Anyone else have issues with their Android head unit tracking radio frequencies?

General
1

Hey everyone,

I recently installed a Sinosmart head unit in my Mazda 6, and while most things are running fine, I’m hitting a snag with the FM radio.

In the Netherlands, where I am, radio frequencies change as you travel across different regions (for example, Radio 2 has several frequencies depending on where you are).

The issue is, the default radio app doesn’t automatically switch to the new frequency. I mostly use CarPlay, so it’s not a massive problem, but when I do listen to FM radio, it’s frustrating.

Anyone know if there’s a specific Android setting I need to adjust, or maybe a better radio app I could use? Thanks for any tips!

2

Radio stations often have limited coverage depending on the distance. Maybe check if they have an online stream you could use?

3

Sidney said:
Radio stations often have limited coverage depending on the distance. Maybe check if they have an online stream you could use?

Yeah, I get that part, but my old car radio always kept up with the different frequencies automatically. This unit just doesn’t do it, which is strange.

Never had this issue with the factory radios before.

4

@Ben
That’s interesting! I don’t use FM radio much myself, but it sounds like a feature I haven’t seen in most aftermarket units.

5

Sidney said:
@Ben
That’s interesting! I don’t use FM radio much myself, but it sounds like a feature I haven’t seen in most aftermarket units.

Figured it out!

  1. RDS Signal: Some stations send a weak digital signal (RDS) with extra info, like station name, traffic alerts, and alternate frequencies.

  2. Alternative Frequencies (AF): This feature is part of RDS. It lets the radio switch to a stronger signal if one’s available when you’re driving.

Turns out I just need to switch on the “AF” setting. RDS was already active, so I should be all set now. Can’t believe I didn’t catch this sooner!