How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 7

**Zeiser50** · 12-14-2007

This thread is amazing : i haven't found anywhere else such technical study ...

for all the contributors ..

**nevets** · 12-14-2007

Alright gentlemen, I have picked up my new R170 antenns from MB. by the way, for those who will be ordering this....when ordering insist on the part number provided by dsb...long story...too much detail. Now ,I have this antenna and a new understanding of how much free tme most of you have

...So what is the final outcome with the modified R170? 37cm OR 75cm, two wires or one, soldered to A or B...gauge?...is there a general consensus?

By the way...Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread.

.the depth of technical knowledge is amazing...Now if anyone could tell me how to mod my 4mo old so he sleeps through the night

**dsb** · 12-14-2007

I think -1- is getting the maximum distance out of the R170 antenna. Second, might be me? I'm not quite sure. Like mentioned, it has gotten quite technical. Although I wanted to boost reception in all areas, I was mainly concerned with the remote. That said, -1- is getting about 200ft, I get about 150ft and I'm not sure the distance others are getting.

I think it's great that our members have taken such an interest in running these tests. However, I think there's a reason the German forum finally decided on 2 wires up to 75cm length. I did 2 wires at 37cm. I have to believe -1- did about the same since he did his mod before all the tests. So, that would be my recommendation. Here's another thought, I wonder if running the 2 wires in parallel and making it as tall as possible helps. It might have made the difference for -1- and I. Anyways, give it a shot and please post your results. You'll find it's a fairly easy mod and can be adjusted if you don't get your desired results.

**dsb** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Noregret, try using only one wire coming out from the central wire (the one with clear insulation). As Ikarus has tested, the car antenna is monopole.

I used AWG26 mainly because it is relatively sturdy compared to AWG30. I can coil a 37cm-long wire and the total height of the coil is 2.3cm (max clearance on the R230 antenna is about 2.5cm).

I did try 24cm wire and found the range to be around 50ft, whereas the 37cm gave a longer range.

I might try coiling a 75cm AWG30 wire and see what total height I can get and try this on the R170 antenna and see what happens to the range. If it is significantly better than 100 ft then I may try this on the R230 antenna. I gotta ask for a day off

Etyu,

Looking at your pics, I wonder if the short height of the R170 antenna is hurting your performance? Why not try the 75cm or 37cm length and start from the base on up?

**etyu** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

Etyu,

Looking at your pics, I wonder if the short height of the R170 antenna is hurting your performance? Why not try the 75cm or 37cm length and start from the base on up?

I will be trying 75cm tonight on the R170 antenna. I was able to coil 75cm of AWG30 insulated wire and use the heat-shrink tube the same way I did with the 35cm AWG26 wire. Total height of the coil is 2.3cm. The reason is: I'm planning to do the same on the R230 antenna if the range with the R170 antenna is increased with the 75cm wire. Nothing like a little trial-and-error after some theoritical and technical info.

**etyu** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevets

Alright gentlemen, I have picked up my new R170 antenns from MB. by the way, for those who will be ordering this....when ordering insist on the part number provided by dsb...long story...too much detail. Now ,I have this antenna and a new understanding of how much free tme most of you have

...So what is the final outcome with the modified R170? 37cm OR 75cm, two wires or one, soldered to A or B...gauge?...is there a general consensus?

By the way...Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread.

.the depth of technical knowledge is amazing...Now if anyone could tell me how to mod my 4mo old so he sleeps through the night

Steven, hang on to your hat. I'll report later tonight to see if 75 cm is better than 35 cm in terms of range for the SmartKey.

As for the 4-month-old infant, feed him only water after bedtime if the child wakes up in the middle of the night. There may be a battle for a good week (be prepared) but once they know there's no food after bedtime until the next day, they usually sleep throught the night.
Disclaimer: doesn't work on all children, your experience may vary.

SLKjay · 12-14-2007

^^^ from MODing antenas to putting babies to sleep thru the night... this forum is great

**dsb** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevets

Now if anyone could tell me how to mod my 4mo old so he sleeps through the night

We were recommended to bundle our children in their blanket like a snug little burrito. It kept them from flailing their arms and in turn waking themselves. It worked great as I have to believe it mimiced the womb. Or, there's always drugs and alcohol (JK)

**nevets** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Steven...As for the 4-month-old infant, feed him only water after bedtime if the child wakes up in the middle of the night. There may be a battle for a good week (be prepared) but once they know there's no food after bedtime until the next day, they usually sleep throught the night.
Disclaimer: doesn't work on all children, your experience may vary.

Eddy, Thanks for the sound advice..actually after thre kids we have a pretty good feel, er...at least my wife does... although each has his own quirks (interesting paralell to be drawn between SLK antennas.....

), I was trying to be funny....he's actually a pretty good sleeper stretches to 6hrs. There is always the "ferber" method..(the parents out there will understand)

Oh yeah, back to the SLK...I will wait patiently for your results...Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

We were recommended to bundle our children in their blanket like a snug little burrito. It kept them from flailing their arms and in turn waking themselves. It worked great as I have to believe it mimiced the womb. Or, there's always drugs and alcohol (JK)

The "Swaddle" technique (technical term, not to be confused with other previously represented technical facts herin) is/was used with great success....Thanks, dsb..we are keeping our other options open as well.

**richard_leeds** · 12-14-2007

Is it OK to cut the transparent insulted bit down to give more room for the new aerial wire?

**etyu** · 12-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_leeds

Is it OK to cut the transparent insulted bit down to give more room for the new aerial wire?

That's what I did. I cut off about 2-3mm of the clear insulation at its tip and left the central wire, so I could have some place to solder unto.

**etyu** · 12-15-2007

The following applies only to the range/reception of the SmartKey on the R171 (all meaurements are approximate, all are done with single insulated AWG 26 solid wire unless specified otherwise, i.e., monopole configuration, based on personal experience, trial-and-error):

R170 antenna
Without modification, 30 ft
Modified, 24cm wire, 50 ft
Modified, 35cm wire, 100 ft
Modified, 42cm wire (based on OEM whip antenna length), 110 ft
Modified, 75 cm wire, 80 ft
FM reception is moderately improved as an added bonus.

R230 antenna
Without modification, 30 ft
Modified, 35 cm wire, 100 ft
FM reception is somewhat improved, so-so bonus.

Disclaimer: Your experience may vary significantly from the above.

Edit: the range with SmartKey is improved to 200ft or better with 37cm-long AWG22 insulated solid wire on the R170 antenna. Post #139, see below, also check post #175

diclehana · 12-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

The following applies only to the range/reception of the SmartKey on the R171 (all meaurements are approximate, all are done with single insulated AWG 26 wire i.e., monopole configuration, based on personal experience, trial-and-error):

R170 antenna
Without modification, 30 ft
Modified, 24cm wire, 50 ft
Modified, 35cm wire, 100 ft
Modified, 42cm wire (based on OEM whip antenna length), 110 ft
Modified, 75 cm wire, 80 ft
FM reception is moderately improved as an added bonus.

R230 antenna
Without modification, 30 ft
Modified, 35 cm wire, 100 ft
FM reception is somewhat improved, so-so bonus.

Disclaimer: Your experience may vary significantly from the above.

Tell us more about FM reception with the modified R230 antenna... I will be doing the mod soon...

**etyu** · 12-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by diclehana

Tell us more about FM reception with the modified R230 antenna... I will be doing the mod soon...

FM reception with the modified R230 antenna is on-and-off; some stations come in strong and some are weak, irregardless of the FM number.

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 12-15-2007

Great job eddy! However, I don't know if you mentioned this already and forgive me if you have, but what is the range of the stock antenna?

**etyu** · 12-15-2007

Hold your horses.

I know that in theory, the thickness or AWG of the wire may not matter but...

Based on DSB's and -1-'s experience of a thicker gauge wire, I just had to try and find out (I know, too much free time on a nice sunny Saturday morning). I bought AWG 22 solid wire from RadioShack this am and wound 37cm in much the same way I did with the AWG26 wire (see prior photos). It was a tight fit because the wire does not extend below the tip of the central wire with the clear insulation. It looks like a slender Christmas tree as the tip was tapered to fit inside the antenna cover.

I initially tried to use 42 cm (following OEM whip antenna) but this wouldn't fit inside the cover, so I trimmed about 5 cm off.

I tried the SmartKey and was very pleasantly surprised to observe that the range has improved significantly. Three of the neighbors were curious and came to talk to me to see what I was doing -- walking back and forth, crossing and re-crossing the street, and using a 25 ft tape measure. Incidentally I found out that the lines of separation or expansion joints on the sidewalk is roughly 10 feet apart(maybe 4 inches less than 10 ft). Anyhow, the range is better than 200 ft and close to like 220 or 230 ft; I could operate the roof from more than half a (residential neighborhood) block away.

12-14-2007	#121 (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	This thread is amazing : i haven't found anywhere else such technical study ... for all the contributors .. __________________ 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-

12-14-2007	#122 (permalink)
nevets Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver Other Toys: 08 BMW 535xi, 08 Infinity QX56, 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750, Maxum SR 1800, Posts: 440 Country: Thanks: 29 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Alright gentlemen, I have picked up my new R170 antenns from MB. by the way, for those who will be ordering this....when ordering insist on the part number provided by dsb...long story...too much detail. Now ,I have this antenna and a new understanding of how much free tme most of you have...So what is the final outcome with the modified R170? 37cm OR 75cm, two wires or one, soldered to A or B...gauge?...is there a general consensus? By the way...Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread..the depth of technical knowledge is amazing...Now if anyone could tell me how to mod my 4mo old so he sleeps through the night __________________ Steven *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* 06 SLK 350, Iridium Silver, Blk Int, Chrome Trims, AMG Body, Aerowings,Wide Base Tire Flares (Thx CDRN) Green Filters, Filled Sidemarkers, Painted Ant, Komfort Module (Thks NR4L) Rear Spoiler - Piecha, Brabus springs, R170Moded Ant, 19" TSW Bremma, Mich PS2

12-14-2007	#123 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	I think -1- is getting the maximum distance out of the R170 antenna. Second, might be me? I'm not quite sure. Like mentioned, it has gotten quite technical. Although I wanted to boost reception in all areas, I was mainly concerned with the remote. That said, -1- is getting about 200ft, I get about 150ft and I'm not sure the distance others are getting. I think it's great that our members have taken such an interest in running these tests. However, I think there's a reason the German forum finally decided on 2 wires up to 75cm length. I did 2 wires at 37cm. I have to believe -1- did about the same since he did his mod before all the tests. So, that would be my recommendation. Here's another thought, I wonder if running the 2 wires in parallel and making it as tall as possible helps. It might have made the difference for -1- and I. Anyways, give it a shot and please post your results. You'll find it's a fairly easy mod and can be adjusted if you don't get your desired results. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

12-15-2007	#132 (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	Personal Conclusion The following applies only to the range/reception of the SmartKey on the R171 (all meaurements are approximate, all are done with single insulated AWG 26 solid wire unless specified otherwise, i.e., monopole configuration, based on personal experience, trial-and-error): R170 antenna Without modification, 30 ft Modified, 24cm wire, 50 ft Modified, 35cm wire, 100 ft Modified, 42cm wire (based on OEM whip antenna length), 110 ft Modified, 75 cm wire, 80 ft FM reception is moderately improved as an added bonus. R230 antenna Without modification, 30 ft Modified, 35 cm wire, 100 ft FM reception is somewhat improved, so-so bonus. Disclaimer: Your experience may vary significantly from the above. Edit: the range with SmartKey is improved to 200ft or better with 37cm-long AWG22 insulated solid wire on the R170 antenna. Post #139, see below, also check post #175 __________________ *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. Last edited by etyu; 05-01-2008 at 05:08 PM. Reason: added more info*

12-15-2007	#136 (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	CONFIRMED! More than 200 ft with R170 antenna Hold your horses. I know that in theory, the thickness or AWG of the wire may not matter but... Based on DSB's and -1-'s experience of a thicker gauge wire, I just had to try and find out (I know, too much free time on a nice sunny Saturday morning). I bought AWG 22 solid wire from RadioShack this am and wound 37cm in much the same way I did with the AWG26 wire (see prior photos). It was a tight fit because the wire does not extend below the tip of the central wire with the clear insulation. It looks like a slender Christmas tree as the tip was tapered to fit inside the antenna cover. I initially tried to use 42 cm (following OEM whip antenna) but this wouldn't fit inside the cover, so I trimmed about 5 cm off. I tried the SmartKey and was very pleasantly surprised to observe that the range has improved significantly. Three of the neighbors were curious and came to talk to me to see what I was doing -- walking back and forth, crossing and re-crossing the street, and using a 25 ft tape measure. Incidentally I found out that the lines of separation or expansion joints on the sidewalk is roughly 10 feet apart(maybe 4 inches less than 10 ft). Anyhow, the range is better than 200 ft and close to like 220 or 230 ft; I could operate the roof from more than half a (residential neighborhood) block away. __________________ *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. Last edited by etyu; 12-17-2007 at 12:54 AM. Reason: corrected spelling*

12-14-2007	#127 (permalink)
SLKjay SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Phillips Ranch, CA Vehicle: '98 SLK230 Other Toys: '96 328IS Posts: 58 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	^^^ from MODing antenas to putting babies to sleep thru the night... this forum is great

12-14-2007	#130 (permalink)
richard_leeds Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: 05 350 Posts: 203 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts	Is it OK to cut the transparent insulted bit down to give more room for the new aerial wire?

12-15-2007	#135 (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	Great job eddy! However, I don't know if you mentioned this already and forgive me if you have, but what is the range of the stock antenna?