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Antenna doesn't help

Peter Koenig

Peter Koenig

New Member
I recently purchased a Denon DRA-400 receiver to use in my basement. The tuner does a fair job pulling in local stations. However, when I connect an antenna to the unit, it makes absolutely no difference. I have tried multiple antennas, but the unit seems to be ignoring the input. I have even tried connecting the antenna directly to the posts on the tuner circuit board, but to no avail. Also, the unit doesn't keep station memory for very long, which I imagine will require a tiny battery replacement somewhere. Is there a component(s) that senses signal presence and decides between internal and external antenna?
 
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It either needs alignment or some component failed in the tuner. Do you mean to say that if you don't connect an antenna it receives stations just as well as it does with an antenna? Is there a metal clamp on the power cord that is connected to one of the antenna terminals? If so, this is a capacitive connection to use the power cord as an antenna and should be disconnected from the antenna terminals.
 
I don't see any indication in the DRA-400 service manual that there is any internal antenna. It's not unusual to pick up a few of the strongest stations with no antenna. You don't give enough information on your antennas or how you are connecting them to evaluate why that isn't helping.

Memory backup in the DRA-400 uses an "LF-1/2W" lithium battery located on the tuner PCB. You'll have to see whether it is in a battery holder or if it is soldered in place (as they sometimes are).
 
Peter, what type of antenna are you using and where is it located? Amplified rabbit ears only pulled in local stations in my basement. A small 2nd floor attic mounted TV antenna worked in my case even though a real FM antenna might be even better.
 
If by chance you happen to have any type of florescent lighting used down in the basement, that type of lighting will definitely cause reception problems, whether using an antenna or not.

Might I suggest that you use some sort of shielded cable connected to the back of the receiver/tuners antenna and run it somewhere outside, leading to an outdoor antenna.

Then you will more than likely get much better reception.

I would try that first and foremost before getting into and dick'in around with the internal components. :dunno:

As for the "memory" not holding on to stations, etc. more than likely it is an internal battery or maybe even a chip that needs to be replaced.

Lastly....if anything else...sign up on EngineHifi and download (it's free) the Service Manual for your particular Denon receiver (that is if you aren't already a member there) ?

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/denon/dra-400.shtml

Just my $0.02
 
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rmp said:
I haven't tried an antenna in a basement, but I wouldn't expect much.
Click to expand...
Basement is completely terrible for FM unless you’re using an external antenna. Even if you just chuck a long wire out a window it should help things in a big way.
 
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