use the original TV antenna with the new head unit

[eliele]

Hi, I wanted to know if someone who had the Hiline system, installing new head unit was able to use the original TV antenna of the Hiline system.
Thank you

[HarryM1BYT]

Hi, I wanted to know if someone who had the Hiline system, installing new head unit was able to use the original TV antenna of the Hiline system.
Thank you

I'm working towards doing this right now. My new DVB-T receiver, mounted in my wheel well, has two F-plug type antenna inputs and I have been attempting to source adaptors from the original plugs to F-plugs. I think the originals are called SMB - female.

I failed to find any adaptors, so yesterday evening I started to consider the alternative of cutting the plugs off, to fit F-plugs on the coax cable ends. Standard F-plugs are obviously intended for a much larger coax size than the ones from the built in TV antennas, but I came across some plugs designed for 4mm OD coax, which I think might just fit. The F-plugs are known as Shotgun F-plugs.

I have not yet cut the coax plugs off yet, so I'm just hoping the inner core is a solid wire - as needed for an F-plug, or that I can find some method to adapt it.

[mikefrew]

I am trying to do the same thing, could someone please post a picture of the aeriel connectors on the tuners and rear windscreen pillar with labels to which connection is which. Hoping to go straight from the amplifier instead of going from the boot.
Thanks,
Mike

[HarryM1BYT]

I am trying to do the same thing, could someone please post a picture of the aeriel connectors on the tuners and rear windscreen pillar with labels to which connection is which. Hoping to go straight from the amplifier instead of going from the boot.
Thanks,
Mike

I originally looked at running a new coax all the way from the radio antenna amp to the DD, but found its plug to be a really strange one - I gave up and used the supplied adaptor to connect in the wheel well.

Has already said - I deliberately fitted my tuner in the boot, with the intention to try reusing the built-in antennas. My ordered F-plugs were delivered today and they look quite promising to fit that small coax. I might try to fit them a little later and see how it works.

[HarryM1BYT]

I've just had a go at fitting one of the Shotgun type F-plugs and checking reception....

I cut one of the original Rover TV SMB plug ends off in the wheel well fitted a plug and it worked. The coax outer was too small for the plug, so I beefed it up with a few turns of thin copper wire (30amp fuse wire), enough to make it grip the screen outer. The inner is a multi-strand flexible, so I twisted that and tinned it to make it rigid enough to plug in. A bit of a mess, but good enough to see if it works.

I unplugged both of the supplied with the receiver antennas and fitted just my one adapted Rover antenna - the receiver works by selecting which one of the two antennas provides best signal.

I got good solid reception of a of the available TV channels, whilst still parked in the garage, but just the alloy roller door open (as it is between car and Tx). Strangely, I only found 4 DVB-T radio channels and reception of those was poor. It was blowing a gale and raining heavily, blowing into the garage, so I gave up any further experiments for now - but at least it proved it works. These are the special small bore Shotgun F-plugs I bought - Ebay Item number: 270285116784

[HarryM1BYT]

Both antenna original Rover TV coax's now adapted to fit the new DVB-T box and a comparison made between the two antennas supplied with the box, which I had installed in the back window, versus the adapted Rover originals. For information - I carried out the tests with the car sat in the drive, in what is a reasonably good reception area for house roof mounted antennas - but pretty poor reception at car ground level. I get no usable signal to my caravan's own roof mounted antenna, with it also sat in my drive - so I was surprised the original car TV and the new DVB-T managed to work at all so low down.

The result of the test is - the original Rover antenna system work as well or even a worth while smidgin better than the pair of thin strip antennas supplied with the DVB-T - difficult to tell as both worked so well. If the antenna amp supply is turned off in the software, both sets of antennas would stop working - which confirmed that both did indeed have an amp fitted and working.

I found the best way to make the F-plugs fit the smaller diameter of the coax. Good quality satellite antenna coax has an outer screen made from both thin wire and a layer of copper sheet or strip. I removed some of this and wound it around the Rover's TV coax's enough to make the F-plug a tight fit. I have not found a better way than twisting the inner and tinning it yet, to make it rigid enough to plug into the F-socket, but I understand there might be some sort of furrel that does a better job(?) of it. Point is, it works and no obvious antennas in the back window to attrack thieves.

[EDIT] A quick update on reception using the adapted built in Rover TV antenna system.

After a couple of weeks of testing, I have now convinced myself that the built in Rover antennas are working very well indeed - so the two after market antennas supplied with the DVB-T will now be removed completely from the rear window. The DVB-T receiver is now getting its full complement of TV & Radio stations loud and clear.

[EDIT 2] Just to make it clear - If you want to reuse the two (or even just one of) the built in antennas, then the receiver must have an option to feed the antennas built in amp with 12v via the coax. Sean's (Radioguy) slightly more expensive unit described as MPEG2/4 has this essential ability to power the amp via the coax and can utilise both antennas. My now long term test suggests that TV reception with that particular unit combined with the built in Rover antennas, indicates that reception is as good as it gets - which translates to absolutely brilliant.

[Bernard LPG]

Has already said - I deliberately fitted my tuner in the boot, with the intention to try reusing the built-in antennas.

How do you control the tuner with it being boot-mounted?

[HarryM1BYT]

How do you control the tuner with it being boot-mounted?

I assume exactly the same way as everyone else who has one of these dVB-T boxes, even when its mounted at the front behind the DD unit. Mine has a mouse shaped plug in pick up unit for the remote control with a very long cable. When I fitted the DD I ran its cable from the boot, to just behind the mirror/ interior light at the front. The 'mouse' wedges in there perfectly and its makes it good angle to just point the remote at it too, when sat in the front.

[EDIT] The remote pick up head works perfectly if hidden behind the dark part of the interior light lens.

[Bernard LPG]

I assume exactly the same way as everyone else who has one of these dVB-T boxes, even when its mounted at the front behind the DD unit. Mine has a mouse shaped plug in pick up unit for the remote control with a very long cable. When I fitted the DD I ran its cable from the boot, to just behind the mirror/ interior light at the front. The 'mouse' wedges in there perfectly and its makes it good angle to just point the remote at it too, when sat in the front.

Yet another cable to go through the car then. :(

[HarryM1BYT]

Yet another cable to go through the car then. :(

Only a tiny one :D

It only takes a few minutes in the 75, but unless you have a good reason not to - you could fit it all at the front. I deliberately fitted mine in the boot, to be able to do what I've just done, reused the Rover antennas.

[EDIT] Nearly forgot....

If you do put the TV in the boot, you will need to run L + R audio plus video RCA cables from it to the DD

[Bernard LPG]

Only a tiny one :D

It only takes a few minutes in the 75, but unless you have a good reason not to - you could fit it all at the front. I deliberately fitted mine in the boot, to be able to do what I've just done, reused the Rover antennas.

[EDIT] Nearly forgot....

If you do put the TV in the boot, you will need to run L + R audio plus video RCA cables from it to the DD

Deep joy. :( Will break all those trim clips again.

[bryanfury75]

These are the special small bore Shotgun F-plugs I bought - Ebay Item number: 270285116784

I just ordered those ones but I still wonder :


wich connectors can you plug in the back of the DD (I have the Android one)
Wich coax are you using (diameter) ?

Thanks for your hard work !

[suffolk boy]

you can buy purpose made adaptors they are mcx connectors to f plug

[bryanfury75]

you can buy purpose made adaptors they are mcx connectors to f plug

:confused: Where have you found those ?? Found nothing on the Bay....

[suffolk boy]

i have seen them on there.but in this case i did not buy them from there.i got mine from a company called park my auto.the man i spoke certainly knew his stuff .i have not used them yet which is annoying as i still waiting for a dvbt box to arrive.which i wish to god i got from park my auto as well. nevermind you live and learn i suppose

[bryanfury75]

Ok so I took a look under the boot carpet, then in the wheel well and found the 2 boxes. But take a look at the plugs :

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3224/img1362me.jpg


I suppose that the 2 plugs (F-plugs ?) in the upper side are from the TV box. But look a the big connector in the bottom : is it the radio connector ? A proprietary one ?

[HarryM1BYT]

The two plugs are for the TV receiver. They are not F-plugs and found I had to cut them off and fit F-plugs instead (I also could not find any adaptors). The coax is really too small to fit F-plugs, so I bought some intended for small coax called Shotgun F-Plugs, but even they were too big, so I had to pack out the coax with copper strip from CT-100 TV coax wrapped around it. I mounted the DVB-T in that well, so that those two could plug straight in and ran the A/V leads to the DD at the front. My TV reception is superb. I have documented it, just click on the link in my sig.

The other larger plug is for the radio and its an ISO. My DD came with an ISO to DIN adaptor and I initially used the adaptor. I later traced my poor reception to that adaptor, so I cut the ISO off and fitted a DIN plug. My radio reception is now pretty good.

[bryanfury75]

I'm sure the connector for TV and GPS is a standard one. I can't imagine how Rover, urged to reduce costs, went to developp a proprietary connector, it sounds crazy :mood:

So when I give a look at Wikipedia, here's the list I found :
Standard types



7/16 DIN connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=7/16_DIN_connector&action=edit&redlink=1), a high-power 50 Ω connector originally developed by Spinner[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RF_connector#cite_note-1)
BNC connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNC_connector) (Bayonet Neill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Neill)-Concelman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Concelman))
Blind mate BMA (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blind_mate_BMA&action=edit&redlink=1), also known as OSP (Omni Spectra push-on)
C connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_connector) (Concelman)
Dezifix connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dezifix_connector&action=edit&redlink=1), hermaphrodite connector used mainly by Rohde & Schwarz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohde_%26_Schwarz)
F connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_connector), used for domestic television installations and domestic satellite LNBs (75 Ω) world wide.
GR connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_connector) (General Radio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Radio))
HN connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=HN_connector&action=edit&redlink=1), a high voltage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_voltage) version of the N connector
IEC 169-2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_169-2#Belling-Lee) connector, also called Belling Lee connector or PAL, used throughout Europe and some other countries for domestic television installations and as FM connector for radio. It is standardized in EN 60169-2.
MiniQuick (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MiniQuick&action=edit&redlink=1)
Motorola connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_connector), standard AM/FM antenna connector used for automotive radios
Musa connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_connector), a 50 Ω connector used in telecommunications (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunication) and broadcast video (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video)
N connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_connector) (Neill)
NMO mount (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NMO_mount&action=edit&redlink=1) (new Motorola mount), for removable mobile antennas. Large threaded base for durability in wind.
SC connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SC_RF_connector&action=edit&redlink=1), screw version of C connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_connector)
SMA connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMA_connector), SubMiniature version A - also listed below in SubMiniature - is a very popular lab equipment standard connector.
TNC connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNC_connector) (threaded Neill-Concelman)
Twin lead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_lead)
UHF connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_connector) (e.g., PL-259/SO-239). Also referred to as an M-type connector by Japanese manufacturers such as Kenwood

Miniature types



Miniature BNC connectors (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Miniature_BNC_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)
Miniature UHF connectors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_UHF_connector)
DIN 47223 connectors (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DIN_47223_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)
IPX connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPX_connector)
SMZ connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SMZ_connector&action=edit&redlink=1) - System 43 (BT43 and High Density HD43) for use in DDF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_distribution_frame)

Micro-miniature types



IMP connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IMP_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)
MMT connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MMT_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)
MMS connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MMS_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)
U.FL connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.FL_connector)
UMP connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UMP_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)

Sub-miniature types



MCX connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCX_connector)
MMCX connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMCX_connector)

FME connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FME_connector)


SMA connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMA_connector), including variants:

3.5 and 2.92 mm connectors, which cross-mate with SMA, and
2.4, 1.85 and 1.0 mm connectors, which do not cross-mate with SMA


SMB connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMB_connector)
SMC connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMC_connector)
SMP connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SMP_connector&action=edit&redlink=1)

It HAS to be one of those, but which one ? :banghead:

[petergw60]

It is an SMB connector.
You can buy plugs and jacks from CPC
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/24-01l-1-tgg/plug-smb-straight-rg174-clamp/dp/CN10787
Above for a plug
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/24-02l-1-tgg/jack-smb-straight-rg174-clamp/dp/CN10782
Above for the jack.
I bought some of these to extend my aerial from the boot to where I fitted the DVB module - worked OK!

[HarryM1BYT]

I'm sure the connector for TV and GPS is a standard one. I can't imagine how Rover, urged to reduce costs, went to developp a proprietary connector, it sounds crazy :mood:

I guess Rover had to use the plugs, to suit the sockets on the BMW units.

[bryanfury75]

It is an SMB connector.
You can buy plugs and jacks from CPC
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/24-01l-1-tgg/plug-smb-straight-rg174-clamp/dp/CN10787
Above for a plug
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/24-02l-1-tgg/jack-smb-straight-rg174-clamp/dp/CN10782
Above for the jack.
I bought some of these to extend my aerial from the boot to where I fitted the DVB module - worked OK!

Ok but to connect to those plugs from the car, do I need plugs or jacks ? :confused:

[HarryM1BYT]

Ok but to connect to those plugs from the car, do I need plugs or jacks ? :confused:

They will just allow you to make up an adaptor. It would be much cheaper and simpler to just snip them off and fit a Shotgun (shogun?) F-plug.

Some hear - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/F-Plugs-Connectors-Sky-Sky-H-D-Shotgun-Screw-Pack10-/220756830582?pt=UK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL&hash=item336621e976

[petergw60]

Ok but to connect to those plugs from the car, do I need plugs or jacks ? :confused:

Sorry, you need the jacks (suffering from brain fade!).

[bryanfury75]

They will just allow you to make up an adaptor. It would be much cheaper and simpler to just snip them off and fit a Shotgun (shogun?) F-plug.

That's sure. But I like the idea of a clean, reversible operation. So I'm ready to spend some more bucks and time. Amazing what we can do for our cars... :o

[bryanfury75]

http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/24-02l-1-tgg/jack-smb-straight-rg174-clamp/dp/CN10782
Above for the jack.
I bought some of these to extend my aerial from the boot to where I fitted the DVB module - worked OK!

CPC don't deliver to France :mad:.

Is this the same ? http://cgi.ebay.fr/SMB-Jack-Straight-Crimp-75-Ohm-Attachment-connector-for-RG316-RG174-LMR100-/160654691679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2567c40d5f

[petergw60]

CPC don't deliver to France :mad:.

Is this the same ? http://cgi.ebay.fr/SMB-Jack-Straight-Crimp-75-Ohm-Attachment-connector-for-RG316-RG174-LMR100-/160654691679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2567c40d5f

Looks correct to me!

[stux99]

Forgive my intrusion, I have Hi Line system with HK gear (not connected) and have fitted Seans DD without probs (so far) Now, I may go down the line of getting separate Dvb-t mpeg4 tuner from him. Would these adapters be any good to convert existing "mini push fit" antenna leads?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130587539657?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Sorry if this has been asked before

Stu

[HarryM1BYT]

Forgive my intrusion, I have Hi Line system with HK gear (not connected) and have fitted Seans DD without probs (so far) Now, I may go down the line of getting separate Dvb-t mpeg4 tuner from him. Would these adapters be any good to convert existing "mini push fit" antenna leads?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130587539657?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Sorry if this has been asked before

Stu

If you want to reuse the builtin TV antennas, then you have no choice - you really have to use the MPEG4 unit.

The MPEG4 unit requires that there be F-Plugs at the ends of the coax from the TV antennas.

I have documented how I fitted the F-plugs below. I have also documented how to get the HK working again with the DD, again linked to below.

[bryanfury75]

Looks correct to me!

Yep, received one today and it connects perfectly ! :} I'll buy 2 more immediately ! Just have to receive my coax wire and sort DVB and GPS plugs and I'm ready to test !

[petergw60]

Yep, received one today and it connects perfectly ! :} I'll buy 2 more immediately ! Just have to receive my coax wire and sort DVB and GPS plugs and I'm ready to test !
Have fun putting these together, very small parts, easily lost!
But when done at least the original loom is unmodified. Harry is correct in saying that the more connections in a system can lead to degradation in signal. Mine seemed to work OK so with any luck so will yours!

[bryanfury75]

Mine seemed to work OK so with any luck so will yours!

Be sure that I'll let you all know about it.

BUT I still wonder what is the connector from the (android) headunit supplied gps antenna. Of course I could cut the one from the supplied antenna but if I wanna make a comparison...:shrug:

[stux99]

Well, plugs from China never turned up so went for the Shotgun plugs advised by Harry:D Cut off existing plugs & Tinned centre core then wrapped outer with fuse wire and also tinned, fits perfect, now just got to wait until I can drive to get out of this black spot to see if they work:o
Thanks for the advice Harry, well done you.

Stu

[stux99]

Got my neighbour to take me out yesterday, Dvb-t works great once out of the shadow of the house. Thanks for your input Harry.:D

[HarryM1BYT]

Best to confirm both antennas are working, by disconnecting one antenna at a time (when in a decent signal area) and making sure it still works with only one antenna plugged in.

[littleun]

@ HarryM1BYT do you think this would fit onto the aerial lead that goes to the tv tuner, then just get 2 f plugs and coax to join from this to the dvb-t box...:confused:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gold-SMB-F-Male-Pin-Adapter-Plug-F-Jack-10mm-Female-Pin-Connector-/200655782649?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eb80442f9

[HarryM1BYT]

@ HarryM1BYT do you think this would fit onto the aerial lead that goes to the tv tuner, then just get 2 f plugs and coax to join from this to the dvb-t box...:confused:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gold-SMB-F-Male-Pin-Adapter-Plug-F-Jack-10mm-Female-Pin-Connector-/200655782649?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eb80442f9

Sorry, I was not able to work out what the original plugs were, so I was not able to work out what adaptors might be needed. I am only able to confirm that I managed to make 4mm shotgun F-plugs fit and work.

[EDIT] just noticed the adaptors are to F-sockets, you actually need F-plugs.

[stux99]

The OEM plugs are MCX, but TBH its easier to to as Harry suggested, cutting and fitting Shotgun conns.

Stu

[littleun]

Does the cars original aerial give you a better reception than a digital aerial?....;)

[HarryM1BYT]

Does the cars original aerial give you a better reception than a digital aerial?....;)

Despite all of the antenna seller's hype, there really is no such thing as a digital antenna - they are just TV antennas.

When I first installed my DVB-T receiver, I installed the supplied pair of antennas, which worked fine. Later I managed to find a solution to reusing the Rover's own built in pair of antennas, when I was able to do a comparison. There really wasn't much in it, but I got an impression that the built in ones did perform slightly better. That, plus the fact it was a tidier intall anyway, was enough to use the Rover antennas.

[shoddy owner]

i have been reading this so many times i am confused ??? i have a zt t with high line, i have purchased the dvd box leads etc, the dvd box has an ariel input, the tv box has the two small inputs, and the special lead has an ariel input, i would like to use the fitted arieals "but" HELP any pics anybody ????:confused::confused::o

[moretvicar]

Yes - anyone able to summarise this thread - I am soooo confused! :confused:

I have a DD unit with rubbish radio reception, what must I do?
Ta
Nick

[coolcat]

Yes - anyone able to summarise this thread - I am soooo confused! :confused:

I have a DD unit with rubbish radio reception, what must I do?
Ta
Nick

This thread is about using the existing aerials from the factory fit Highline Tv system aerials to be used with a new digital tv receiver.
Nothing to do with the radio reception;)
Start a new thread explaining your problem and we can help from there:}