Why 2 Coax Cables on Stock '00 Radio?

vstrombiker · 03-30-2008, 07:11 PM

Q1 - Why are there two coax inputs / cables running to the stock Toyota radio, a thick one (perhaps antenna) and a thin one??

I am looking at the Alpine CDA-9886 which I assume needs only one coax input for the antenna, and I assume do NOT need to keep the Toyota Amp.

Thanks

Elton · 03-30-2008, 07:21 PM

pretty sure ones for the am just use the bigger one for fm

vstrombiker · 03-30-2008, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Might that have something to do with why some people say they don't get AM reception with aftermarket radios?

If one is for AM, where does it come from, since I don't think they both run from the same whip antenna.

fullmann · 03-30-2008, 09:59 PM

the second smaller antenna is NOT for am reception.

the thicker antenna cable is the primary antenna, the one on your fender. the smaller antenna is a diversity antenna, most likely located in your passenger rear window, looks like a defroster element.

for the best example as to how a diversity antenna works, have you ever pulled up to a stop light and the radio reception seems to fuzz out just a little? and when you pull forward another foot or so the reception comes back. the diversity antenna is supposed to eliminate that, giving another path for the signal to travel into your radio, the second antenna in your glass.

in 14 years of stereo installation, I have seen 1 aftermarket head unit with diversity capability, if memory serves it was a sony, about 10 years ago. also, no manufacturer has settled on a universal diversity antenna plug, so every car manufacturer is different. even the sony just had 2 female antenna plugs labeled main and sub, the toyota diversity antenna would not plug into it.

vstrombiker · 03-31-2008, 08:08 AM

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

I'm going with an Aline CDA-9886 and I'll just wrap up and forget about the diversity antenna lead.

03-30-2008, 07:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
vstrombiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	Why 2 Coax Cables on Stock '00 Radio? Q1 - Why are there two coax inputs / cables running to the stock Toyota radio, a thick one (perhaps antenna) and a thin one?? I am looking at the Alpine CDA-9886 which I assume needs only one coax input for the antenna, and I assume do NOT need to keep the Toyota Amp. Thanks

03-30-2008, 07:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toledo,Oregon Posts: 9,144	pretty sure ones for the am just use the bigger one for fm __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto mom 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
stock radio?	MAIDEN	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	6	03-07-2007 09:58 PM
Stock radio???	Marc P	General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics	8	07-20-2006 11:51 PM
Stock radio	Kenn	Vehicle Audio & Home Entertainment	1	04-12-2005 06:36 PM
stock Radio	TRunner	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	8	10-05-2004 10:48 AM
03 Limited Stock Radio	timber725	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	2	10-28-2003 07:31 AM

03-30-2008, 07:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
vstrombiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks for the quick reply. Might that have something to do with why some people say they don't get AM reception with aftermarket radios? If one is for AM, where does it come from, since I don't think they both run from the same whip antenna.

03-30-2008, 09:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
fullmann Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 108	the second smaller antenna is NOT for am reception. the thicker antenna cable is the primary antenna, the one on your fender. the smaller antenna is a diversity antenna, most likely located in your passenger rear window, looks like a defroster element. for the best example as to how a diversity antenna works, have you ever pulled up to a stop light and the radio reception seems to fuzz out just a little? and when you pull forward another foot or so the reception comes back. the diversity antenna is supposed to eliminate that, giving another path for the signal to travel into your radio, the second antenna in your glass. in 14 years of stereo installation, I have seen 1 aftermarket head unit with diversity capability, if memory serves it was a sony, about 10 years ago. also, no manufacturer has settled on a universal diversity antenna plug, so every car manufacturer is different. even the sony just had 2 female antenna plugs labeled main and sub, the toyota diversity antenna would not plug into it.

03-31-2008, 08:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
vstrombiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks for the detailed explanation. I'm going with an Aline CDA-9886 and I'll just wrap up and forget about the diversity antenna lead.