Thread: USB FM RDS Solution with sofware

Originally Posted by rando

TP4 is the actual antenna lead. The other node is labeled 'antenna' to show how it connects to the rest of the circuit on page 2. There's a corresponding 'antenna' label there. I agree, it's a poor choice for the label.

ah ok, i didnt even look for a second page. yeah they need a reference or a flagnote instead of a redundant label. poor EE practice

Originally Posted by NiSlo

No I haven't it with a capacitor. I though that was only to prevent a 12v surge hitting the silabs, not to improve reception. For $1 part, it's worth a go I guess

Well, i started installing my carpc tonight. got it far enough to turn it on to see what was working and not. Without powering my antenna i got a little bit of signal from strong stations. hopefully tomorrow when i get it powered it will get better. ill post how it goes.

About 95% done now. I don't know what i'm doing differently but mine works fine while driving. I get little minor pops and fades in and out now and then but its more than good enough until the HD tuner comes out.

So you've soldered the antenna connection jack onto the silabs, plugged that into your standard antenna in the car and have left the fuse in/removed the fuse? for the antenna and your getting a good signal?

Originally Posted by NiSlo

So you've soldered the antenna connection jack onto the silabs, plugged that into your standard antenna in the car and have left the fuse in/removed the fuse? for the antenna and your getting a good signal?

Yup, i soldered a shielded cable to the silabs exactly like Bj did. I used a good mono audio cable instead of mini coax because i couldnt find any.

Then i ran that short cable (3-4 inches total probably) to this exact connector:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search
From there it connects right to the subaru stock antenna connector.

You also NEED to make sure that your antenna is getting powered. It needs 12v. Look here: http://www.geocities.com/svxdc/WRX-pinout.htm
Pin 14 is what you're looking for, the blue one.

I did NOT use the extra capacitor, because as rando pointed out, there's already one built into the usb unit.

Yes i left the fuses untouched.

After that, i dunno man. Maybe try checking your usb connections etc. I'm also a very good solderer, its pretty hard to get a perfect solder job on that little board.

The powered antenna may be my problem.

When I tied into the harness to connect my speakers from my carpc, I left the power antenna wire disconnected which would mean that the power antenna isn't getting the juice it needs...

I'll have to take a look this evening after work!

Originally Posted by NiSlo

The powered antenna may be my problem.

When I tied into the harness to connect my speakers from my carpc, I left the power antenna wire disconnected which would mean that the power antenna isn't getting the juice it needs...

I'll have to take a look this evening after work!

Without the power yeah I'd be surprised if you got any signal at all. I got a little bit, but it was night v day when i powered it.
Even so, silabs isn't the best solution. It's definately not perfect. I can't wait for the HD tuner....

man am i glad that i have the same car as lithoss!

Originally Posted by SmoL

man am i glad that i have the same car as lithoss!

? did ya get it working?
pre '08 impreza's rock