruptions of the image, synchronization of frame and line when playing a television signal;
• complete lack of signal on all channels;
• reproduction of a digital television signal in the form of “squares”;
• freezing of the digital Internet channel.

If such symptoms often appear within the usual travel areas, the use of a car antenna amplifier can be recommended.

Types of antenna amplifiers for cars

Before purchasing it, you need to decide on the type of device. Most merchants do not allow electronic exchanges. They believe (and this is partly reasonable) that the device may become unusable as a result of its improper connection.

There are few car antenna amplifiers on the domestic market, so first of all you should decide on the device parameters that will best suit your multimedia device and the operating conditions of the car.

Antenna amplifiers differ in the way they organize power supply:

• with a separate power bus;
• with power supply galvanically isolated via the signal bus.

Classic amplifiers with a separate positive power cable are easy to connect, suitable for any type of car radio, but require a separate wire for connection in addition to the signal cable. This is not always convenient, especially when the device is installed far from a place where power can be connected.

Amplifiers powered by galvanic isolation via a signal cable do not require additional wire. Modern head units provide supply voltage via a signal cable. When connecting an amplifier, you need to delve into the radio settings. If such an option is not provided, you will have to install an additional decoupling unit near the radio yourself. It's not that difficult.

Based on the reception bandwidth, amplifiers are divided into:

• broadband;
• narrowband.

Broadband antenna amplifiers were installed on old car radios where it was necessary to amplify the signal of broadcasting stations in the medium wave, short wave and FM range. Nowadays, when most broadcast channels are concentrated in the FM range, there is no need to amplify unnecessary channels, reducing the noise immunity of the amplifier. In this regard, it is recommended to install narrower-band devices - only with those frequencies that are planned to be used for reception.

The gain of the device ranges from 10 to 30 dB. There are amplifiers with a higher coefficient. You should not always choose devices with this maximum parameter.

If the reception signal is strong, it can “clog” the amplification channel and the receiver will “shut up” altogether. Many motorists encounter this effect when driving under high-voltage power lines and powering electric vehicles. When driving in conglomerate conditions and at a distance of up to 100 kilometers from them, an amplifier with an indicator of 10 - 15 dB is sufficient.

They are divided according to the type of antenna device:

• for connection to whip antennas (conventional);
• for connection to dipole (television, directional) antennas.

The second type of amplifier has a built-in matching circuit and is designed for connection to special car antennas.

Based on manufacturer, electronic devices are usually divided into:

• domestic;
• "dubious" production.

If the first type is quite predictable, then it is difficult to predict about the second until you open it. For example, you can look inside two foreign devices that are identical on the outside:

As they say - no comments...

How to connect

It is not recommended to connect a car antenna amplifier to an active standard antenna. It has its own amplifier. Even if it fails, it is necessary to technically completely remove it, only then connect an additional amplifier. Otherwise, connecting a non-standard device will not bring any benefit.

The most important rule that must be followed when connecting an amplifier is to install it as close as possible to the antenna-feeder device (in everyday life, an antenna). Anyone who has installed an amplifier in a dacha knows that it is built in at the top, in the antenna. In a car, it is better to install it near the antenna, for example, near the connection area with the signal cable.

When installing an antenna amplifier, it is important to correctly connect the signal cable. It consists of a central core and a shielding braid. Most amplifier models have a connection next to the car radio, but this is not the best option from the point of view of noise immunity.

Connecting it is simple: remove the standard antenna cable from the radio and insert the amplifier into the gap. What's wrong here? The fact is that, in addition to the useful signal, the amplifier will amplify interference noise from the electronic devices of the car itself. The car itself is a source of powerful interference. Ignition systems, CAN bus, and various auto gadgets make great noise.

It is better to organize the power connection via the antenna power bus, the output to which is in the standard connector of most car radios. Then the amplifier will turn on simultaneously with the head unit. You can also take power from other car power buses, for example from 30 (parallel to the battery positive). But then the antenna amplifier will always be on. He consumes very little. Such a connection is dangerous because the amplifier may fail under powerful electromagnetic interference, for example, during a thunderstorm while parked. From this point of view, amplifiers powered via a signal cable using galvanic isolation are optimal.

Settings

After connecting a new device, you need to check its functionality. This is easier to do in amplifiers with separate power supply. It is enough to enter the area of ​​​​uncertain reception. Then it turns off additional bus amplifier power supply. If at this moment the reception disappears or there is interference, it means that the amplifier is giving a positive effect, or rather, it is working.

The efficiency of the amplifier is difficult to assess. This is usually done by subjective methods, that is, “by eye”. Antenna devices, despite their simplicity, are extremely complex elements from a calculation point of view. Sometimes reception with ordinary household scissors or just a piece of wire is more effective than with a “sophisticated” antenna with a cool amplifier.

You can achieve better reception by rerouting the signal cable, changing the installation location of the amplifier, even moving it a couple of centimeters to the right or left.

In most cases, if the amplifier is connected correctly, then no additional configuration is required.

Review of some models of car antenna amplifiers

Domestic broadband amplifier "Triad-304" with a gain of 16 dB. Operating ranges are AM and FM. Has a power off function. This is very useful if the car is used in a big city with periodic out-of-town trips to the country.

In the city, such an amplifier should be turned off to ensure protection from interference.

The ANT-208 broadband antenna amplifier is designed for installation in most cars. Has a separate power bus. Gain: 12 dB.

The antenna amplifier "LADA" with switching coefficient 12/25 dB and LED level indication is convenient for operation in commercial travel over different distances.