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  #1  
Old 03-24-2004, 07:23 PM
nnjsvx
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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?

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  #2  
Old 03-24-2004, 10:27 PM
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ensteele ensteele is offline
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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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  #3  
Old 03-25-2004, 12:31 AM
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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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Old 03-25-2004, 12:33 AM
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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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  #5  
Old 03-25-2004, 01:01 AM
mile-hi-bri mile-hi-bri is offline
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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
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  #6  
Old 03-25-2004, 03:06 PM
nnjsvx
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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.
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  #7  
Old 03-25-2004, 03:51 PM
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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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  #8  
Old 03-25-2004, 04:08 PM
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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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  #9  
Old 03-26-2004, 11:53 PM
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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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  #10  
Old 04-08-2004, 12:00 AM
clarkerussell
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Do they even have aftermarket front windshields?
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