How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 10

Ikarus · 01-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

317 feet is amazing!

Amazing indeed, but it is now getting to the point that I'm wondering whether further is actually better. All I would want is the antenna to cover the distance it takes me to walk to the car while the roof is in operation, so that's what... 150ft, perhaps? Aren't you guys worried that you could unknowingly unlock the car from 300ft away?

**-1-** · 01-20-2008

No. Anything equal to the stock antenna is sufficient. It's just neat, that for some, the modified R170 antenna exceeds the range of the factory antenna. There's a song from the 70s, by the Andrea True Connection, "More, more, more"....

noregret4life · 01-20-2008

I agree with Don. In this case, having more is not bad at all...

I always get a kick out of giving people a good show of the roof module at work from a distance. Give it 3 clicks when they walk by, makes them think the did something to set it off, then stand there and smile.... priceless...

**etyu** · 01-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid

Quick report:

Got a R170 antenna from Eddy sometime this week. Just put it in yesterday. And it's definately better looking than the stock!! As far as RF reception for unlocking/locking, it's even better than stock. I went as far as I can from my car, and with the stock antenna, I had to raise up my key to unlock/lock the car. Didn't have to with the R170 antenna. FM reception, no noticeable difference.

Sir Eddy, thank you again!!

You're quite welcome and it was my pleasure Sid.

**etyu** · 01-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

Amazing indeed, but it is now getting to the point that I'm wondering whether further is actually better. All I would want is the antenna to cover the distance it takes me to walk to the car while the roof is in operation, so that's what... 150ft, perhaps? Aren't you guys worried that you could unknowingly unlock the car from 300ft away?

Just reporting the results.

**Ynot** · 01-24-2008

I finally got it done, went to home deposit and purchased 14" of 20 gauge copper wire or a quarter, tested it, very impressed, the SLK is parked in the garage, I went pass a couple of neighbors house in my t-shirt in 16 degree weather to test it, it works, the range is good enough for me. Thanks all for contributing to this thread.

editor58 · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

I finally got it done, went to home deposit and purchased 14" of 20 gauge copper wire for a quarter, tested it, very impressed, the SLK is parked in the garage, I went pass a couple of neighbors house in my t-shirt in 16 degree weather to test it, it works, the range is good enough for me. Thanks all for contributing to this thread.

14" is not 37cm... am I missing something here?

In inches... What is the length of the wire supposed to be?

-editor

editor58 · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

I finally got it done, went to home deposit and purchased 14" of 20 gauge copper wire or a quarter, tested it, very impressed, the SLK is parked in the garage, I went pass a couple of neighbors house in my t-shirt in 16 degree weather to test it, it works, the range is good enough for me. Thanks all for contributing to this thread.

Am I missing something here???

14" is not 37cm

What is the EXACT length in inches are we talking about here guys??

-editor

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 01-24-2008

37 cm is equal to 14.7 inches... (2.52 cm = 1 inch)

**etyu** · 01-24-2008

37 cm (14.56 inches) is mainly theoretical for FM reception purposes (as tested by Michel). DSB used 15 inches. Ynot is probably looking at the SmartKey range, ergo, 14 inches is good enough.

Editor, if you're curious, try the configuration as posted on #175 (namely AWG20 wire, 37cm, monopole configuration).

editor58 · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

37 cm (14.56 inches) is mainly theoretical for FM reception purposes (as tested by Michel). DSB used 15 inches. Ynot is probably looking at the SmartKey range, ergo, 14 inches is good enough.

Editor, if you're curious, try the configuration as posted on #175 (namely AWG20 wire, 37cm, monopole configuration).

Hi Eddy:

I did try that, and did not get the same results.
This is wierd... I used the 20g measured to 37cm on a steel rule, and then checked it on roll out tape measure. Both the same. My FM reception now sux, WX band is really bad, and even AM which, when I listen to radio is what I listen to, is NOT as good as the OEM stick.

I will say that I have no trouble with the key. It is perfectly acceptable at its present distance.
So, since I love to solder and tinker (I build RC Helicopters) I'm gonna try this again using the Inch measurements.

Hell, Eddy, if it works, I might even whip out the heat shrink

.

I have to have my News Radio 88 and 1010 wins.

I'll let you know.

-editor

editor58 · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

37 cm (14.56 inches) is mainly theoretical for FM reception purposes (as tested by Michel). DSB used 15 inches. Ynot is probably looking at the SmartKey range, ergo, 14 inches is good enough.

Editor, if you're curious, try the configuration as posted on #175 (namely AWG20 wire, 37cm, monopole configuration).

FOLLOW UP:

Yepp, my Wescott steel rule IS 15 inches, so I did do it correctly. I suppose it is what it is.

BTW, I am 35+ miles outside of NYC. My procedure is exactly the same as yours Eddy, so I'm not sure what the difference is.
After I went with the "new and improved" single wire, I have not been able to duplicate my original results, or my original test benchmark was flawed which is entirely possible.

I am however, NOT getting what everyone else is claiming to get. What have I done wrong?

-editor

noregret4life · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by editor58

FOLLOW UP:

Yepp, my Wescott steel rule IS 15 inches, so I did do it correctly. I suppose it is what it is.

BTW, I am 35+ miles outside of NYC. My procedure is exactly the same as yours Eddy, so I'm not sure what the difference is.
After I went with the "new and improved" single wire, I have not been able to duplicate my original results, or my original test benchmark was flawed which is entirely possible.

I am however, NOT getting what everyone else is claiming to get. What have I done wrong?

-editor

Any chance you can post a pic of your setup?

Also maybe if you have a pic of the end of the wire as well... Just to make sure its the correct one too.

I am in NJ/NY and am always in Brooklyn. So you should have the same results as i do.

noregret4life · 01-24-2008

editor58, Just thought of another thing... Make sure the connecting post (screw and contact on the ant. base) is clean. I noticed some buildup on mine when i was first doing this mod. And also check your solder connection.

But either way, the pics will be a good way to help you max out.

**Zeiser50** · 01-24-2008

It seems that the antenna function is KO.
he end of additional wire does not touch any metal part. As noregret as said, the antenna basis should have a good contact with the car (gnd contact).
Some pict may be good in order be able to help you.

editor58 · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by noregret4life

editor, Just thought of another thing... Make sure the connecting post (screw and contact on the ant. base) is clean. I noticed some buildup on mine when i was first doing this mod. And also check your solder connection.

But either way, the pics will be a good way to help you max out.

The soldering is Spot On.
If you were to look at Eddy's photos, You'd see mine, except 20g red jacket solid copper.
My wind is tight and identical, in fact I have the same needle nose pliers.

I am however 40 minutes NORTH of Brooklyn in Cross River, near Katonah. On my recent drive out to Brooklyn my reception was terrific.

I'm guessing atmosphere, terrain, and distance is what my problem is. In White Plains, I get everything fine. It just must be those last 20 miles north that makes my taxes so high and my reception suk!!

I guess I'm leaving it alone. But, I do get better reception with the OEM whip. I'll check for dirt, but I really doubt it's that. It looked clean.

-editor

**Ynot** · 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by editor58

Am I missing something here???

14" is not 37cm

What is the EXACT length in inches are we talking about here guys??

-editor

etyu is correct, FM reception was never a problem for me, even before the mods, I got all my favorite FM stations, so that's not a concern, I wanted better key fob range, I don't need 317ft, I was content with what I had as I like to be right near the car so I can see and hear my car locked. So I just had them cut 14 inches (close enough) instead of 14.56. I tested at close to 200 ft (questimate), I'm more than happy with the results.

**Zeiser50** · 01-24-2008

The 37cm lenght is ok for FM frequencies, and not so good for remote. If you are more interested in the remote control operating range, then the wire lenght should be adapted. Ynot experience may be interesting for that.
The additional wire lenght on a SL antenna can not reach the performance of the OEM antenna.
But the OEM antenna can not reach SL antenna in term of final look .....

01-20-2008	#182 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	No. Anything equal to the stock antenna is sufficient. It's just neat, that for some, the modified R170 antenna exceeds the range of the factory antenna. There's a song from the 70s, by the Andrea True Connection, "More, more, more".... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

01-24-2008	#186 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	I finally got it done, went to home deposit and purchased 14" of 20 gauge copper wire or a quarter, tested it, very impressed, the SLK is parked in the garage, I went pass a couple of neighbors house in my t-shirt in 16 degree weather to test it, it works, the range is good enough for me. Thanks all for contributing to this thread. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-24-2008	#190 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	37 cm (14.56 inches) is mainly theoretical for FM reception purposes (as tested by Michel). DSB used 15 inches. Ynot is probably looking at the SmartKey range, ergo, 14 inches is good enough. Editor, if you're curious, try the configuration as posted on #175 (namely AWG20 wire, 37cm, monopole configuration). __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 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.

01-24-2008	#195 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 506 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	It seems that the antenna function is KO. he end of additional wire does not touch any metal part. As noregret as said, the antenna basis should have a good contact with the car (gnd contact). Some pict may be good in order be able to help you. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ------Michel------ -SLK 55 AMG 2005-

01-24-2008	#198 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 506 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	The 37cm lenght is ok for FM frequencies, and not so good for remote. If you are more interested in the remote control operating range, then the wire lenght should be adapted. Ynot experience may be interesting for that. The additional wire lenght on a SL antenna can not reach the performance of the OEM antenna. But the OEM antenna can not reach SL antenna in term of final look ..... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ------Michel------ -SLK 55 AMG 2005-

01-20-2008	#183 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	I agree with Don. In this case, having more is not bad at all... I always get a kick out of giving people a good show of the roof module at work from a distance. Give it 3 clicks when they walk by, makes them think the did something to set it off, then stand there and smile.... priceless...

01-24-2008	#189 (permalink)
smoothbnzf4n4tc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Vehicle: 2009 Mars Red SLK55 Posts: 170 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	37 cm is equal to 14.7 inches... (2.52 cm = 1 inch)

01-24-2008	#194 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	editor58, Just thought of another thing... Make sure the connecting post (screw and contact on the ant. base) is clean. I noticed some buildup on mine when i was first doing this mod. And also check your solder connection. But either way, the pics will be a good way to help you max out.