Mercedes GPS Antenna - Benzworld.org

tomcat7 · 09-19-2007, 08:01 PM

Just pulled my head unit. Anyone know of a connector to use the existing GPS Antenna with an Pioneer AVIC-D3.

I have an ML430 that had the NAV installed as well as the phone. It appears that the antenna comes to a splitter/amp which has one side go to the MCS Nav connection and the other to the Linear Compensator for the Motorola Timeport/Startac Cell phone. I assume that this GPS Antenna would work fine for the AVIC-D3 as it has worked fine for the Mercedes GPS. Does Anyone know for sure?

I removed the GPS wire going to the MCS and the Splitter/AMP and removed the plastic retainer from the connection that goes to the MCS on that cable. It is a Square GPS antenna plug. I also took a spare AVIC-D3's GPS antenna plastic retainer off and it has a round GPS antenna connector. It looks like a matter of removing the connector from the D3's antenna and putting it on the cable. Does anyone know where I might get a new one of those connectors? (Side compatible with AVIC-D3) I'd like to try it as I'd rather use it in that configuration rather than have the installer put the new Antenna on the dash (which I have seen various reports of problems with) or even run the wire through the car to put it on the roof.

I would figure with the talents of many of the people on this Forum someone might have cracked this annoying problem?

Bogie · 09-20-2007, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomcat7

Just pulled my head unit.

Too easy... I'm going to let this one pass.

I wondered this too. I had my Z1 installed professionally, but could not convince them to use the existing antenna. The antenna they installed is not bad, though. I didn't notice it for a week and only then because I was looking for it.

fabbrisd1 · 09-20-2007, 03:24 PM

The "connectors" are indiustry standard, but you need to identify the plug type..

citruscables.com will give you photo's of the types of antenna and RF cable connectors..match it up .. or they may have a female to- male cable to try to eliminate the dang box..the cable length for signal strength is not the issue...

Post a couple of jpg's and someone will recognize I bet..

asianml · 09-20-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie

Too easy... I'm going to let this one pass.

I wondered this too. I had my Z1 installed professionally, but could not convince them to use the existing antenna. The antenna they installed is not bad, though. I didn't notice it for a week and only then because I was looking for it.

You have a dirty mind Bogie.

Mike's ML · 09-20-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asianml

You have a dirty mind Bogie.

What were you thinking Bogie was thinking? If you were thinking what I'm thinking that Bogie was thinking then I'm thinking your thinking is not that innocent either.
Mike

tomcat7 · 09-20-2007, 04:34 PM

The connector on the left is the Mercedes Connector with the plastic retainer removed. The one on the right is the Pioneer with the plastic connector removed. Then the last pics show the other end of the Mercedes Connector going to the splitter Amp. So if I could get a connector to adapt from the MBZ connector to the Pioneer one that would be great or if I could get one with the MBZ connector from the Splitter Amp to the Pioneer Connector. Please let me know if you think there is a good option.

Thanks.

fabbrisd1 · 09-20-2007, 09:34 PM

For perspective, put a quater next to the plug you are shooting, so it will show size relationship.

1) Shoot the end of the MB antenna lead going into the splitter (which might be FME female)

2) Shoot the Pionner antenna lead plug that goes into the D3 (maybe TNC female or another type of smaller connector).

Email both photo's to support@citruscables.com and also tell them how long you need the adapter cable to be....

With the phot's (with quarter for perspective) and the length you need, I think they can fix you up chop-chop... and post the results

Thanks for the shots and info, it helps me for when I go to upgrade my ML, the MB antenna is laready there and has top placement.. worth the effort...

Let us know when you got it all solved and humming!!!

Bogie · 09-21-2007, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike's ML

What were you thinking Bogie was thinking? If you were thinking what I'm thinking that Bogie was thinking then I'm thinking your thinking is not that innocent either.
Mike

Mike's ML · 09-21-2007, 05:53 AM

I could be wrong but I think the MCS unit sends power through the coax to the antenna amplifier at the base of the antenna. Does the AVIC-D3 send the same voltage to the antenna? I'm not sure but you may want to check this.
Mike

tomcat7 · 09-21-2007, 09:26 AM

Mike, Thanks for the heads up! Got this from Wolfgang's ML Page: M-Class GPS cellphone antenna and it appears that the splitter/amp does require power. I need to look at the components more to see if that is needed. I may just break down and pull the old Antenna and put the new on in it's spot.

The MCS supplies +5 Volt across its antenna input (center to ground). The center pin of the GPS antenna in the rear should thus have 5 Volts on it. This also confirms that the coax leads all the way through, and is not interrupted like in 2001+ European models without Tele Aid under the passenger front seat.