How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 13

Ikarus · 04-30-2008

I believe this thread has more than earned its "worth being stickied" status by now. Moderators, please?

**dsb** · 04-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

I think the R170 antenna mod is great. I appreciate the great AM-FM reception even though I don't listen to AM-FM radio. It works if I choice it. The thing I like the most from this mod is the increased SmartTop range. I always park away from trouble when I drive my cars. When I walk out of a store, I hit the key fob and I want the top down by the time I reach the car. That's enough range for me, but having 200 feet plus range is a rush.

Top marks for me are the improved look and range for both smart-top and lock/unlock. Radio reception is just an added bonus.

**etyu** · 05-01-2008

Here's my opinion:

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

I would recommed the R170 ant over the R230 ant for the following reasons:
1. R170 antenna is cheaper (US$45 vs $80 for the R230, sales tax extra)
2. the modification has a range better than OEM
3. the aesthetics are acceptable, although less attractive than the R230, but a lot better than stock
4. FM reception is better and fades less

As for me, I guess I now have to decide which of the 3 antennae to use before driving

**etyu** · 05-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

I believe this thread has more than earned its "worth being stickied" status by now. Moderators, please?

I agree.

Sticky please. Sticky please. Sticky please.

**Cold Shot** · 05-01-2008

This thread is quite worthy of the SLKWorld mission. I wonder if one of our members would like to put this into "best practice" as a PDF or other consolidated work. I ask only because I first looked at the post this morning, and it took me 2 hours to review.

Some of our members went above and beyond in determining what were the best options and providing evidence of such. VERY admirable.

Maybe we gain brand (site) recognition by providing a guide to a 30 minute mod without a 2 hour read. Thoughts? Volunteers?

As a bonus, I will kick in $100 extra to the site in May if someone steps up.

Note: I would volunteer myself but just had an enagement canecelled and am traveling extensively for the next two weeks on possible engagements/positions. In Vegas next week and Chicago after that. I wish my time was my own, as I feel this would be a fun project.

shahedC · 05-05-2008

hi all,
I posted on a different Benz site, asking about a replacement antenna for my missing (stolen!) antenna for my R171 SLK... I was directed to this site to read this thread.

Since this thread has been around for a while, I figured I would have better exposure if I post here.

Anyone here have an antenna for sale or free giveaway?

Thanks in advance!

my post from the other thread:
======================

Hi all,

Someone stole the antenna from my R171 SLK, so I need a replacement.

It's a 2007 SLK350, so I have 3 options.
1. identical SLK antenna
2. shorter SL antenna (will it fit without any issues?)
3. 2009 SLK antenna (again, will it fit on this model?)

Let me know if you have one that you would like to sell (donate?) to me.

I will pay for shipping and/or come pick up if it's in the DC/MD/VA area.

Thanks!
Shahed

====================

**etyu** · 05-05-2008

ShahedC, the Euro spec R170 antenna will fit without any issues but any replacement antenna is subject to theft as they are just screwed on/threaded in. It is best to do the modification unless you don't mind the decreased range from the remote key.

**etyu** · 05-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Shot

This thread is quite worthy of the SLKWorld mission. I wonder if one of our members would like to put this into "best practice" as a PDF or other consolidated work. I ask only because I first looked at the post this morning, and it took me 2 hours to review.

Some of our members went above and beyond in determining what were the best options and providing evidence of such. VERY admirable.

Maybe we gain brand (site) recognition by providing a guide to a 30 minute mod without a 2 hour read. Thoughts? Volunteers?

As a bonus, I will kick in $100 extra to the site in May if someone steps up.

Note: I would volunteer myself but just had an enagement canecelled and am traveling extensively for the next two weeks on possible engagements/positions. In Vegas next week and Chicago after that. I wish my time was my own, as I feel this would be a fun project.

Can anyone with the tech know-how and some spare time do this?

YellowSLK230K · 05-05-2008

I have completed the modification and installation of the R170 short antenna on my 2003 R170. I followed the instructions on page 9, post 175 of this thread. The improvement in reception was excellent for FM, but AM is still poor. Overall I am a very happy camper. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed time and knowledge to improving the R170 shorty antenna performance.

shahedC · 05-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

ShahedC, the Euro spec R170 antenna will fit without any issues but any replacement antenna is subject to theft as they are just screwed on/threaded in. It is best to do the modification unless you don't mind the decreased range from the remote key.

I don't mind getting another R171 antenna, since the range never really bothered me to begin with.

I just don't want to be soldering anything... I would prefer to just screw it on. So, if someone has a R171 antenna that can be screwed in, I'll just buy that.

Question: Can the R170 antenna be screwed in without any wiring/soldering work? Are the wiring instructions only there for those who wish to get better reception? Or is the wiring required just to get it to work?

Thanks,
~shahedc
.

**etyu** · 05-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahedC

Question: Can the R170 antenna be screwed in without any wiring/soldering work? Are the wiring instructions only there for those who wish to get better reception? Or is the wiring required just to get it to work?

Thanks,
~shahedc
.

You can just screw the Euro spec R170 antenna but the range for the remote key will be shortened to around 30 ft and the AM/FM reception will be almost non-existent.

You may want to ask if anyone is willing to sell their seldom-used R171 OEM whip antenna.

shahedC · 05-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

...
You may want to ask if anyone is willing to sell their seldom-used R171 OEM whip antenna.

Hi, is anyone willing to sell their seldom-used R171 OEM whip antenna?

BTW, what's a "whip" antenna?

**etyu** · 05-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by shahedC

BTW, what's a "whip" antenna?

People have labeled it "whip" because it looks like the old long antenna (like World War II) that whips about when the vehicle is moving; or it could be you can use this as a whip (self-defense maybe)

**FishtailnZ** · 05-05-2008

Stickied...

midget fidger · 05-06-2008

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this before, but try pressing the tip of the key onto your chin and then pushing the buttons. It also improves range a bit. But you look like a nerd.

shahedC · 05-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by midget fidger

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this before, but try pressing the tip of the key onto your chin and then pushing the buttons. It also improves range a bit. But you look like a nerd.

you're right... >>>

midget fidger · 06-21-2008

To add my 2 cents

I bought the R170 antenna as in post #1. It didn't come with an antenna key, but whatever. I followed one of the posters advice on 37cm length. I didn't have a ruler so I approximated about 14.5" using 3x5 note cards haha. I used the 22 gauge Radio Shack cable, same part number as in post #1. I spiraled it really tight and fit it in one of those heat shrink tubes, but didn't apply heat to shrink it. I had stripped part of the end and just wrapped that around the bottom metal piece of the antenna. No soldering.

Put it back together and I got maybe 180 feet of antenna range. I was standing at maybe a 200 degree angle to where the front of the car was pointing. Radio reception is a LOT better now as well!

I usually point the key up towards the sky when pressing the buttons, but I realized that it works better if you point it in the plane of the ground...or just point it towards the car. Using the chin technique I got maybe an extra 35 feet of range.

Oh and the best part was when the bracket inside the body of the car came loose and fell down the cable. The antenna was just flopping to the side and couldn't attach to the car after that. I spent a good hour wiggling my hand inside trying to lift up that bracket and attach it back to the antenna. Fun. I'm too scared to unscrew the antenna now.

04-30-2008	#241 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 577 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 34 Times in 17 Posts	I believe this thread has more than earned its "worth being stickied" status by now. Moderators, please?
	http://www.slkworld.com/

05-01-2008	#245 (permalink)
Cold Shot Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 ML 350 Posts: 599 Country: Thanks: 89 Thanked 69 Times in 31 Posts	This thread is quite worthy of the SLKWorld mission. I wonder if one of our members would like to put this into "best practice" as a PDF or other consolidated work. I ask only because I first looked at the post this morning, and it took me 2 hours to review. Some of our members went above and beyond in determining what were the best options and providing evidence of such. VERY admirable. Maybe we gain brand (site) recognition by providing a guide to a 30 minute mod without a 2 hour read. Thoughts? Volunteers? As a bonus, I will kick in $100 extra to the site in May if someone steps up. Note: I would volunteer myself but just had an enagement canecelled and am traveling extensively for the next two weeks on possible engagements/positions. In Vegas next week and Chicago after that. I wish my time was my own, as I feel this would be a fun project. __________________ "Like a Cold Shot, baby" - Stevie Ray Vaughan To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna) 2007 Pewter/Black ML350 19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

05-05-2008	#247 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,941 Country: Thanks: 331 Thanked 216 Times in 116 Posts	ShahedC, the Euro spec R170 antenna will fit without any issues but any replacement antenna is subject to theft as they are just screwed on/threaded in. It is best to do the modification unless you don't mind the decreased range from the remote key. __________________ *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, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

05-05-2008	#249 (permalink)
YellowSLK230K SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seattle Washington Vehicle: 2003 SLK 230 Posts: 6 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Antenna I have completed the modification and installation of the R170 short antenna on my 2003 R170. I followed the instructions on page 9, post 175 of this thread. The improvement in reception was excellent for FM, but AM is still poor. Overall I am a very happy camper. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed time and knowledge to improving the R170 shorty antenna performance.

05-05-2008	#254 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Buckle up shut up hold on / Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Vehicle: 2006 SLK55 Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,369 Country: Thanks: 259 Thanked 164 Times in 69 Posts	Stickied... __________________ - Bill 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.90 O.Z. Ultraleggeras, Magnaflow X-pipe, E55K Airbox, Windrestrictor. Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-05-2008	#246 (permalink)
shahedC SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 56 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	hi all, I posted on a different Benz site, asking about a replacement antenna for my missing (stolen!) antenna for my R171 SLK... I was directed to this site to read this thread. Since this thread has been around for a while, I figured I would have better exposure if I post here. Anyone here have an antenna for sale or free giveaway? Thanks in advance! my post from the other thread: ====================== Hi all, Someone stole the antenna from my R171 SLK, so I need a replacement. It's a 2007 SLK350, so I have 3 options. 1. identical SLK antenna 2. shorter SL antenna (will it fit without any issues?) 3. 2009 SLK antenna (again, will it fit on this model?) Let me know if you have one that you would like to sell (donate?) to me. I will pay for shipping and/or come pick up if it's in the DC/MD/VA area. Thanks! Shahed ====================

05-06-2008	#255 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 48 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Not sure if anyone has mentioned this before, but try pressing the tip of the key onto your chin and then pushing the buttons. It also improves range a bit. But you look like a nerd.

06-21-2008	#257 (permalink)
midget fidger SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Baltimore/Orlando Vehicle: SLK350 Posts: 48 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	To add my 2 cents I bought the R170 antenna as in post #1. It didn't come with an antenna key, but whatever. I followed one of the posters advice on 37cm length. I didn't have a ruler so I approximated about 14.5" using 3x5 note cards haha. I used the 22 gauge Radio Shack cable, same part number as in post #1. I spiraled it really tight and fit it in one of those heat shrink tubes, but didn't apply heat to shrink it. I had stripped part of the end and just wrapped that around the bottom metal piece of the antenna. No soldering. Put it back together and I got maybe 180 feet of antenna range. I was standing at maybe a 200 degree angle to where the front of the car was pointing. Radio reception is a LOT better now as well! I usually point the key up towards the sky when pressing the buttons, but I realized that it works better if you point it in the plane of the ground...or just point it towards the car. Using the chin technique I got maybe an extra 35 feet of range. Oh and the best part was when the bracket inside the body of the car came loose and fell down the cable. The antenna was just flopping to the side and couldn't attach to the car after that. I spent a good hour wiggling my hand inside trying to lift up that bracket and attach it back to the antenna. Fun. I'm too scared to unscrew the antenna now.