Multitasking weakens FM reception?

Hi everyone,

I live in a relatively rural area. As a downside to that, some of my favorite radio stations don't sound at their best here. Still, if I'm careful with positioning, I can achieve a reasonable reception level. I have no complaints in this regard as my M6 does no worse than our domestic radio receivers.

I noticed, however, that whenever I try to do something with the player while listeling to the radio, like navigating the menus, browsing pictures or recording off the radio, it has a noticably negative effect on reception, and things get a lot noisier. For the record, I use the SP version of the player with stock headphones. Has anyone else noticed that?

I think i noticed it a little for the amount of time i checked out the radio, but i remember it being minimal at most (but still just a little noticeable). I'm a radio noob but i noticed for some reason that my panasonic rp-htx7 headphones get more stations and better reception then stock meizu earphones.

so maybe an earphone upgrade?
its a topic im wondering about too because im always up for maximizing my meizu, but not with retro headphones .

try different earphones ! The Meizu uses the cable as an antenna, maybe the one you are using is not that optimal. That could give your reception possibly a boost.

I get a distored sound if i leave it on for too long but then if i switch station and switch back its fine

Originally Posted by rrc1987

I think i noticed it a little for the amount of time i checked out the radio, but i remember it being minimal at most (but still just a little noticeable)

In my experience this degradation is most noticeable when reception is alreday borderline as it usually is in my area. When I'm in town I can record off the radio with little to no added noise.

Originally Posted by rrc1987

so maybe an earphone upgrade?

Good idea, thanks for the advice rrc1987 & BobbyQ. I'll try a 'heavier' set and see if it improves reception. It'll take some time though.

You think I should post a link to this thread in the firmware wishlist? I still think it's something that should be addressed.

As far as I can tell there is a basic design issue with the M6. With weaker signals there is a significant problem with either the display or the backlight being on. One or the other raises the radio frequency noise floor in the FM band by at least 10dB, effectively reducing the sensitivity. You are unlikely to notice this degradation on strong signals. I find that forcing the display/backlight off by holding down the 'm' key restores the sensitivity.

It is very unlikely that changing headphones will make any measurable difference. Basically the headphone screen connection is used as a crude antenna - most headphones will give similar performance, but perhaps a longer cable might be better. Holding the cable away from the body (not really practical though) should also improve the performance.