How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 2

**ghostdunks** · 12-06-2007

I also love how -1- had a post saying this mod looked pretty good, and then scarecely 4 hours later, BANG, he had another post with a big thumbs up saying he had already completed the mod, and tested it and it was magic! LOVE IT!

MarkR171 · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

This antenna was originally meant for cell phone reception only, so I wouldn't say it's justified to call the poor guy an idiot.

I wasn't being serious, I'm sure it was fine for what it was designed for

MarkR171 · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostdunks

I also love how -1- had a post saying this mod looked pretty good, and then scarecely 4 hours later, BANG, he had another post with a big thumbs up saying he had already completed the mod, and tested it and it was magic! LOVE IT!

That confirmation is what made me get up and drive to radioshack for the supplies. I got my mod done within 1 hour of seeing this thread

**dsb** · 12-06-2007

Update...

I just went to the store and tested out the signal strength again. I counted off 150ft of reception! This compares to the old strength of 25ft. Also, I have a lot better AM/FM reception. A slightly thinner/longer wire might be even better reception. Don, what is your length? (You know what I mean). As I said earlier, I used about 15" in length. Ikarus pointed out that optimal antenna length is about 75cm (30"). I'm using half that and still get great reception. Ikarus also pointed out that the antenna was mainly for phone use. Here's a great physics q&a that I found. It explains it fairly well.

How do little tiny radios and walkmen pick up large radio waves without a visible antenna?
-- Emily Asher

Walkman radios use the cord that stretches from the radio to your head as a an antenna. FM radio stations emit at about 100 MHz which corresponds to waves with a wavelength about 3 meters long. Since the optimal antenna length is about 1/4 the wavelength the optimal antenna length is about 3/4 of a meter. Cell phones use much shorter wavelengths, about 1/3 of a meter, and so the antenna can be put into the phone itself since the optimal antenna length is less than 10 cm. -- S. Burkhart

PS. Thanks for all the "thanks" and I hope to see everyone use this mod. It is well worth it.

**-1-** · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

Update...

I just went to the store and tested out the signal strength again. I counted off 150ft of reception! This compares to the old strength of 25ft. Also, I have a lot better AM/FM reception. A slightly thinner/longer wire might be even better reception. Don, what is your length? (You know what I mean). As I said earlier, I used about 15" in length. Ikarus pointed out that optimal antenna length is about 75cm (30"). I'm using half that and still get great reception.

I already had some of the RadioShack branded wire, but decided to use some left over wire from a garage door opener. Not sure of the gauge, but it's solid wire and positive and negative are one piece. Made the windings easier. Not sure of the length I used, but all that would fit. Wasn't Ikarus point using 75cm length for optimal FM reception? I'm pleased with AM-FM reception, my objective would be max SmartTop reception. Maybe they're the same.

GregoryGR · 12-06-2007

Ikarus, DSB, german guy, Don, Eddy, Mark and others, really thanks for all the input, DYI guide and comments for best results! I will have to be supplied with the specific tools etc.

One question: What can be done to secure that no prick will steal my antenna? Glue it?

Incidents like this, do happen...

Ynot · 12-06-2007

thanks dsb and Ikarus, I'm excited now, my radio frequency has always been acceptable, I've learn to live with the range but it's always nice to have it longer

I have all the tools and wires at home, will do it sometime soon.

diclehana · 12-06-2007

I think everyone will agree that the best looking antenna on an R171 is the SL antenna.I know some of you have SL antennas and choose looks over function of it. Maybe there is a way to do the same mod with SL antenna, perhaps using thinner wires. If someone tries and gets fair results with SL antenna , I will order one tomorrow.

**etyu** · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

With xmas just around the corner, a roof module might be a fine present

Just need to decide on which!

SmartTop module v.3

**etyu** · 12-06-2007

I found insulated G30 and G26 wire at home. I will try to see which gauge wire accomodates the 75 cm length, perhaps both. I may use the thicker gauge (G26) if both can be wound to fit inside the R170 antenna. I sure hope the parts department calls me today.

MarkR171 · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by diclehana

I think everyone will agree that the best looking antenna on an R171 is the SL antenna.I know some of you have SL antennas and choose looks over function of it. Maybe there is a way to do the same mod with SL antenna, perhaps using thinner wires. If someone tries and gets fair results with SL antenna , I will order one tomorrow.

Where did you get that model in your avatar? It looks exactly like my car!

**etyu** · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

Where did you get that model in your avatar? It looks exactly like my car!

It looks almost like this one: http://www.amazon.com/****ie-R-C-Con.../dp/B000CCEWK0

**V8SLK** · 12-06-2007

what a great fix! i may have to swap my sl antenna for a 170 antenna.

ellimb · 12-06-2007

Hi Guys
What is the diff between the R170 and the SL antenna?

phatchink · 12-06-2007

this is great, finally someone with a solution!!! I'll order the 170 antenna today!

**etyu** · 12-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellimb

Hi Guys
What is the diff between the R170 and the SL antenna?

The R170 antenna is about 5 inches or 12.5 cm long as shown in the photos by DSB. The SL antenna is 2.75 inches or 7 cm long.

The R170 antenna is black in colour and the cover is flexible plastic but this can be painted. It looks more cylindrical. The SL antenna comes prepainted to match car color and it looks more triangular or pyramidal compared to the R170. The SL antenna looks better when installed. In terms of looks the antennae rank as follows: SL antenna > R170 antenna > OEM R171 whip antenna (aka "eye poker").

Both have poor radio reception and has a reduced range for the RF keys when installed, compared to the whip antenna that comes with the R171.

Photo below shows the SL antenna installed:

**Zeiser50** · 12-07-2007

Detail of SL antenna :

I will try to make the modification.

**SLKman** · 12-07-2007

I made mod on my SL? antenna. As it was less than 3 inches long, there was not much room for any wires inside it.

The install took me longer as I have never used a soldering iron before and my antenna was not as shown in the first pictures. So I had to figure out what to do as I went along.

Here are pics of my antenna and what I did to improve the radio reception.

It did get me more stations in clearly whereas before they were all static.

It did not effect my Remote top reception. (I believe Mr Bipes said the Bipes Remote Reciever is under the dash.)

1. pic of antenna on car.
2. Pic of inside of antenna once removed from base. (notice blue area has 2 indents in it. I used needle nose pliers to turn it out. Be careful not to squeeze pliers and damage shaft inside.)
3. Pic of antenna with insides removed next to ruler.
4. Pic of wires wrapped but not soldered yet. (I wrapped both wires at the same time. Red wire has to be sodered at the top and the Black wire is soldered at the other end next to the threads.)
5. Pic of it back on car.

SLKman

12-06-2007	#21 (permalink)
ghostdunks Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Vehicle: SLK280 Posts: 206 Country: Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I also love how -1- had a post saying this mod looked pretty good, and then scarecely 4 hours later, BANG, he had another post with a big thumbs up saying he had already completed the mod, and tested it and it was magic! LOVE IT!
	http://www.slkworld.com/

12-06-2007	#24 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,096 Country: Thanks: 35 Thanked 58 Times in 31 Posts	Update... I just went to the store and tested out the signal strength again. I counted off 150ft of reception! This compares to the old strength of 25ft. Also, I have a lot better AM/FM reception. A slightly thinner/longer wire might be even better reception. Don, what is your length? (You know what I mean). As I said earlier, I used about 15" in length. Ikarus pointed out that optimal antenna length is about 75cm (30"). I'm using half that and still get great reception. Ikarus also pointed out that the antenna was mainly for phone use. Here's a great physics q&a that I found. It explains it fairly well. How do little tiny radios and walkmen pick up large radio waves without a visible antenna? -- Emily Asher Walkman radios use the cord that stretches from the radio to your head as a an antenna. FM radio stations emit at about 100 MHz which corresponds to waves with a wavelength about 3 meters long. Since the optimal antenna length is about 1/4 the wavelength the optimal antenna length is about 3/4 of a meter. Cell phones use much shorter wavelengths, about 1/3 of a meter, and so the antenna can be put into the phone itself since the optimal antenna length is less than 10 cm. -- S. Burkhart PS. Thanks for all the "thanks" and I hope to see everyone use this mod. It is well worth it. __________________ '06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash / DPE 19" R07s, Other Stuff *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

12-06-2007	#30 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,890 Country: Thanks: 304 Thanked 205 Times in 105 Posts	I found insulated G30 and G26 wire at home. I will try to see which gauge wire accomodates the 75 cm length, perhaps both. I may use the thicker gauge (G26) if both can be wound to fit inside the R170 antenna. I sure hope the parts department calls me today. __________________ *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.

12-06-2007	#33 (permalink)
V8SLK Life is good... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,075 Country: Thanks: 47 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	what a great fix! i may have to swap my sl antenna for a 170 antenna. __________________ 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. Scott

12-07-2007	#37 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 494 Country: Thanks: 5 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Detail of SL antenna : I will try to make the modification. __________________ 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-

12-06-2007	#26 (permalink)
GregoryGR Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Athens, Hellas Vehicle: 06 Kleemann Slk 200 Posts: 209 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ikarus, DSB, german guy, Don, Eddy, Mark and others, really thanks for all the input, DYI guide and comments for best results! I will have to be supplied with the specific tools etc. One question: What can be done to secure that no prick will steal my antenna? Glue it? Incidents like this, do happen...

12-06-2007	#27 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,697 Country: Thanks: 92 Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts	thanks dsb and Ikarus, I'm excited now, my radio frequency has always been acceptable, I've learn to live with the range but it's always nice to have it longer I have all the tools and wires at home, will do it sometime soon.

12-06-2007	#28 (permalink)
diclehana Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Istanbul Vehicle: 05 SLK 200 Posts: 177 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 9 Times in 1 Post	I think everyone will agree that the best looking antenna on an R171 is the SL antenna.I know some of you have SL antennas and choose looks over function of it. Maybe there is a way to do the same mod with SL antenna, perhaps using thinner wires. If someone tries and gets fair results with SL antenna , I will order one tomorrow.

12-06-2007	#34 (permalink)
ellimb Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Vehicle: A200, SLK R171 350 Posts: 133 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Guys What is the diff between the R170 and the SL antenna?

12-06-2007	#35 (permalink)
phatchink Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 112 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	this is great, finally someone with a solution!!! I'll order the 170 antenna today!