Does an external antenna hook into the HCA-20 or directly into the antenna port of the P800?
My HCA-20 (Handsfree kit) just shipped and I need to purchase an antenna for my car to use with it and have no idea what kind to get or what type of connector to use.
:2gunfire: SE support has been completely useless by saying I need to check with my carrier. They couldn't tell me squat about hooking in an external antenna to thier phone or to thier HCA-20.
Any experiences/suggestions/sites would be greatly appreciated! :usa
This thread mite help you out..
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12489
[quote="Muzikfreakah"]This thread mite help you out..
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12489[/quote]
I had already read that thread. It doesn't contain anything helpful.
I hate it when I forget to log in. 😮ops:
Yes but it is an existing thread about external antennas I think thats what muzikfreakah meant...
You are right guess, thats what I meant 😊
The external antenna interface cable can only be bought as part of the handsfree car kit (I think) but must be used in conjunction with the correct cradle for the phone.
See the attached picture which I hope helps
[quote="deggy"]The external antenna interface cable can only be bought as part of the handsfree car kit (I think) but must be used in conjunction with the correct cradle for the phone.
See the attached picture which I hope helps[/quote]
Deggy: You forgot t o attach the picture :scrambleup:
I did buy the Car Holder (HCH-32) which supports the antenna connector for the P800, the Handsfree Kit (HCA-20), the system cable (HCC-30), and the Antenna Cable (HCE-12).
I'm assuming that the Antenna Cable connects the P800 to the Handsfree Kit. But that is just an assumption. I still need to get an external antenna and hook it into the HCA-20 or the HCC-30. I don't know which one it will actually hook into or what type of connector it will use. From the research I've done there are 3 types of connectors for cellular antennas: TNC connector, Mini-UHF connector, & FME connector.
Has anyone installed an external antenna for their HCA-20? Also, what is the best antenna to get?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
[quote="Anonymous"]Deggy: You forgot t o attach the picture :scrambleup: [/quote]
DARN IT!
Deggy: your picture was there.....I just forgot to log in again! 😮ops:
Sorry!
I found the information I needed. It was on the SE site but not very easily found. SE really needs to improve the information on their website and the training of their phone support staff in the US. This information should be easily found.
http://www.sonyericsson.com/images/spgc/CWS31_GSD_HCA_20_Installation_Guide_MultiLanguage_27_0_1090.pdf
According to this document, it appears the external antenna hooks into the Antenna Cable (HCE-12). The Antenna Cable (HCE-12) then snaps into the Car Holder (HCH-32).
Contrary to the description to the HCE-12 on the SE site, it appears the Handsfree Kit (HCA-20) is NOT required to use an external antenna.
The external antenna I used was a std tax disc holder with a proprietiry connector on it. Went together easily.
[quote="deggy"]The external antenna I used was a std tax disc holder with a proprietiry connector on it. Went together easily.[/quote]
Thanks Deggy. Do you have a URL with information for it?
What is the HCE-12 for? Is it possible for us to buy just the antenna? Im going to use it here inside my house and not for the car. I was thinking you can just plug it off and on anyime.
Hmmm I found this:
http://www.marquel.com/store/DPY901130info.shtml
I guess this antenna could be possibly available on all the antenna stores..
And I found that the HCE-12 connects to the bottom of the phone and not the provided antenna socket at the back? So the link I posted above is ther correct one?
Sony Ericsson HCE-12 Antenna Cable
This antenna makes it possible to connect your Car Holder to an external antenna for improved reception. Suitable for T20/T28/T29/R310/R320/R380/R520/A2618 handsets.
[quote="Muzikfreakah"]What is the HCE-12 for? Is it possible for us to buy just the antenna? Im going to use it here inside my house and not for the car. I was thinking you can just plug it off and on anyime.
Hmmm I found this:
http://www.marquel.com/store/DPY901130info.shtml
I guess this antenna could be possibly available on all the antenna stores..
And I found that the HCE-12 connects to the bottom of the phone and not the provided antenna socket at the back? So the link I posted above is ther correct one?
[/quote]
From what you & I have now read and have gathered, it does appear that an external antenna will tie in to the HCE-12 which will plug into the back of the phone.
From the installation diagram there is no connection labled for the HCE-12 or for an antenna. The only thing the holder does is it allows the HCE-12 to snap into it to both position and hold the cable in the phone while it is in the HCE-12. One could do without this though but the antenna connection may not be as secure.
I will know for sure next week when my package arrives.
If what I suspect is indeed the case, I may even return the hands-free kit and save some money. With my HBH-60 and an external antenna, I think I will have what I really need.
Another thing I'm disappointed in is that the HCA-20 doesn't include a music mute feature. They've made it an addon (HCE-16).
http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?template=PS1&B=ie&PID=8419&LM=SB_Va&pagename=PS1_2&noredir=1&PID2=9597
Problem is, I can't find it to purchase anywhere.
I'm on vacation next week but I'll be sure to post an update once I get the equipment in.