Got bored this afternoon - now what?

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

Next .................. Phantom Aeriel

Just out of interest, what phantom aerial are you planning to fit and do you have the leads?

Reason I ask is that as a result of my own failed attempt (SO FAR) to "phantom" the PF OEM "unidentified connector" TV aerial into my new DVB-T unit I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.
However, they may be suitable for the FL model TV aerial leads as they're different (more "standard") and the vendor was convinced they were correct as he had fitted some.

PM me if you are interested or want details.

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Just out of interest, what phantom aerial are you planning to fit and do you have the leads?

Reason I ask is that as a result of my own failed attempt (SO FAR) to "phantom" the PF OEM "unidentified connector" TV aerial into my new DVB-T unit I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.
However, they may be suitable for the FL model TV aerial leads as they're different (more "standard") and the vendor was convinced they were correct as he had fitted some.

PM me if you are interested or want details.

It might be worth meeting up at some time to see if there is a use for them in mine then. He told me originally that he would make the aerials up to suit my particular situation but I just hadn't got around to it yet and it sounds like the options are more limited now

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

He told me originally that he would make the aerials up to suit my particular situation

The web site implies that, but when I spoke to him the other day he basically has just one type in stock of (short) male-male lead which is SMB at one end and F-connector at the other and fits almost all systems (but not my old A-type tuner leads).

I sort of got the impression that he might have had a batch made up some time ago and the bespoke variations were not an option now.

I imagine you could buy such leads on eBay these days quite cheaply delivered directly from China.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.

Hope no-one was interested, these have gone back and I've been refunded in full.

On a more positive note all the other bits/connectors/extensions I ordered have now arrived so I went back looking for a route from boot to cabin.

Originally Posted by Night Train

I used a net curtain wire as a 'pull through', having moved the sponge 'bung' aside, then re-fitted it (in the boot behind the carpet trim)

With that big "bung" out I actually used a length of TV aerial cable to do the same thing. Nice and easy, only took about 5 minutes in total including emptying the boot and putting everything back. It's a nice big hole down there, though I felt a bit silly disappearing deep into the boot with only my legs waving outside!
Tomorrow I'll use that cable as a pull-through to feed through what I need. To cover all the options I'll have extension cables for power, remote IR link and 2 aerials at least.

[HPsauce]

Everything now in place, only minor issue was that for some inexplicable reason the IR remote wouldn't operate via the extension lead (it had been OK when tested off the car ) So I just pulled the original lead back through the hole as it is plenty long enough; slightly tricky as it has a right-angle plug but it's a big hole!

Just got to find a convenient place for the remote receiver. I'm thinking the little central stowage bin beside the handbrake and the remote control fits in there too. I can get the cable inside there easily without it being visible except maybe for a few inches by the passenger seat base.

Going on a bit of a journey on Monday with several opportunities to test in different transmitter areas. I need to decide if it's worth persevering with the OEM aerials or just give up and use the £5 one - it still works (just) on my driveway either hanging out of the window or in contact with the retracted rear privacy screen.

I had a listen to some classical music on Radio 3 and it was very good; definitely sounded better than via the FM radio!

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

the £5 one - it still works (just) ..........

I spent a few minutes moving the aerial around the rear shelf area, eventually realising that 2 factors affected it greatly:
1. Me, especially where I was holding the aerial or lead. My presence improved reception!
2. The route/direction of the aerial lead away from the antenna when left it alone.
These are probably 2 manifestations of the same effect, but what is it and how to exploit it?

I've currently placed the aerial roughly on the 3rd brake light with the lead running forwards and it does get a signal. With the lead run along the bottom of window (to hide it) there's no useable signal at all.