Added 88 keyless entry, need antenna coax splitter

[SeanR]

Ronnie,

So I installed keyless entry into the center console next to the radio brain. It works, just limited range. I intentionally put it there because I was just going to tap into the antenna coax.

The radio seems to have a mini plug and the RKE uses a larger "standard?" size plug I think. I need some sort of "Y" splitter that would split one of each size to the radio and RKE. Im thinking I could get a "Y" cable and then if it exists, an adapter from mini to standard or vice versa.

Looking for Amazon suggestions on what to buy.

[Ronnie]

I can't be of assistance on the splitter/adapter you need. I found a Y type splitter cable for a radio coax but nothing that would have two different style plugs. Maybe some of the electronics guys here can offer some help with finding what you need.

[padgett]

I have an "octopus" picked up at the mart at the wall that seems to have one of everything. If ever I need it I plan to just cut the extras off.

That said what connection did you make to unlock without triggering the alarm ?

[SeanR]

I have an "octopus" picked up at the mart at the wall that seems to have one of everything. If ever I need it I plan to just cut the extras off.

That said what connection did you make to unlock without triggering the alarm ?

Here is my original rough draft of the pinouts.

http://forums.aaca.org/f116/request-pic-89-91-rke-module-325895.html#post1023710

I think its still accurate. But I ran a wire from C3 from the RKE box to the theft deterrent module. I reach far up under the driver side dash and snapped it off to bring it lower to the kick panel. I tapped into the respective wire (cant remember the pinout on the module at this time), and it works perfectly. It simulates turning the key cylinder to disarm the alarm. During the install, I tested it out by unhooking the horns underneath the bumper/fender sides so that I could watch the lights flashing to know whether it was working.

[Guest Mc_Reatta]

I would recommend making a separate antenna for the RKE since the frequency it uses is much different than the AM and FM bands and the radio antenna is retracted when its parked and will have limited pick-up as well.

What I would do is make a wire loop the same size as the stock loop in the rear window and place it where it has good view out the windows. I just ran it along the base of the rear window but I used the coax from the stock RKE that would have connected to the loop in the glass and connected them together. If you get a copper wire with insulation close to your interior color it will be barely noticeable. Use coax to run from RKE to the loop wire. Could also be mounted to the headliner front or rear as well. There's not a vehicle on hand to measure the stock loop in a rear window at the moment, but I think it's about 42"

[handmedownreatta]

i think radio shack still has them. try radioshack.com

[KDirk]

Have to agree with MC here. The radio antenna is not designed with the intent to serve as an RKE antenna, completely different frequency range and characteristics. May also introduce undesirable noise in radio reception by doing so. The stock RKE setup on 89-91 had an antenna "on glass" in the rear window (applied just as the rear defroster traces w/conductive "paint") and had a two terminal snap connection, much like an old 9V battery connector.

I don't think you will find a ready made adapter to do this even if you want to. I don't know what type of RF connector is on the RKE coax lead, it is not TNC and certainly not an F connector (as in CATV/Sat TV) but the radio coax lead is terminated in the proprietary GM antenna connector. GM to Motorola (more standardized type) can be had from auto sound suppliers and the like, but that still doesn't get you a connection to the RKE coax. So it means either changing the RKE connector end with something readily available (and having the right tool to do the termination) or custom building a coax Y adapter with the correct connectors on all three points. A lot of work, and probably way more than rigging some kind of antenna at/near the top of the rear window inside the glass. Could probably be concealed along the edge of the headliner.

KDirk