I've noticed a lot of threads here about replacing the HU, but I don't have one.

My dealer offered me a free radio when I bought my Fabia last year and ofcourse I accepted. It's a Blaupunkt Madeira CD33. I've ordered an Alpine radio since I want to be able to play mp3-cds.

The radio reception of the Blaupunkt wasn't always perfect. I've had tiny silent moments which really annoy when it happens quite regularly. That's also a reason why I'd buy another radio. Now I've read here that it could be that I just needed a booster of some sort (presuming my dealer hasn't fitted one) but I'll work that out if the reception on my new radio is the same.

Now for the swapping of the radio's. My Blaupunkt instruction booklet tells me to unhook the battery. I don't think I'll do that since it doesn't sound like the correct solution. Can't I just remove the radio fuse (fuse 45 (fabia) if I remember correctly) when swapping radios? Sounds logical, but I check to be sure

I've also read about the difference in connectors. I PRESUME that both these radio's have identical connections but I have no idea at all. I've read about people here that had to go buy other connectors (also with a Skoda HU - aftermarket radio swap).

I have an decent electrical background but I've never EVER come in touch with car-electrics so sorry if my questions are stupid

I've noticed a lot of threads here about replacing the HU' date=' but I don't have one.

My dealer offered me a free radio when I bought my Fabia last year and ofcourse I accepted. It's a Blaupunkt Madeira CD33. I've ordered an Alpine radio since I want to be able to play mp3-cds.

The radio reception of the Blaupunkt wasn't always perfect. I've had tiny silent moments which really annoy when it happens quite regularly. That's also a reason why I'd buy another radio. Now I've read here that it could be that I just needed a booster of some sort (presuming my dealer hasn't fitted one) but I'll work that out if the reception on my new radio is the same.

Now for the swapping of the radio's. My Blaupunkt instruction booklet tells me to unhook the battery. I don't think I'll do that since it doesn't sound like the correct solution. Can't I just remove the radio fuse (fuse 45 (fabia) if I remember correctly) when swapping radios? Sounds logical, but I check to be sure

I've also read about the difference in connectors. I PRESUME that both these radio's have identical connections but I have no idea at all. I've read about people here that had to go buy other connectors (also with a Skoda HU - aftermarket radio swap).

I have an decent electrical background but I've never EVER come in touch with car-electrics so sorry if my questions are stupid [/quote']

Yes there is a signal booster - I've tried running an aftermarket HU both with and without - it makes a big difference. The standard HU has one built in, y'see, so you need to fit one between the HU and aerial lead if you want decent reception.

Hold on a sec, I'll find one...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14932&item=5765749441&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

There you go

Blimey, just checked, this guy's selling them for a quid!

thanks for the reply.

I should be getting my new radio today so I'll test it right away. If my radio signal still sucks I'll get one of these things

thanks for the reply.

I should be getting my new radio today so I'll test it right away. If my radio signal still sucks I'll get one of these things

Fair play. They're a doddle to fit anyway - they just plug in-line between the radio and the aerial, then there are two other wires - a black earth that goes to the nearest solid earth point (I used the upright dash support that is on the left hand side of the centre console once the glovebox is removed and already has a nice beefy screw to use) and a blue wire that goes to the powered antenna wire on your HU - which cunningly is usually blue too...

So, after I figured out that I needed to take the storage thingie under the radio out to be able to fit the radio decently there was no problem what so ever.

Works like a charm, radio reception seems fine and I love the fact that I can play mp3 cds.

this explains why the reception in My mums fabia is poor with the sony radio I bought for her. does anyone know where else to get the in line amp from??

Most car stereo places -anywhere that sells Autoleads stuff. But they'll charge

That auction may have ended but he didn't sell all the ones he had - just email him and ask if he still has the others.