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Cell Phone Interference by Onboard Computer
Does anyone have any input on whether or not the Subaru onboard computers can reduce cell phone signal strength?
I have Motorola StarTac phones with handsfree kits in several cars. In my Toyota I have the latest version handsfree kit which allows you to just insert the phone in the holder and everything hooks up automatically. No matter which of the two StarTacs I use everything is okay. In my 94 SVX and 2001 Legacy I have the earlier version hands free where you have to attach a cable to the phone and then insert in a holder which in turn then engages the mic and speaker automatically. Since day one the signal strength drops by 2-3 bars in both cars on both StarTacs. Also swithced radios from stock to Pioneer but no change in cell performance. All 3 cars had internal Terx glass mount antenna on upper right windshield area before today. I do not want to go the external antennae route. I thought it might be coated glass but when I switched out the SVX windshield a few months ago I put in a non-coated one, at least that was the option I ordered. No chanage to cell signal strength. Also previously switched radios from stock to Pioneer but no change in cell performance. I turned in my Toyota today and pulled the newer handsfree and switched with the one in the SVX and added a newer Andrews glass mount antenna in the same location. Old Terx was .75 inches by about 6 inches and the new Andrew is 3.5 x 3.5 inches square. Both antenna are made for Motorola with direct hook up, no adaptors required. The Andrews supposedly had better signal pulling. It did a little and I only lost 1-2 bars. My local audiophile dealer mentioned that some car computers are not properly shielded for cell interference to signal strength. As both cars are Subarus I thought this might have some validity. I tried hooking up the phone with it on and just bringinmg in to the car lost 1 bar then turning the ignition key to Accessory and not engage the computer and lost 1-2 bars. No chnage when I turned car on. Doesanyone know if the computer is engaed in Accessory or just in the On position? Any suggestions to test / resolve? |
#2
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I have a coated window, and have not noticed that my reception has decreased with the key on or off. I will do some checking to see if I have the same problem. I don't think I do, but I have not checked like you have.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=silver]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#3
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yeah. I have a way to resolve it. You will need a com to motorola connector (you can get them at radioshack). Then you will need a software from motorola called..... (i'll fill it in here later) I've managed to boost the signal on my phone. That's the same software motorola use to do that. Just follow the instructions carefully otherwise, your phone could explode. Well, the cell will cause it's heated up.
Another thing you could try is that SVXes come with cell antenna built in right?
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Lwin M. Maung (Member # 147) Current SVX: NONE Previous SVXes: 1994 LE Barcelona Red 107k 1992 LS-L Pearl White 143k 1994 LSi Bordeaux Pearl 220k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 184k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 145k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 102k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 123k Other current cars:2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Black If at first you don't succeed, CHEAT!
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To add to the previous post, I have own a ton of ericsson and motorola phones (including iden phones) and never had any trouble with them.
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Lwin M. Maung (Member # 147) Current SVX: NONE Previous SVXes: 1994 LE Barcelona Red 107k 1992 LS-L Pearl White 143k 1994 LSi Bordeaux Pearl 220k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 184k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 145k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 102k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 123k Other current cars:2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Black If at first you don't succeed, CHEAT!
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#5
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cell phone
I have had coverage issues for ages in my SVX. I finally went w/an outside ant. and an amplifier. Now, awesome reception. Hardly ever drop a call, not matter what I drive, or where I go.
mile-hi-bri - Brian |
#6
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Lwin, thanks for the input. I look forward to your updating the software name. Also if you mean the rear defroster as a diversity amtenna how would I hook up so it functions for both radio and cell both automatically? I hope I would not have to shutoff the radio to use the phone. Excuse my non-knowledge in this area. It may be obvious to some but not me. I can attenuate my Pioneer radio by remote control when I use the phone. Also iI have had two mast antenna broken and I disconnected from rising so all I use is the rear defroster with no problems whatever.
Brian, what was the amplifier you used and where in line does it go. I may be able to use on my glass mount. Thanks to all. |
#7
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It's called MOTOROLA PST. It's the same tool the motorola engineers use (they are going to switch to a new tool next year) Do a search and you will find a "special" copy online. It does come with a user beware tag.
One of the employees screwed up the programming on the phone and shut down the Dallas Main Grid for Verizon about 3 months ago using his phone.
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Lwin M. Maung (Member # 147) Current SVX: NONE Previous SVXes: 1994 LE Barcelona Red 107k 1992 LS-L Pearl White 143k 1994 LSi Bordeaux Pearl 220k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 184k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 145k 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 102k 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 123k Other current cars:2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Black If at first you don't succeed, CHEAT!
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#8
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I believe the phone hook-up is only for power, not reception. The best way to boost your reception is with an external antenna. I've also found that opening your sunroof helps . . . sometimes.
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Randy Johnson 3rd Registered Member 02-21-2001 First Member to Reach 10,000 Posts First to arrive at the very first Reading Meet Subaru Ambassador 1992 SVX PPG Pace Car Replica 110+k 1993 White Impreza L 240+K miles 2001 Legacy Outback Limited Sedan 250+K miles 2013 Deep Indigo Pearl Legacy 3.6R 49+K miles "Reading is my favorite Holiday" Mike Davis -- at Reading VI |
#9
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the windshields are coated (titanium or somesuch crazyness) and if you got it from the dealer, i don't know if they actually have "uncoated" windshields. if it was a private glass repair place, i would have no idea, but that might be your problem... you might just try the same antennae on your rear glass and see if that helps any
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Greg 97 Red SVX LSi clean 96 Black SVX LSi beater 90 Red Eclipse GSX track ho 99 Ford F250 work horse My Locker |
#10
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Do they even have aftermarket front windshields?
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