etyu

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Thanks to SLKman on showing how to remove the insides of the SL antenna, I was able to do the modification tonight.

As stated I used G30 insulated wire (leftover from my modeling work, and is available at RadioShack or Fry's Electronics) on the SL (R230) antenna. I soldered the wires first and then wound 75 cm of the wire firmly and gently around the part of the antenna that is above the blue plastic base. I had to wind the almost hair-thin wire up and down this 2.5 cm/1 inch-short corridor. To prevent the wire from unfurling or unwinding, I tucked the ends like one would do when winding up rope or twine.

On the SL antenna, the range of the SmartKey has increased from 10 meters/30 feet to about 30 meters/100 feet. I then drove around to check FM reception. FM reception is better but still touch-and-go. It's better to use the scan feature to tune in to a stronger signal.

I also modified a R170 antenna tonight using G26 wire. This mod is easier as the 75cm length easily fits inside the longer antenna. The range with the SmartKey RF signal is better than the 100-foot range of the modified SL ant. I haven't had the chance to check FM reception with the modified R170 antenna.

Edit: checked FM reception with the R170 antenna this morning and it is better than the modified SL antenna.

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Eddy

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Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package
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Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, Mod. R170 ant., EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.