Antenna Switch for 97 Q45t

[smalcom]

I had an external XM receiver installed in my 97 Q45t that feeds the signal into the standard radio via an FM frequency (wired into the antenna circuit, not wireless.) Naturally when I turn on the radio, the antenna rises automatically.

Is it possible to wire in a switch that would let me retract the antenna when I'm using the XM receiver and raise it when I want to use the broadcast frequencies?

[maxnix]

Listening to satellite radio signal on an FM modulated radio is like using the bottom of a coke bottle to look through Zeiss binoculars.

But no, the antenna is controlled by the head unit. So if you listen to FM (which is what your are doing), the antenna stays up.

[smalcom]

Listening to satellite radio signal on an FM modulated radio is like using the bottom of a coke bottle to look through Zeiss binoculars.

Have XM so that I don't have to constantly search for stations as I travel from region to region. Not looking for sound perfection in a car, just decent music withoiut the hassle of searching local stations. Not everyone wants to blast other drivers out of their cars.

[qship96]

Did you move from Frederick to Reisterstown?

[smalcom]

Did you move from Frederick to Reisterstown?

No. Moved from Delaware (Rehoboth Beach) to Reisterstown.

[maxnix]

Not looking for sound perfection in a car, just decent music withoiut the hassle of searching local stations. Not everyone wants to blast other drivers out of their cars.

Understand. Just converting digital to analog FM, then imprecise tuning and demodulation of the converted FM signal intorduce all kinds of frequency and signal to noise ratios and stereo separation vs. frequency.

Anyway, if you study the output from head unit, you could probably insert a switch to defeat the antenna extension when switched to FM.

If you don't have an auxiliary CD-ROM deck, probably a whole lot better to try and utilize that input. Even the cassette input might be converted.

[smalcom]

Understand. Just converting digital to analog FM, then imprecise tuning and demodulation of the converted FM signal intorduce all kinds of frequency and signal to noise ratios and stereo separation vs. frequency.

Anyway, if you study the output from head unit, you could probably insert a switch to defeat the antenna extension when switched to FM.

If you don't have an auxiliary CD-ROM deck, probably a whole lot better to try and utilize that input. Even the cassette input might be converted.

Thanks for the tip. Yes I do have the CD changer in the trunk, so I will have to investigate the output and see if I can isolate an antenna line.

[bullittandy]

Try an cassette adaptor. I use one on my cars and they sound really good to me-almost CD quality and a TON better than the FM modulator.

Seriously, try one, $20 and I bet you'll love it. (also solves your antenna problem as the antenna stays down when on cassette).

[smalcom]

Try an cassette adaptor. I use one on my cars and they sound really good to me-almost CD quality and a TON better than the FM modulator.

Seriously, try one, $20 and I bet you'll love it. (also solves your antenna problem as the antenna stays down when on cassette).

Sounds like a winner. Will try it. Thanks for the tip.

[maxnix]

That will solve your antenna problem. Similar equalization problems, but no demodualtion and better stereo separation.

[smalcom]

Thanks to all. The cassette adapter arrived today. Found it on ebay for $.99 plus shipping ($3.99) and you're right. The sound is 1000% better, and the antenna stays down. Only problem is the slight ticking sound (barely audible) from the player.

[bullittandy]

Glad it worked for you and thanks for posting back with results-very helpful for future searchers.

If ticking is bothersome then try a namebrand from Bestbuy or equivalent to cure, $20 max.

[smalcom]

Glad it worked for you and thanks for posting back with results-very helpful for future searchers.

If ticking is bothersome then try a namebrand from Bestbuy or equivalent to cure, $20 max.

Ticking solved. I "rewound" the cartridge. BTW this adapter does have the XM logo on it, although it may be counterfeit.