SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Auto Retracto Antenae

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-31-08, 03:34 PM
  #1  
FALCON1
Driver
Thread Starter
 
FALCON1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: GA
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Auto Retracto Antenae

For years (6) that I have owned my SC I could not figure out why I needed to have the antenae at full staff when listening to a CD. I found out recently from one of the Lexus tech guys that it goes up half staff for AM and full staff for FM.

Last month I noticed now it stays flush for CD and Tape and goes up when FM is engaged.

Anyone else notice this or is mine the Hybrid ?

FALCON 1
Old 03-31-08, 04:05 PM
  #2  
Habious
Pole Position
 
Habious's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

If you have the RDS on, the antenna is always up. If you turn the RDS off (Press and hold the RDS button), the antenna will only be up when you're listening to AM/FM; it'll be down if you're listening to a CD, tape, or aux input (via one of VaisTech modules).
Old 03-31-08, 05:52 PM
  #3  
JohnnyCake
Racer
 
JohnnyCake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: DC
Posts: 1,637
Received 56 Likes on 40 Posts
Default

And its not always full staff for FM. The length is dependant on the frequency you are listening to in order to achieve maximum reception.
Old 03-31-08, 05:59 PM
  #4  
man8959
Driver
 
man8959's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: louisiana
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

what is RDS?
Old 03-31-08, 06:09 PM
  #5  
Aristo300
Lexus Test Driver
 
Aristo300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: South Walton County, FL
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Data_System

Radio Data System, or RDS, is a standard from the European Broadcasting Union for sending small amounts of digital information using conventional FM radio broadcasts. The RDS system standardises several types of information transmitted, including time, track/artist info and station identification. RDS has been standard in Europe and Latin America since the early 1990s, but less so in North America.

Radio Broadcast Data System is the official name used for the U.S. version of RDS, though the "RDS" name seems to be at least as common in usage. The two standards are nearly identical, with only slight differences, mainly in which numbers are assigned to each of 31 musical and other program formats the RBDS system can identify. RBDS was approved by the NRSC, RDS by the EBU.

Both use a 57kHz subcarrier to carry data at 1187.5 bits per second. The 57 kHz was chosen for being the third harmonic (3×) of the pilot tone for FM stereo, so it would not cause interference or intermodulation with it, or with the stereo difference signal at 38 kHz (2×). The data format utilises error correction. RDS defines many features (see below), including how private (in-house) or other undefined features (such as differential GPS) can be "packaged" in unused program groups.
Old 04-06-08, 08:39 PM
  #6  
FALCON1
Driver
Thread Starter
 
FALCON1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: GA
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Thumbs up

Well, I learn something new each and every time I am on this forum.

I never touch the RDS button but someone must have...............even the tech did not know that one...................

Great Intel.

FALCON 1
Old 04-07-08, 11:03 AM
  #7  
rcpeters
Driver
 
rcpeters's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: California
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Smile So that is the sound I am hearing


I have been wondering what that solenoid sounding noise was when I changed stations on my radio. So it is the antenna adjusting to the frequency, wow what a lot of gadgets in this car! This might also explain why some local FM stations sound better in my driveway in our LS430 than with this car. Maybe I had the RDS turned off that day in one of the cars.




Old 04-15-08, 02:14 PM
  #8  
tm510
Rookie
 
tm510's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Alberta
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Adjusting - what about maintenance

I'd read where the antenna adjusts each time you change the channel (on FM) and it's true. Amazing. So how about maintenance, as we're obviously really using the motor.

I am pretty sure that sticky lubs like WD-40 are not recommended, as the dirt and dust will just stick to it. What is the recommended maintenance by our experts?

Thanks,
Jerry
Old 04-15-08, 02:19 PM
  #9  
Yes
Moderator
 
Yes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NM
Posts: 2,089
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

i wouldn't think it needs any lube unless it's making a noise. but if you were to lube it, i'd use a dry graphite lube.
Old 04-15-08, 06:47 PM
  #10  
slawless
Rookie
 
slawless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: DE
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

The only problem with power antennas is after awile they get dirt and grime inside. Then they stop going up and down. At that point you have to take it apart and clean it or replace it. but that takes several years. Untill then, enjoy.
Old 05-12-08, 05:46 PM
  #11  
SC430Sam
Driver
 
SC430Sam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: FL
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Alright, I want to turn off RDS because I find no use for it. What button am I supposed to hold down to turn it off? I see RDS on the faceplate of it, but the button is not catching my eye. Is if TRAF or TEXT or one of those. Let me know. Thanks!
Old 05-13-08, 02:08 PM
  #12  
Habious
Pole Position
 
Habious's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

SC430Sam,

Black up/down rocker switch on the right-hand side of the radio. Just below the "Audio/Tune" ****. It says "RDS TYPE". Press and hold the "RDS" (the up on the rocker). It should beep (if memory serves; I only have done it once).
Old 05-15-08, 05:52 PM
  #13  
SC430Sam
Driver
 
SC430Sam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: FL
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Alright, well the 07 radio does not have writing on the top and bottom of the rocker. It has "Type" in the middle. I held this and got nothing. Does it make a beep or anything?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
expoc2
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
2
03-23-09 11:04 PM
Rahstyles
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
10
01-23-09 06:54 AM
kel
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
11
12-25-07 08:25 PM
stonewis
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
1
04-24-07 08:55 PM
zexen
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
11
04-05-03 10:52 PM



Quick Reply: Auto Retracto Antenae



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:17 AM.