Colleagues

 

So we now have possession of our pre-owned estate and it has been a time for playing and discovery. So I delved into Briskoda and found the topic which shows one how to access the secret radio menu showing signal strength. Here I discover that the radio has two aerials. Indeed that it uses two aerials. One on the roof and one (I believe) screened onto the right-hand rear side window (like the window heater). We have a lowly Bolero headset by-the-way.

 

Anyone know anything about this? Do all estates have this arrangement or all Octavias?

 

I do not know if the receiver has a diversity function where two RF sections receive and decode separate signals which are then switched to select the feed with the best signal or if the aerials are just wired together but I know that it at least claims to use both. One effect of this is that the signal strength of the radio does not change when the roof aerial is removed, In fact, at the moment, I could not prove that the roof aerial is even in circuit - I just assume it is.

 

Any input gratefully received.

Yup, what you said. Just don't get the two connectors in the back mixed up if you take it out otherwise you'll lose your am reception.

 

And there's nothing wrong with the Bolero; I upgraded to a second hand unit and am pleased as punch with it.

Not all have two aerials: only those factory fitted with Bolero / Columbus or newer HU's.

It is possible to retro fit a second aerial relatively easily.

VCDS scan to check for 'open circuit' faults on the antenna...

Thanks for the feedback on this rather obscure topic.

 

I am loving the Bolero so far by-the-way. I would have been happy to have had DAB as well but only to access one channel not available on FM to be honest. It seems to work really well and its fairly easy to use. The steering mounted controls are also wonderful as I am not used to such luxuries.

Not all have two aerials: only those factory fitted with Bolero / Columbus or newer HU's.

Wrong. My 2008 has two aerials and it came with an factory fitted Audience hu, which is pants, quite frankly. There were better options available at the time, including the Columbus, but they were a rip off for what you got. Bolero wasn't in production when I got mine.

Edited 23 July, 201312 yr by blackspaven

Wasn't the Columbus introduced before the Audience? With the Audience becoming the replacement fit the Stream HU's.

The Bolero did come later (2009 ish?)

Columbus was out before or at the same time as the Audience, but it was only the Bolero that wasn't around at the same time as both of those, that came out on the facelift. Amundsen (&+), Stream MP3, Dance, etc were all around still while the Audience was out; it was fitted to the L&K.

This is all info from what I've been able to work out myself.

 

One FM aerial on roof - main

One FM aerial on right rear quarter window (wagon); on rear window (sedan) - secondary

Main aerial used to receive the channel you are listening to; secondary aerial used to decode station names, search for other radio stations; traffic programming, etc.

 

Have you ever noticed - scanning FM channels (I personally have a Columbus) doesn't cause the currently playing station to stop playing, like scanning the programme list does on your digital TV?

Only way to get around this - two tuners... Thus, two aerials!

(Yes I realise that not all dual tuner setups require two aerials and that most infact don't, but I'm sure there is a reason for VAG to set it up this way)