How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 3

**SLKman** · 12-07-2007

Needle nose pliers.

Put ends of pliers in the slots and turned the blue section counter clockwise to back it out.

Just be carefull to only apply downward pressure to hold the pliers in place to turn and not to squeeze the pliers together. You do not want to accidentally smash the inside silver connector together.

**etyu** · 12-07-2007

Thanks SLKman, I used rounded nose jeweler's pliers unto the two circular indented areas on the light blue plastic. Light but firm pressure towards the antenna end and counterclockwise force was all that was needed to unscrew the blue plastic-antenna innards assembly out. Not much force is required to unscrew the assembly.

I will be doing the mods but using G30 insulated wire (also available at Radio Shack) in the SL antenna and see if I can cram 75 cm in that small space.

I know that 75cm of G26 insulated wire will fit inside the R170 antenna (with some room to spare), but haven't had the chance to solder it in place or test it out. I will report back after completing both mods this weekend.

diclehana · 12-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

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

It looks exactly like my car too. That is why I ordered the diecast model. Look at my previous posts you will see lots of photos and the maker of the model my friend..

diclehana · 12-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKman

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

Sorry it did not work out that well. Looks like I will order r170 antenna...

**Zeiser50** · 12-07-2007

Normally, the wire gauge should not be very important.

**dsb** · 12-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Thanks SLKman, I used rounded nose jeweler's pliers unto the two circular indented areas on the light blue plastic. Light but firm pressure towards the antenna end and counterclockwise force was all that was needed to unscrew the blue plastic-antenna innards assembly out. Not much force is required to unscrew the assembly.

I will be doing the mods but using G30 insulated wire (also available at Radio Shack) in the SL antenna and see if I can cram 75 cm in that small space.

I know that 75cm of G26 insulated wire will fit inside the R170 antenna (with some room to spare), but haven't had the chance to solder it in place or test it out. I will report back after completing both mods this weekend.

Great, then we'll have all 3 variations...

R170 with SL antenna
R171 with R170 antenna
R171 with SL antenna

**-1-** · 12-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKman

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.

Professional looking job for a soldering novice. Nice and neat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKman

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

Sorry it didn't help your remote top reception. Curious if a modified (modded) SL antenna would work on the R171?

**etyu** · 12-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

.... Curious if a modified (modded) SL antenna would work on the R171?

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.

**etyu** · 12-08-2007

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.

If your purpose is to increase the range with the SmartKey then the mod is acceptable with the SL antenna. See post by SLKMan above and my own experience. I'm not quite sure with FM reception but it is definitely better than without the modification.

**etyu** · 12-08-2007

Using Gauge 30 insulated wire, 75 cm each (I only had one color wire), below is a photo of the two wires soldered but not wound:

Next, testing on the car before winding the wire, the range with the SmartKey is close to the R170 mod but maybe 15 ft less range.

Gauge 30 wire after winding the wire. The winding of the wire is done with the antenna not connected to the car. I tested it again before putting on the antenna cover.

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 12-08-2007

So what I gather is that on the r171:

R170 antenna:
15 ft more than SL antenna and much better radio reception.
5 inches long

SL Antenna:
15 ft less than R170 antenna. Radio reception a worse than r170 antenna. Only 2.5 inches long and color coded with car. Much nicer IMHO...

**etyu** · 12-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothbnzf4n4tc

So what I gather is that on the r171:

R170 antenna:
15 ft more than SL antenna and much better radio reception.
5 inches long

SL Antenna:
15 ft less than R170 antenna. Radio reception a worse than r170 antenna. Only 2.5 inches long and color coded with car. Much nicer IMHO...

Yup.

Word of caution: Do not touch the central silver hollow attachment point in the SL antenna when disassembling. I must have misaligned that piece when I was testing and broke it when I reattached the SL antenna

this after all the testing. Now I have to call MB parts department on Monday. I hope they have a dented one that they want to throw away as I only want the inner/central piece.

phatchink · 12-08-2007

so let me get this strait,
1. the gauge of the wire does not count towards the range?
2. I understand that there are wires with a single solid copper core and some that branch into million of strands of metals whcih type should I use?

**etyu** · 12-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatchink

so let me get this strait,
1. the gauge of the wire does not count towards the range?
2. I understand that there are wires with a single solid copper core and some that branch into million of strands of metals whcih type should I use?

The wires I use where the ones I already have at home. The G26 and G30 were both solid type wires, which allow for bending and forming a tighter spiral without much unfurling. The stranded wire allows for flexibility but I believe you may have a hard time bending and winding these as they are designed to be flexible and will not stay bent. I'm not sure if the stranded or solid wires make a difference. The FM antenna that you see connected to stereos are of the stranded type and are insulated by translucent material.

I am not knowledgable in electronics and I believe those with more advanced knowledge in electronics and electrical engineering should be able to give the answer.

My impression is that up to a certain degree the gauge or thickness of the wire doesn't make a big difference as far as using it as an antenna. (See Zeiser50/Michel's post above, #49) I think winding the wire into a small cylindrical shape versus having the 75 cm wires in an unfurled state affects the reception. Remember there are compromises to be made in order to improve the range of an antenna that wasn't intended for this use in the R171.

phatchink · 12-09-2007

if what you are saying is correct then we should strip the wires of their plastic covers and use maybe tape for insulation so we can fit the entire 75cm in shouldnt' we?

**Zeiser50** · 12-09-2007

Eddy is right : Gauge is not really important. Also Stranded or solid type wire (solid will be a little better, but not so much).

I will make some measurement next week (i have all the necessary equipment for radio raception measurement). My point is the picture from eddy's winded wire : as there is two wire (one is GND and the second is antenna itself), it should winded carefully (i.e no layers, but both wires in parallel). If it's not possible, maybe it is better to have a shorter lenght of wire (performance point of view). But its only my understanding, i should check more deeply (i know more radio itself than antenna reception theory) .

mtiede · 12-09-2007

I think it may have already been mentioned, but I think the important thing is the length so that it can resonate to the frequencies desired to pick up. Hand wrapping a wire with tape out to be somewhat difficult to do. I'd go buy a piece of wire.

12-07-2007	#41 (permalink)
SLKman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Texas Vehicle: 2000 Copper Designo Sport Posts: 1,047 Country: Thanks: 265 Thanked 73 Times in 35 Posts	Needle nose pliers. Put ends of pliers in the slots and turned the blue section counter clockwise to back it out. Just be carefull to only apply downward pressure to hold the pliers in place to turn and not to squeeze the pliers together. You do not want to accidentally smash the inside silver connector together.
	http://www.slkworld.com/

12-07-2007	#42 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,131 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 243 Times in 139 Posts	Thanks SLKman, I used rounded nose jeweler's pliers unto the two circular indented areas on the light blue plastic. Light but firm pressure towards the antenna end and counterclockwise force was all that was needed to unscrew the blue plastic-antenna innards assembly out. Not much force is required to unscrew the assembly. I will be doing the mods but using G30 insulated wire (also available at Radio Shack) in the SL antenna and see if I can cram 75 cm in that small space. I know that 75cm of G26 insulated wire will fit inside the R170 antenna (with some room to spare), but haven't had the chance to solder it in place or test it out. I will report back after completing both mods this weekend. __________________ *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.

12-07-2007	#45 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 501 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	Normally, the wire gauge should not be very important. __________________ 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-

12-08-2007	#50 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,131 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 243 Times in 139 Posts	Pix of R230 SL antenna mod Using Gauge 30 insulated wire, 75 cm each (I only had one color wire), below is a photo of the two wires soldered but not wound: Next, testing on the car before winding the wire, the range with the SmartKey is close to the R170 mod but maybe 15 ft less range. Gauge 30 wire after winding the wire. The winding of the wire is done with the antenna not connected to the car. I tested it again before putting on the antenna cover. __________________ *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.

12-09-2007	#56 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 501 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	Eddy is right : Gauge is not really important. Also Stranded or solid type wire (solid will be a little better, but not so much). I will make some measurement next week (i have all the necessary equipment for radio raception measurement). My point is the picture from eddy's winded wire : as there is two wire (one is GND and the second is antenna itself), it should winded carefully (i.e no layers, but both wires in parallel). If it's not possible, maybe it is better to have a shorter lenght of wire (performance point of view). But its only my understanding, i should check more deeply (i know more radio itself than antenna reception theory) . __________________ 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-

12-08-2007	#51 (permalink)
smoothbnzf4n4tc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Vehicle: 2009 Mars Red SLK55 Posts: 150 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	So what I gather is that on the r171: R170 antenna: 15 ft more than SL antenna and much better radio reception. 5 inches long SL Antenna: 15 ft less than R170 antenna. Radio reception a worse than r170 antenna. Only 2.5 inches long and color coded with car. Much nicer IMHO...

12-08-2007	#53 (permalink)
phatchink Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 123 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	so let me get this strait, 1. the gauge of the wire does not count towards the range? 2. I understand that there are wires with a single solid copper core and some that branch into million of strands of metals whcih type should I use?

12-09-2007	#55 (permalink)
phatchink Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 123 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	if what you are saying is correct then we should strip the wires of their plastic covers and use maybe tape for insulation so we can fit the entire 75cm in shouldnt' we?

12-09-2007	#57 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,470 Thanks: 79 Thanked 44 Times in 34 Posts	I think it may have already been mentioned, but I think the important thing is the length so that it can resonate to the frequencies desired to pick up. Hand wrapping a wire with tape out to be somewhat difficult to do. I'd go buy a piece of wire.