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Antenna problem solved

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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 09:14 AM
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Default Antenna problem solved

Hi there,
as I have broken my antenna 3 times, finally decided to get rid of that problem.
I got one electronic antenna for 5$, installed it, and now I am very happy.
Just have to disconnect the power antenna connector in the boot.


The reception is even better, and the installation took me 30 min. Just put the antenna somewhere underneath the dashboard.





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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 09:34 AM
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Please elaborate; make, model, source for this 'electronic' antenna?
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 09:36 AM
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Glad it worked for you.

RX is equipped with dual antennas .. one builtin to the rear side fixed glass. Your choice of the primary antenna and laying it 90 degrees in one plane and yet another 90 degrees in other plane (vertical to horizontal and length of the RX to width of the RX) gives you maximum difference.

As long as signals are strong any antenna would work, but when you get into fringe reception area, that is where the right - vs- the not so right become important. Whip antennas are the pretty basic and function well. Automotive application brings in the need to extend and collapse them. My son has an older SC where the antenna length is adjusted based on the station (frequency) you choose. Lexus has gone through extra pain and research to produce what they do.

Salim
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by JAB
Please elaborate; make, model, source for this 'electronic' antenna?
It is Rx300 2003, AWD.
As I am from Bulgaria, I believe that the source would not satisfy your needs


AliExpress is a good source for cheap Chinese stuff, that works well. You can buy also YATOUR In-car CD replacement, for a lot less than GROM.
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by salimshah
Glad it worked for you.

RX is equipped with dual antennas .. one builtin to the rear side fixed glass. Your choice of the primary antenna and laying it 90 degrees in one plane and yet another 90 degrees in other plane (vertical to horizontal and length of the RX to width of the RX) gives you maximum difference.

As long as signals are strong any antenna would work, but when you get into fringe reception area, that is where the right - vs- the not so right become important. Whip antennas are the pretty basic and function well. Automotive application brings in the need to extend and collapse them. My son has an older SC where the antenna length is adjusted based on the station (frequency) you choose. Lexus has gone through extra pain and research to produce what they do.

Salim

Would you let me know where exactly is this second antenna, as I don't have one for sure.
Current electronic antennae have better reception over whip antennae, as they amplify the signal. My Mercedes has one factory-built.


Anyway, whip antennae are pain in the ***, as they break very often. Even getting one from China for 12$ is not a problem-solving solution.


I am happy with the result, and at some stage will consider removing the antenna completely, and covering the hole, I have seen one done this way in England.
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 12:59 PM
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Rosen: When I asked for 'make and model' I was referring to the antenna, not your RX.
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 09:42 PM
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From: Rousse
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Originally Posted by JAB
Rosen: When I asked for 'make and model' I was referring to the antenna, not your RX.


Sorry for that


The antenna model is Chairman DP-806.


But you can get any of these:


http://www.aliexpress.com/af/electro...ic+car+antenna




It is non-directional antenna.
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rosen71
Sorry for that
The antenna model is Chairman DP-806.

But you can get any of these:

http://www.aliexpress.com/af/electro...ic+car+antenna

It is non-directional antenna.
Rosen:

From your picture it looks like a dipole antenna and the DP in the model name most likely stands of DiPole. If it is DiPole then it would be directional.

Salim
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 10:14 PM
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Non-directional was written on the box.
Could be a mistake, I don't know.
But the fact that is working well, makes me happy. Even when I am in the garage, the radio reception is good, while with the original antenna there was no reception. I also found a combined GPS/Radio shark fin type antenna for 20$, but a hole has to be drilled on the roof, and I don't want to do it now.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:24 AM
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Your set up is great (with antennas is different planes). Proof of the pudding is in eating it and as you stated, the reception is good.

I would encourage you to find a good blocking device to cover the hole of the whip antenna instead of creating a new hole for a shark fin antenna.

Keep in mind my advice is based on some one who listens to talk show on the radio

Salim
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:43 AM
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Thanks Salim, I was thinking of covering the hole, and the fin antenna was just a mind-tickle for me.
I have seen a whole covered, but with a piece of metal welded, then repainted the whole part of the car.


Anyway, the car is great, and we should not bother of some minor issues. Even I was surprised of the navigation I did myself, how good it is for the car of 2003. The disk with maps I got is '14-'15, and is very detailed.
The only drawback for me was that I ended up with one spare navigation DVD
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 04:47 PM
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As Salim said, the antenna system in the RX is a DIversity System antenna - two antennas (one in the fender, which you disconnected and one on the rear window - looks like part of the window heater coil assembly). The head unit analyses the two signal inputs and selects the best. You should have two antenna inputs on the back of your head unit, one for each.
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 09:26 PM
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From: Rousse
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Originally Posted by sktn77a
You should have two antenna inputs on the back of your head unit, one for each.

My head unit have just one antenna input. I have it removed several times, and that's for sure.


Maybe this option is for the American cars, not for Europe.
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Old Apr 6, 2016 | 07:14 AM
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Could be. Strange, though, most cars have diversity antennas now.

I any event, you're up and running, so that's what counts.
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Old Apr 6, 2016 | 08:20 AM
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From: Rousse
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Originally Posted by sktn77a
Could be. Strange, though, most cars have diversity antennas now.

I any event, you're up and running, so that's what counts.
That's right. I was sick of breaking the other one


Now that problem is gone. Hope it would help someone else that have similar issues.
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