Re: [MBZ] Antenna length relative to Frequency
Yes, there is a formula to calculate the wavelength of any given frequency. (See Boring Radio Stuff below if interested in the details) I'm going to assume you are interested in the USA FM Radio Band. The difference between the high and low bands is 26 to 32. So if you set it at the midpoint, 29, you will have the best overall reception in that band. I doubt trimming the antenna finer that that will produce noticeable differences except in weak signal situations at the top or bottom of the band. In those cases, I suggest you find another station to listen to or, subscribe to XM Satellite or keep driving, or get a CD. You mention creative solutions. They abound. One is the use of an electric screwdriver gun to automatically and remotely turn a shaft that extends and retracts the antenna from a mounting area. They even have them that auto-detect the resonant frequency, and adjust themselves to the signal. Done all the time. I cannot imagine, however that normal people would be interested in this level of adjustment in an MBZ stock scenario. But if you are a tinkerer, perhaps you'd be interested in Amateur Radio (come to the dark side) Boring Radio Stuff: The relationship between FREQUENCY (F)(measured in cycles or Hz and WaveLength (WL) measured in meters is WL=299792458/F In other words, divide the frequency into the speed of light in meters per second, and you get the wavelength. To do this simply, round up the speed of light to 300 million meters (from 299.7 its not a bad approximation) and divide. So, if you want to know the lower end of the AM Band, that would be WL=299792458/535000 or 560.36 meters times 3.2808399 feet per meter is 1,838.45 feet divided by 4 give 459.61 feet for a quarter wavelength. A handy calculator can be found here http://www.crompton.com/wa3dsp/hamradio/antcalc.html. AM and FM Bands The US AM Band is 560 KHZ to 1,600 KHZ (Use .560 MHz and 1.6 MHz in the calculator above). You will see that the quarter wave length varies from 417 feet at the low end to 146 feet at the high end. (So now you know why AM Radio towers are so high). It will be impossible for you to get a resonant antenna on a mobile rig. FM is a different animal. The entire FM Band is sandwiched in between the USA Channels 6 and Channel 7 Television. (88-108 MHZ) The quarterwavelength at the high side is 26 and at the low side about 32. Truly speaking, for most RECEIVING applications a center-tuned antenna will give satisfactory results. It is only when TRANSMITTING that you are seriously interested in worrying about antenna length, because if you are NOT tuned properly, any non-resonant energy will be reflected back at your transmitter creating heat, and worse problems. But for receiving, fugaddaboutit for FM. Also, while quarter wave length is an optimum length, it is not the ONLY good length. There are other ways besides antenna length to tune a signal. One, as you mention, is the use of tuning coils and condensors (Really a variable capacitor) in the receiver. Coils (imagine a spring coiled) actually INCREASE the effective antenna length, so to speak (lots of extra turns in a given length), where as capacitors effectively SHORTEN antenna length. The best results are from a piece of wire that is cut to exactly a multiple of the resonant frequency of the signal. Even among radio enthusiasts, antenna theory and design is still a bit of a black art. The military, as you might imagine, invests a lot in antenna design and research, but a 3 way antenna position is almost in the realm of nice marketing-not much real benefit type thing. -Richard Barnaby -Amateur and Commercial Radio operator The US AM Band is from 535 KC (oops KHz, showing my age) to 1,600 KHz or .535-1.6 Mhz if you want to use the above calculator -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.2/280 - Release Date: 3/13/2006
Re: [MBZ] Aggressive Driving
I like the George Carlin bit on Driving (I'll try from memory) Have you ever noticed, when you're driving that all the people who are going SLOWER than you are are Idiots!? Have you? You IDIOT! Get out of the way! IDIOT! And, and all the people who drive faster than you are 'Maniacs. (Does the head move indicating someone just whoshing by) MANIAC! But you wont let someone drive the SAME speed as you will you? If they do, you'll speed up, or slow down. Whats he doing now, that JERK just hanging off my left side. Really, if you think about it, it’s a wonder there arent more accidents with all those IDIOTS, MANIACS and JERKS out there. (Apologies to George) -b -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.1/278 - Release Date: 3/9/2006
Re: [MBZ] Block Heater Yes or no
Been following the Block Heater yes or no controversy. My .02 First my credentials 300SD 1979 driving daily between Montpelier VT and Montreal in up to (down to -30) Ungaraged car. I used a block heater. In most cases without it, won't start after overnight But will start leaving at work w/o plug in. BUT If plug available will use it. Rationale: Even if you COULD get by without it, Why not have the oil more warm and available. Seems to me, cheap insurance on the engine life. Cold Weather true story. Once at Montreal Airport Hilton, the temp was about -40 which is the temp at which Celsius and Farenheit scales are the same, which is also common knowledge to anyone living in this region. It was really cold, and windy too. I was waiting along with others in the lobby for some reason, and various people would enter and a gust of frigid air would immediately negate any effect the hotel's heating system had built up since the last entry. The desk clerk was a bit of a clown. The temperature was a matter of public knowledge that night. When one new patron entered, and exclaimed Man it's COLD out there. The clerk, innocently said, How cold?. The person entering said Forty Below. The clerk, again innocently, Is that Celsius or Farenheit, baiting him for the expected reply, It's the SAME. But this patron obviously didn't know that, and instead exclaims, Who Cares?, which if you think about it, is a much better reply. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.1/278 - Release Date: 3/9/2006
Re: [MBZ] Block Heaters Yes or no
Johnny B- I do it for science. It is good to know how to get the car started in the event of power failures ( which usually occur in Winter around here) and how low you can go. OK, fine, just after you experiment, and then KNOW, why not take it easy on the engine? I live where you live except they call it New York over here. Heh-Very funny! Well, actually, I moved out. In Las Vegas now, and not returning. Got rid of the block heater for good. PS the cable fits neatly into the recess behind That bumper on the bumper detail on the 300 SD, so it's invisble, and well protected too. I mostly tell my cold start stories so some of the other folks on the list can feel more secure about their cars starting when it gets cold. It seems to me that many who live in much warmer climes than you and I have the greatest paranoia when it comes to cold starts. I hope to ease their minds and reduce the stress that they endure as a result. Good Point, but it (cold starts) IS something to consider. I have done stuff like put hot coals under the oil pan From the wood fire. Now, I'm sure that is not OSHA procedure. But, you know, often when it is 30 below It is rare to have wind. Often VERY cold has no wind (Smoke goes vertical for hundreds of feet from chimneys) So in that state, the hot radiant heat warms the oil to allow easier cranking. Please, don’t blame me for your Car burning up, if a diesel hose bursts, and your car goes in flames. As it turns out, very few people heat with Wood anymore, and those that do, understand what you can do with it. I only mention it because of your science in how to work without power. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.1/279 - Release Date: 3/10/2006
[MBZ] 300SD 1978 Parts Car
Parts Car 300SD 1978 I want to sell a 1978 300 SD with many newer parts including a 30,000 or so mi bought-from-Mercedes complete engine. Car will drive. Leaking oil at transmission. Complete service records available. Car lives in Las Vegas Area. -barnaby Questions, offers please. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.2.0/276 - Release Date: 3/7/2006
