Hi all

Let me preamble this by saying I am new at this, and need your
help. But I am a quick learner!

I have a few specific questions and perhaps you can help. I am
trying to troubleshoot a Fm static problem

1) Is the car coax cable lead one or two wires? I am quite sure
it is two (one outer (the ground) and one inner wire) but I'll
ask to confirm

2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent FM
reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car. However, there is a twist
to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable (inner cable) from
the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if it looks
like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.
When I try to connect the inner coax wire directly to the antenna
(using a wire and soldering), then I can test it and it is well
connected. In other words, the inner wire of the coax makes a
continuous circuit from the HU's to the end of the antenna. Yet,
I still get some static on some FM station (which is not induced
by the engine or the car's electrical systems).

Any suggestion? It is an RSX 2004 (Acura). I changed the HU twice
(two models) and the problem persists (same issue with the OEM)

TIA

Frank wrote:

Hi all

Let me preamble this by saying I am new at this, and need your
help. But I am a quick learner!

I have a few specific questions and perhaps you can help. I am
trying to troubleshoot a Fm static problem

1) Is the car coax cable lead one or two wires? I am quite sure
it is two (one outer (the ground) and one inner wire) but I'll
ask to confirm

"Coax" is short for "coaxial conductor", i.e. two conductor one outer
one inner.

2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

That depends on the antenna, but if yes it would almost certainly be the
outer conductor. If the antenna has two symmetrical conductors then it
should either have a balun (which would be a little gizmo, probably
cubical) between the coax and the antenna.

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

"HU"? Yes, grounding in a car means to the car body.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent FM
reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car. However, there is a twist
to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable (inner cable) from
the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if it looks
like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.
When I try to connect the inner coax wire directly to the antenna
(using a wire and soldering), then I can test it and it is well
connected. In other words, the inner wire of the coax makes a
continuous circuit from the HU's to the end of the antenna. Yet,
I still get some static on some FM station (which is not induced
by the engine or the car's electrical systems).

Any suggestion? It is an RSX 2004 (Acura). I changed the HU twice
(two models) and the problem persists (same issue with the OEM)

TIA


It may just be a crappy antenna. If you were really determined you
could try a mag-mount external antenna just to see. If it were a
symmetrical antenna I'd build a balun for it (actually I'd probably
_think_ about building a balun for it any time I drove it, but wouldn't
get around to it for years).

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

"Tim Wescott" wrote in message
...
Frank wrote:

Hi all

Let me preamble this by saying I am new at this, and need your
help. But I am a quick learner!

I have a few specific questions and perhaps you can help. I am
trying to troubleshoot a Fm static problem

1) Is the car coax cable lead one or two wires? I am quite sure
it is two (one outer (the ground) and one inner wire) but I'll
ask to confirm

"Coax" is short for "coaxial conductor", i.e. two conductor one
outer
one inner.

2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

That depends on the antenna, but if yes it would almost certainly be
the
outer conductor. If the antenna has two symmetrical conductors then
it
should either have a balun (which would be a little gizmo, probably
cubical) between the coax and the antenna.

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

"HU"? Yes, grounding in a car means to the car body.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent FM
reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car. However, there is a twist
to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable (inner cable) from
the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if it looks
like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.
When I try to connect the inner coax wire directly to the antenna
(using a wire and soldering), then I can test it and it is well
connected. In other words, the inner wire of the coax makes a
continuous circuit from the HU's to the end of the antenna. Yet,
I still get some static on some FM station (which is not induced
by the engine or the car's electrical systems).

Any suggestion? It is an RSX 2004 (Acura). I changed the HU twice
(two models) and the problem persists (same issue with the OEM)

TIA


It may just be a crappy antenna. If you were really determined you
could try a mag-mount external antenna just to see. If it were a
symmetrical antenna I'd build a balun for it (actually I'd probably
_think_ about building a balun for it any time I drove it, but
wouldn't
get around to it for years).

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

You have both overlooked the fact that the antenna is also most
probably the heating element of the heated (rear?) window. If this is
the case then there has to be a d.c. block for the antenna and
something to stop the supply cable shorting out the signal. This is
usually as small (often cylindrical) device somewhere near and within
a short distance of the window connections. If this is faulty it is
most likely the cause.

The other question - if it is the heating element then does it
completely work? Elements often get minute breaks in them: if the
element only partly works then the working part is all you have for an
aerial and so you may be suffering from lack of signal.

The most important point however is the nature of the
signal/interference. Is it lack of signal - which will give fading and
hiss on FM - or is it crackle being produced by the vehicle? If the
latter, make sure the earth bonding is good between battery, engine,
and chassis. Also make sure it has the right type of spark plugs -
most vehicles these days use the type that have a resistor inside them
and that is singularly the most effective way of cutting spark
interference.

Finally make sure the radio earth is good. If the aerial is
disconnected does the radio still work? It is not uncommon for the
earth in the main harness to fail and the radio to be earthed through
the aerial - which means there will be impedence (i.e. signal
resistance) in the supply route which will definitely cause crackle.


--
Woody

harrogate2 at ntlworld dot com

Frank wrote:
2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

Grounding an antenna completely defeats its purpose.
Is this also part of a defrosting heating element or such?

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

The expression "grounding the antenna" is nonsense
in the absense of better colatteral information. If it is
just an antenna (and not part of a heater or something)
then "grounding the antenna" sounds stupid.

What/who/why is "HU"? If this is a part of the circuit
you are working on, you need to reveal the entire situation.
Otherwise, you will get misleading responses based on
guessing from thousands of miles away.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent
FM reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use
to get crystal clear reception with old car.

In-glass antennas have never been noted for their good
performance. They are only popular because they are
easier for the auto manufacturers (and car washes). Many
people add a proper antenna after-market when they are
stuck with these things.

However, there is a twist to my problem: I noticed that
the coax cable (inner cable) from the HU is not truly
connected to the antenna even if it looks like it is. I tested
it with a continuity tester and it is not.

If "HU" means Heating Unit or something, it seems likely
that the antenna lead is connected via a capacitor. The cap
would conduct RF voltage while appearing to be an open
circuit at DC (which is what your meter is using.)

HU is head unit, or radio


"Richard Crowley" wrote in message
...
Frank wrote:
2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the car's
body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

Grounding an antenna completely defeats its purpose.
Is this also part of a defrosting heating element or such?

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a glass
mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire from the
outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal ground of the
car? Or should it be done closer to the actual antena? SUch as at the
junction of the end of the coax and where the antenna starts...

The expression "grounding the antenna" is nonsense
in the absense of better colatteral information. If it is
just an antenna (and not part of a heater or something)
then "grounding the antenna" sounds stupid.

What/who/why is "HU"? If this is a part of the circuit
you are working on, you need to reveal the entire situation.
Otherwise, you will get misleading responses based on
guessing from thousands of miles away.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent
FM reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car.

In-glass antennas have never been noted for their good
performance. They are only popular because they are
easier for the auto manufacturers (and car washes). Many
people add a proper antenna after-market when they are
stuck with these things.

However, there is a twist to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable
(inner cable) from the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if
it looks like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.

If "HU" means Heating Unit or something, it seems likely
that the antenna lead is connected via a capacitor. The cap
would conduct RF voltage while appearing to be an open
circuit at DC (which is what your meter is using.)

Thanks to all who replied

yes I should have been more precise: HU = Head unit (or radio)

Sorry


"Richard Crowley" wrote in message
...
Frank wrote:
2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to
the car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see
Q 3)

Grounding an antenna completely defeats its purpose.
Is this also part of a defrosting heating element or such?

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of
a glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding
wire from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to
a metal ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the
actual antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax
and where the antenna starts...

The expression "grounding the antenna" is nonsense
in the absense of better colatteral information. If it is
just an antenna (and not part of a heater or something)
then "grounding the antenna" sounds stupid.

What/who/why is "HU"? If this is a part of the circuit
you are working on, you need to reveal the entire situation.
Otherwise, you will get misleading responses based on
guessing from thousands of miles away.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent
FM reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to
get crystal clear reception with old car.

In-glass antennas have never been noted for their good
performance. They are only popular because they are
easier for the auto manufacturers (and car washes). Many
people add a proper antenna after-market when they are
stuck with these things.

However, there is a twist to my problem: I noticed that the
coax cable (inner cable) from the HU is not truly connected to
the antenna even if it looks like it is. I tested it with a
continuity tester and it is not.

If "HU" means Heating Unit or something, it seems likely
that the antenna lead is connected via a capacitor. The cap
would conduct RF voltage while appearing to be an open
circuit at DC (which is what your meter is using.)

Sounds like a loose connection - possibly in the power supply (DC voltage).
Does the static also happen on the AM band ?
If so, the loose connection may be in the power supplying the radio.
If positive side checks out ok - don't forget to check out the ground side -
all the way back to the battery.
I had a similar problem with an old buick once, and fixed it (after much
troubleshooting with a multimeter) by running a wire from the negative side
of the battery to a screw on the body - The lights stopped blinking - the
radio static cleared up - and all was well in the world.

I have a new 2005 Buick with a rear window heater/antenna. The heater
works and the FM reception is fine but the AM reception is terrible to
almost nil.. The dealer is working on the problem with the AM radio
reception and has ordered a new cable which they are going to install
when it arrives later this month. I doubt that this is the problem but
they think it is so we'll see after they install a new one. I'll post
a follow up when they figure out the problem with the AM radio. My
guess is that it is the radio but that is just my guess.


On Mon, 5 Sep 2005 21:24:30 -0400, "Frank" wrote:

Hi all

Let me preamble this by saying I am new at this, and need your
help. But I am a quick learner!

I have a few specific questions and perhaps you can help. I am
trying to troubleshoot a Fm static problem

1) Is the car coax cable lead one or two wires? I am quite sure
it is two (one outer (the ground) and one inner wire) but I'll
ask to confirm

2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent FM
reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car. However, there is a twist
to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable (inner cable) from
the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if it looks
like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.
When I try to connect the inner coax wire directly to the antenna
(using a wire and soldering), then I can test it and it is well
connected. In other words, the inner wire of the coax makes a
continuous circuit from the HU's to the end of the antenna. Yet,
I still get some static on some FM station (which is not induced
by the engine or the car's electrical systems).

Any suggestion? It is an RSX 2004 (Acura). I changed the HU twice
(two models) and the problem persists (same issue with the OEM)

TIA

Frank wrote:
Hi all

Let me preamble this by saying I am new at this, and need your
help. But I am a quick learner!

I have a few specific questions and perhaps you can help. I am
trying to troubleshoot a Fm static problem

1) Is the car coax cable lead one or two wires? I am quite sure
it is two (one outer (the ground) and one inner wire) but I'll
ask to confirm

2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to the
car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see Q 3)

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of a
glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding wire
from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to a metal
ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the actual
antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax and where
the antenna starts...

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent FM
reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to get
crystal clear reception with old car. However, there is a twist
to my problem: I noticed that the coax cable (inner cable) from
the HU is not truly connected to the antenna even if it looks
like it is. I tested it with a continuity tester and it is not.
When I try to connect the inner coax wire directly to the antenna
(using a wire and soldering), then I can test it and it is well
connected. In other words, the inner wire of the coax makes a
continuous circuit from the HU's to the end of the antenna. Yet,
I still get some static on some FM station (which is not induced
by the engine or the car's electrical systems).

Any suggestion? It is an RSX 2004 (Acura). I changed the HU twice
(two models) and the problem persists (same issue with the OEM)

TIA



Have you deffinantly got the antenna power line connected to the head
unit. On an ISO radio connector this is a blue wire which provides
power to an antenna amplifier found on some cars.

Make sure you've fitted the earth (ground?) bar from your radio to
the car's body (for example the bolt that holds the radio cage in).

Try using a different antenna to see if the problem re-occurs.

--
Regards,
Aaron.