Vehicle Audio & Home Entertainment Discussions here pertain to vehicle stereo systems and home entertainment systems

New Alpine head unit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 02:32 PM
  #1  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
New Alpine head unit

I just got a new Alpine head unit installed and the installer at Circuit City didn't hook up the diversity antenna. Is this okay, or should this be hooked up? If so, is there an adapter that will allow both antennas to be hooked up? If not, is this an excuse to do the Tacoma antenna mod?
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 03:37 PM
  #2  
Los Gatos?'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 0
From: b
I don't think Alpines have inputs for the diversity antenna. YOu could probably hook up one or the other (I'd go for regular antenna) but aftermarket hu's can't normally switch between the two internally based on signal strength.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 03:56 PM
  #3  
FattyCBR's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Towson, MD
There is no hookup for the diversity antenna on my Alpine and the plug is actually smaller so it won't fit. I taped my alarm antenna (I stripped .5" first) to the diversity antenna plug.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 04:10 PM
  #4  
Los Gatos?'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 0
From: b
Well you can strip the wires and move the diversity antenna to the larger plug if you choose....don't really see the point myself, but it could be done.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 04:14 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
You can purchase a $5 adapter too hook them both up, better reception if you do
(i did this on mine).
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 04:28 PM
  #6  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
Originally posted by ruizs
You can purchase a $5 adapter too hook them both up, better reception if you do
(i did this on mine).
Where did you purchase the adapter from? I'm getting static in places and on stations that I've never gotten static on now, and I'd like to use both antennas for clarity.
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 04:33 PM
  #7  
2001Millrunner's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
From: Lynnwood, WA
i didnt hook up mine and it's working fine, i dont notice any changes but with mp3 capability who needs a radio anyways mock~~~ing~~~bird~~~~
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 09:15 PM
  #8  
mkool's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Originally posted by ruizs
You can purchase a $5 adapter too hook them both up, better reception if you do
(i did this on mine).
Yeah~ I always wondered that one...what's look like? any pic? part # and place?
Sometimes when wind blow strong....my antenna shakes alot and dries grease on my antenna fast.
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2003 | 04:15 PM
  #9  
mkool's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Anyone knows where I can get that adaptor? Model number?
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2003 | 09:42 PM
  #10  
Mystickal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Sounds like you came across a crappy installer - the first place I'd go to looking for the adapter would be Circuit City or Best Buy - they have adapters for most vehicles there. Of course, the installer may not have thought it'd be worth the time to hook up the div. antenna since the power antenna would work just fine.

If your local C/C or B/B don't have or can't get them, the next place to look would be at any professional car audio installers in your city. Most likely, though, you'll pay a little bit more.

~Bill
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 12:41 PM
  #11  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
Circuit City was the place where it was installed. I'll try a different one or Best Buy for the adapter so I can get my reception back up to par.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 04:54 PM
  #12  
Scottiac's Avatar
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 879
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, CA
Is *that* what that other plug was!!


I just finished installing my Alpine a few minutes ago. Couldn't figure out the other plug, and everything seemed to work. Ah well, what's one more trip into the dash!

Anyone finds that part, I'm interested too! Thanks!
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 07:41 PM
  #13  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
Is this the part we're talking about:



I know its for a Nissan, but it looks like it will work for us as well.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 08:01 PM
  #14  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
Looks like Wal-Mart has the full kit:



Will check it out and see if it will work.
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 08:02 PM
  #15  
Mystickal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Yup, it should look exactly like that.

The male plug and the larger boot are standard sizes, the one to ensure is correct (preferably before you buy) is the input from the diversity antenna.

~Bill
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 08:10 PM
  #16  
Mystickal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Don't know if the NDA-K will work - look at the female ends closely before you pick it up. I've seen funny-looking Nissan antennas.

~Bill
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 08:14 PM
  #17  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
I know, that's why I'm glad Wally World has them so I can look at them before I buy.

BTW, do you have the part code for the adapter you used?
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 08:48 PM
  #18  
Mystickal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
I haven't installed one in a 4Runner - actually, I do have an aftermarket unit in my 4Runner but haven't looked to see if both antennas are hooked up or not. I bought my 4runner second hand, so had no part in the installation. I didn't even know (until now) that the 96 had a diversity and power antenna - I had just assumed it was only the power antenna.

ruizs is the one who has one installed. All my posts come from past personal experience installing car audio. If I still did it, I could look up the part numbers for you.

Hmmmm, I reckon that tomorrow after work I could pull out the radio and see if mine's hooked up and, if so, if there are any identifying marks. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. I'll let you know.

~Bill

Last edited by Mystickal; Dec 17, 2003 at 08:50 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2003 | 06:23 PM
  #19  
Mystickal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Well, checked out the back of the radio - unfortunately, I don't even have a diversity antenna. I hadn't noticed one, but the tint on my rear window was dark, and I hadn't really looked for one.

I did happen to find 2 pairs of lightning audio RCA cables behind there - traced it out and found tucked behind a panel in the cargo area not only the other ends but also an already tapped power and turn on lead. It'll save me a bit of time and effort when I do go to put in the bass. Power wire only looks like 8 or 10 gauge though, so I may pull that and put in something heavier.

~Bill
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2003 | 06:52 PM
  #20  
rwmorrisonjr's Avatar
Thread Starter
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 0
From: Home: Aurora, CO; Work: The People's Republic of Denver
Went & checked out the Nissan adapter, is has the goofy Nissa, antenna plugs on it, so no go. I also checked with a small local shop and they said that they don't even hook up the diversity antenna and that no one makes an adapter for it. Have also tried C.C., B.B. & Car Toys and no luck. Will try SoundTrack/Ultimate Electronics and see what luck they give me!

Ruizs, where are you with the info on the adapter?
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:52 PM.