I've just done my first long run since having a Columbus head unit retrofitted to my Octavia during the week. Everything is working fine apart from the AM radio reception (FM reception is A1), which is a bit of an issue as 5 Live is my usual listening when on the move.

I'm picking up the stations, but there seems to be some kind of interference with the signal.

Is this more likely to be a problem with the installation than with the unit itself?

I'd appreciate any thoughts as to the cause of the problem before I go back to the installer and seller.

I've just done my first long run since having a Columbus head unit retrofitted to my Octavia during the week. Everything is working fine apart from the AM radio reception (FM reception is A1), which is a bit of an issue as 5 Live is my usual listening when on the move.

I'm picking up the stations, but there seems to be some kind of interference with the signal.

Is this more likely to be a problem with the installation than with the unit itself?

I'd appreciate any thoughts as to the cause of the problem before I go back to the installer and seller.

That, as far as I am concerned is the only potential downfall with the MFD3, but I think it is well documented in other threads. I am pretty sure that it is not a fault of the unit itself. I like to occasionally listen to 5 Live for the football, but found that normal AM reception was pretty poor anyway before I changed that I wouldn't miss it that much.

There may be a way of improving it if you can find a twin aerial connector to make use of both connections on the back of the set, but I don't know if you need two separate aerials or not.

I think VRStu is the man to pop the question to.

Hope you are enjoying it apart from that

Thanks for the information.

I've been doing some searching and, as you say, others have had similar problems. Some people reporting no AM reception at all, so maybe I should be grateful!

VRStu has contributed to these discussions, but I'll ask if he has any further suggestions.

Its reassuring to know that its probably not a faulty unit.

I'll talk to my installer to find out which of the two connectors he used.

I can get 5 Live from my mp3+DAB player through the Aux input, so will try that in preference to a second aerial.

Not letting this minor problem stop me enjoying my new toy . The time/distance to destination display was really useful today.

On the back of the headunit are 2 aerial connections,

One provides FM/TMC and the station list reception, the second provides FM/AM reception. When fitted at the factory they fit 2 aerials to the car, however when retrofitted you have several options.

A) sacrifice either AM reception or TMC and station list functionality,

fit a second aerial.

I am thinking of trying option B at some point, but as I dont listen to MW at all on mine, I currently have FM/TMC and station list functionality with no AM reception at all.

Found this.www.skodateile.cz

Found this.www.skodateile.cz

I'd spotted that when I was looking for a maxidot display, but I thought 75Eu (+ postage and bank transfer costs) was a bit on the steep side. All depends how much you make use of AM I suppose, and if that cures the problem without a second aerial being required.

I agree Bryan, the price is a bit steep. As I can't remember the last time I listened to MW I don't think i'll be buying one. I am thinking of buying a auto light switch, (when the bank balance has recovered from buying the MFD3 and VCDS)

If only the AM range went down to 198 for TMS....

Found this.www.skodateile.cz

Thanks for spotting this Chris.

I was going to ask "well what exactly is it then?", but with the help of some internet translation and a bit of guesswork I get:

Dual Aerial (or Antenna) - frequency switcher for Columbus or twin tuner radios

So it looks as if it could be a solution to my problem.

Does anyone have more info on this item? If not I'll contact Skodateile to find out more.

If you're going to place an order let me know, as I'm intertested in ordering another small part, and would be happy to share carriage & bank transfer fees with you...

I've no immediate plans to order the dual aerial thing as for 75Eu I want to be 100% sure that it's what I need.

Will let you know if I decide to go ahead.