Car Radio Antenna Booster

It is from fairly recently that we have been able to enjoy FM radio reception to its fullest capacity with crisp clear high fidelity sounds. Prior to the development of the FM (Frequency Modulated) technology, the only option available was AM radio, which has a poor frequency response in virtue of its limited bandwidth.

AM radio has a higher tendency to absorb unwanted electro magnetic noises, both natural and artificial. The prominent "hiss" sound is symbolic of the poor quality of AM reception. It was to minimize these unwanted noises that such innovations as Dolby, Dolby B and Dolby C came into being. But the important breakthrough came with the FM radio technology incorporating better modulated high fidelity sound quality cutting off most of the unwanted noises that were prevalent with AM technology.

Improved frequency response with a more dynamic range and elimination of noise are the hallmarks of a FM sound system. Soon after its initial entry, the FM technology developed almost overnight making significant inroads not only to the sound and entertainment industry but to the automobile industry as well. In fact, FM soon became a highly sought after commodity.

Realizing the tremendous boost these high quality FM radios gave to the promotion of their products, the automobile entrepreneurs started equipping their vehicles with AM/FM radio / stereo sound systems in a big way. Thus, the craze for FM technology caught on and escalated beyond expectations in other sectors too including households. However, some snags were soon detected that resulted in poor reception conditions in certain localities. While this problem stayed more or less fixed for buildings, it was a question of fluctuating fortunes for cars when they had to pass through terrain unfavorable for the free flow of radio waves unhindered by obstacles such as high rise buildings, mountain ranges, zigzagging hilly routes etc.

Since the antenna was diagnosed as the key factor to the quality of sound perception of any radio device, efforts were directed at improving sound quality in FM radios by modifications to this very simple looking but dynamic component called the antenna. Later it was found that the development of the antenna too had reached its optimal point. It was at this point of time that the idea of giving a boost to the antenna was seriously considered that finally resulted in the development of the antenna booster.

An antenna discharges its usefulness by intercepting the incoming electro magnetic radiation from a broadcasting station and transferring it to the tuner of the radio to which it is attached. In order to improve the sound quality by enhancing and magnifying the strength of the signals transferred by the antenna they introduced an antenna pre-amplifier between the antenna and the tuner. It was observed that depending on the efficiency of the pre-amplifier the tuner was able to perform to its maximum potential. Thus came about the birth of the Antenna Booster.

Having undergone many changes and improvements since its birth, a present day antenna booster comes in the form of a "black box". For maximum efficiency output, the antenna specifications have to be perfectly matched with the relevant specifications of the booster.

Boosters too are not without their disadvantages. Any prospective purchaser may be advised to study their advantages and disadvantages prior to finally deciding on the model and make of antenna booster best suited for his purposes.