How can I make my Reception better??

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07-29-2006, 02:13 AM

#21

Tomas

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The actual antenna lead is a two-conductor shielded cable. The shield is grounded to the chassis, forming the "ground plane" for the antennas, and the center conductor is connected to the antennas.

Between the actual antennas and the head unit is a small shielded 'box' up under the speedo. Inside that 'box' is a radio frequency amplifier that take the tiny signal from the diversity antennas and amplifies them for use by the head unit.

That "antenna amplifier" is provided +12VDC power fom the "ant" lead that shows up on PIN 8 of the "R2" (blue) connector.

What very often happens when an aftermarket head unit is installed, is that the installer has no idea that the xB has a built-in antenna amp, and either can't read a schematic or doesn't bother to look.

They just see that there is no powered antenna (raise/lower) on the car so they don't bother to hook up the antenna power lead, thinking it is not needed for anything. THEY ARE WRONG.

It is absolutely amazing how many people complain about poor reception with their expensive aftermarket head units because the installer did not connect all the required leads correctly.

That's what this whole thread is about. :D

Take care,
Tomas

07-31-2006, 01:46 AM

#22

MrRadi8

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Cruise

Tomas,

Have any tips about the cruise control for the box? I had it put on at a shop. It won't hold on hills and the accelerate doesn't function as well. Any idea if there are better switch options for it?

Rich

07-31-2006, 02:44 AM

#23

Tomas

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Truthfully I haven't fiddled with a cruise installation for many years, but I suspect that the 'slack adjustment' may have too much slack...

Take a look at this and see if it might help. Beyond that, I don't really have any other suggestions.

http://tijil.org/cruise_adjust.gif

Tom

07-31-2006, 02:53 AM

#24

MrRadi8

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I'll look into it.

Thanks.

Rich

07-31-2006, 03:16 AM

#25

TheJonas53

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I have my stock head unit with and add on Sirius unit that uses an FM modulater and I get static only throught my tweeters. It doesnt matter what station I program it to play on I get the same static no matter what. My guess is that it is the Sirius unit itself thats bad.

07-31-2006, 07:17 AM

#26

MuNkY

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Interesting.. and i was wondering why either of my xb's were getting bad reception.. i didnt even know the power antenna had to be powered. wewt.

08-01-2006, 03:13 AM

#27

mackie1604

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Ok, so I finally figured out what they did.

I ripped the dash out myself and looked at the install.

They have the Remote Lead Turn on plugged into the Amplified Antenna Wire.

My deck has a Power Antenna lead...but they did not use that, since they figured why not just have it on all the time........

I called Car Toys and they say this is normal, and the remote lead or the power antenna should be fine.........

My radio reception still sucks......and they swapped the deck out for a brand new one today :-(

Thoughts?

08-01-2006, 04:17 PM

#28

mackie1604

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Ok, so I just called Alpine.

They told me the shops are stupid and should NOT be using the REMOTE LEAD to power the Radio Amplifier.

He also said they have had many complaints about the reception in SCIONS because of the small glass antenna's.....he said to make sure the connection I did last night was good, and to possible even try another booster if I really cared about it.

08-01-2006, 04:44 PM

#29

MuNkY

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Just to let you know, you CAN use the remote turn on lead, it does the same exact thing as power antenna wire, except it puts out 12v all the time. The power antenna wire will only put out 12v when the Tuner is on. So.. its not really a BAD Thing.

edit: I work as an installer here in anchorage.

08-01-2006, 04:48 PM

#30

mackie1604

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Alpine specially said not to use the Remote Lead as it doesn't provide enough power to power the amplifier probably.....

The Remote Lead only provides a small amount of power...

He also said that by using the remote lead, the deck can get super hot when not using radio because it's having to power that antenna all the time.......and could overheat...

I tend to believe the manufacture over the lousy shops around here.....

08-01-2006, 08:59 PM

#31

Tomas

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The remote turn on lead is often a high resistance source of a 12VDC to trigger the electronics of a remote amp to turn on it's own power source, and not intended to actually power anything. It is there to be 'sensed' by a remote - is it there or not.

If it IS a high resistance sense signal, the more it is loaded down, the lower the voltage sent, and the more interior heating of the head unit.

The antenna lead is a low resistance source of 12VDC to actually POWER external powered antennas (up/down motors, amps, etc.).

I'm going to lock that other topic where this same thing has been already answered, and refer it here. NO need to have the same posts in two threads.

Tomas

08-02-2006, 08:16 PM

#32

mackie1604

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Update:

I looked at the wiring, it was ok, but I think the wire I used (16 guage) was a bit too thick.

I dropped it down to 18 gauge, and also re-connected a new butt connector and everything sounded WAY better.

My girlfriend even texted me and let me know the radio sounded way better....

USE THE POWER ANTENNA LEAD!!!!!!!