RCD 510 with an antenna?

Hi

If I have a car that originally came with an RNS 300, and I'm only getting "one antenna", then...
It's now back to the original "Haifisch_mit_Rute".

So, I've (more or less randomly) connected Antenna 2 to the RCD 510 that's now installed in the car.

Currently, I'm experiencing poor reception, which doesn't quite align with my physics knowledge (wet = low epsilon-r).

The debug mode of the RCD consistently outputs "MONO" or even "POOR".

Now the question(s):
Do the two antennas have a priority?
Is it therefore disadvantageous to connect the only available antenna to "ANT 2"?


Do I have to disassemble the cockpit again (it's quite a hassle in a Golf 5)?

In a previous thread, we had already clarified that VW radios have "true diversity" with their two antennas.
Is Diversity, which cannot, because it only has one antenna, worse than no Diversity with only one antenna?

m;

Diversity works fundamentally only with two antennas, ideally mounted in different locations on the vehicle and each having a different directional pattern or preferred direction. The tuner operates fully digitally in signal processing (even with an analog receiving signal) and calculates the rest accordingly. Whether it works better with only one antenna at the other input, I cannot say. Check which antenna was originally connected where! And make sure to give the tuner its second antenna. This could be anything, such as a windshield antenna (which could also be attached to one of the rear side windows) or even a rear window heating module. There was definitely something available as an OEM solution if a replacement box wasn't an option. Also, if the rear windows are heavily tinted, you can usually no longer see the window adhesive antennas from the outside. Perhaps a more aesthetically pleasing solution! When installing windshield antennas, it is essential to strictly adhere to the mounting dimensions specified in the instructions, even if the antenna is not intended to be mounted on the windshield.

Hi

I know it's been a while, but I've observed exactly the same thing with a modified RCD310, just with an antenna attached, and the reception is even worse than with the Stream Radio that was originally in my Skoda. The antenna is new, so it can't be that. By the way, I've also taken advantage of the connection. I currently don't have a second antenna or a Y adapter, so I can't test it yet.

In my old car, the RCD310 is installed (2x Fakra). I initially operated the radio with one antenna, and the reception was mediocre. Then I installed an adapter, and now the signal from the 1 antenna is present on both inputs, and the reception has improved. But that's not comparable; two independent antennas are always the best.

Diversity, that's the tuning concept, which requires two antennas. It works the better, the more different the two antennas are and the further apart they are spatially. It involves digital signal processing, which can effectively compensate for distortions caused by multi-path reception or interference from neighboring channels, thereby significantly improving the playback quality. Such tuners really perform well in regions where the received signals are significantly affected by strong reflections. This is often the case in mountainous areas or in densely populated cities.

Only one connected antenna provides very little for these tuners. Even the adapter that splits the signal from one antenna into both inputs wastes a lot of the enormous potential of the receiver technology. The second antenna can be quite simple, for example, you can use a rear window defroster antenna or attach a glass adhesive antenna to the front windshield. If the roof antenna is predominantly vertical (perpendicular), then the horizontal attachment (parallel) of a dish antenna would also be advantageous.

If you absolutely refuse to use diversity, then you can achieve this with your radios by simply disabling the second antenna through software. Can you definitely do this using your diagnostic tools? However, it would be a real shame to...

Hi
Okay, I've recently installed a Blaupunkt Funline in mine, and I have to say, there's a world of difference. With two antennas, the reception is excellent.

Thanks for the tip.

Do you have photos showing how/where you installed them?

This part is actually quite understated.

m;

Hi

I installed them at the top, on the windshield, as instructed in the manual. I can take pictures tomorrow. I have already replaced the RCD 510 with a Bolero because the green lighting fits better in the Octavia than the red lighting from the RCD 510.
The Blaupunkt Funline needs to be re-engineered. There needs to be a UKW (Ultra High Frequency) attenuator in there so that it can be supplied with the 12V that is on the antenna line.
I used a 100uH inductor with an iron powder core. It's important that the coil is only wound in one layer.

The antenna doesn't stick out that much, but it has noticeably improved my reception, but the antenna on the Skoda seems to work less well; just with the roof antenna, the reception wasn't perfect. The RCD 510 is now in Frau's Polo 6R, and the reception with just one antenna is better there than in my Octavia.

Should both the Polo and the Octavia have the "Polo sausage" on the roof?

Or does the O still have the long, thin one?

Hi
Yes, the Octavia has the longer antenna cable, but it also has more, which is why my radio works much better with two antennas. The fact that the Polo showed a slightly higher level could also be due to chance. If I drive a route where the reception is marginal with the Polo, I sometimes notice it through static. However, if I drive the same route with the Octavia, everything works perfectly, and the second antenna provides additional gain. However, a woman prefers a different solution; she doesn't want a directional antenna.
The Blaupunkt Funline needs to be converted to phantom power, but it's just a simple UKW attenuator for a few cents that you need to solder in. If you want, you can cut the original 12V cable (I did), and also replace the original connector with an SMB connector (which fits in the Fakra). I didn't do that, I still had a Fakra to DIN antenna connector and used that instead. A handy SMB connector was just out of reach.