USB FM RDS Solution with sofware

**grayvader** · 03-25-2007, 12:42 PM

The SiLabs link didn't work? I just got 2 from mouser.com this week.

And with regard to the impedance question -- the standard motorola antenna plug that I put on mine works great. I'd say that the radio works at least as well as the Kenwood that I pulled out of the truck.

It doesn't come with an antenna to speak of. It has a piece of wire soldered into the antenna connection and it's plain terrible. You HAVE to solder something in to replace it if you want any reception.

Originally Posted by DeLorean Dave

Have you guys tried the High Quality Computer Tuner, and if so, how does it compare to the tuner being talked about in this thread?

"Wait a minute, Dave. Ah... Are you telling me you built a computer... into a DeLorean? "

Dave says?
"The way I see it, if you're gonna build a computer into a car, why not do it with some style? "

**dudeness** · 03-26-2007, 09:28 AM

Do you guys using the Silabs with hibernate? I have the ADS Tech radio and sometimes after hibernate i have to unplug and plug the stick in again. It seems a soundchip crashes

Its the some problem with the silabs one?

And does anyone know where i can buy it in germany/EU? Without 15€ shipping ;<

**jjnit** · 03-26-2007, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by grayvader

Funny you had issues too... I was trying to make my connection a bit more robust by anchoring it with electrical tape and the next time i plugged it in... Nothing. I'm going to have to take it into work with me to look at it under a 'scope to see if i trashed any traces or leads on the ICs. crap!

I attempted a "redo" this weekend to no avail. I'm going to order one more and try again - if I miss it then I'll just go find something else. Hate to do that though, even 2 of these cost less than the other solutions out there but I miss my radio and traffic reports.

Those of you who have successfully connected to a car antenna system - what could I be missing here. I know I redid the solder correctly.

Do I have to have a connector in line or will soldering directly on as I did work? Also - my truck has a dual antenna system (window and whip) - does this make any difference? Can I still use both of them from the radio lead or must I re-run directly to one or the other? If I must choose - which will give the best results - embedded window antenna or the whip antenna?

Now that I think about it more - I wonder if that is indeed the issue? Maybe the diversity system requires power or something from the radio? Don't see how but I'm grabbing at straws here - this is a great little device if you have it connected to a decent aerial it seems, and I really really want to get this tuner working and maybe it can help some of the others who are having this issue.

Thanks!

**AyrtonSennaD** · 03-26-2007, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by grayvader

The SiLabs link didn't work? I just got 2 from mouser.com this week.

what was the part number i try SI4701 but it wasnt the right product

**geeky_hawkes** · 03-26-2007, 01:30 PM

I hibernate and it works fine. THe only thing i do with my carpc is exit the front end before hibernating thepc as Ive found it gives a more robust hibernate/startup solution. BUt the silabs works fine each time

**dudeness** · 03-26-2007, 01:46 PM

I need a Silabs Radio. Its such a crap that the silabs isnt avail in Europe. I have to pay ~80$ with shipping and duty. When im purchasing at mouser the duty costs are not included, right?

**grayvader** · 03-27-2007, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by jjnit

I attempted a "redo" this weekend to no avail. I'm going to order one more and try again - if I miss it then I'll just go find something else. Hate to do that though, even 2 of these cost less than the other solutions out there but I miss my radio and traffic reports.

Those of you who have successfully connected to a car antenna system - what could I be missing here. I know I redid the solder correctly.

Do I have to have a connector in line or will soldering directly on as I did work? Also - my truck has a dual antenna system (window and whip) - does this make any difference? Can I still use both of them from the radio lead or must I re-run directly to one or the other? If I must choose - which will give the best results - embedded window antenna or the whip antenna?

Now that I think about it more - I wonder if that is indeed the issue? Maybe the diversity system requires power or something from the radio? Don't see how but I'm grabbing at straws here - this is a great little device if you have it connected to a decent aerial it seems, and I really really want to get this tuner working and maybe it can help some of the others who are having this issue.

Thanks!

I ended up buying another one. The board is very delicate -- I probably trashed something under a part because it was just too intermittant.

This time i soldered the antenna extension on carefully and managed to get it to fit perfectly in the hole on the side of the plastic housing. The housing holds it secure and I taped it all up nice and tight. All is GREAT now.

Now, about your dual antenna setup -- I have no idea. Is there a way to plug into one or the other to test?

**almera** · 03-27-2007, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by dudeness

Do you guys using the Silabs with hibernate? I have the ADS Tech radio and sometimes after hibernate i have to unplug and plug the stick in again. It seems a soundchip crashes

Its the some problem with the silabs one?

And does anyone know where i can buy it in germany/EU? Without 15€ shipping ;<

Maybe you aware of this but just to remind you:
SILICON LABORATORIES USBFMRADIO-RD (1186925)

**dudeness** · 03-27-2007, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by almera

Maybe you aware of this but just to remind you:
SILICON LABORATORIES USBFMRADIO-RD (1186925)

Thanks! I diddnet know the shop yet. I will look into it (especally shipping costs)

Edit: I purchased the Silabs one for ~39€ with shipping and sales tax, i hope this shop can be used from everyone.. we will see.

**almera** · 03-28-2007, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by dudeness

Thanks! I diddnet know the shop yet. I will look into it (especally shipping costs)

Edit: I purchased the Silabs one for ~39€ with shipping and sales tax, i hope this shop can be used from everyone.. we will see.

so you saved ~30USD

yeah anyone from Europe can buy from them.