RCD300 aerial question

[sidders55]

After reading loads of articles on here and elsewhere, I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas on this problem that probably should remain in the last century



I have an original RCD300 in a 2009 ex British Gas Caddy van. FM reception is poor (on stations I know are easy to get here). Aerials are in the windscreen. It appears to have been changed so am thinking damage to the aerial/amp/wiring when that was done.


This was my 'simple' fix! ... I have used the hole from one of the British gas roof aerials (they removed them but left the base fitments) to install a standard AM/FM aerial. I ran that to the radio and converted the DIN to the required Fakra connector using an adapter. But it doesn't seem to improve reception. Have checked it is grounded correctly. Tried it in both Fakra inputs, but always worse reception than the windscreen aerials.


As I know we have strong reception around here I was wondering if the Diversity system in the RCD300 will only operate if the aerials are powered/active (as the window ones are).

I.e. is it basically ignoring my passive aerial?



On the hidden menu it shows both windscreen aerials as 'On', and when I swap for roof aerial then shows that input as 'Off' (assuming that means the power feed, but may mean the whole aerial input to Diversity system?)


I don't want to spend on new headunit etc, as it is an old van and will need changing soon enough. I thought the above was an easy option, but seems not. Any helpful thoughts would be welcome, as it is doing my head in!



Thanks in advance,
Tom

[Crasher]

You need to have a diagnostic read or the head unit to see what it perceives as the problem and the measuring block data will show the status. The antenna feed is by Fakra connectors so anything you fit will need suitable connectors.

[sidders55]

Thanks Crasher, appreciate the help.