Saturday, July 13, 2013

MP3


 MP3 is short for MPEG Audio Layer 3 and refers to an audio compression technology standard.
This product allows playback of MP3 files on CD-ROM, CD-R or CD-RW discs.  The unit can read MP3 files written in the format compliant with ISO 9660. However it does not
support the MP3 data written by the method of packet write.  The unit can not read an MP3 file that has a file extension other than “.mp3”.
If you play a non- MP3 file that has the “.mp3” extension, you may hear some noise.   In this manual, we refer to what are called “MP3 file” and “folder” in PC terminology as “track” and
album”, respectively.
Maximum number of directory level is 8, including the root directory. Maximum number of files
and folders per disc is 448.  The unit may not play tracks in the order of Track numbers.
The unit plays only the audio tracks if a disc contains both audio tracks and MP3 files.
When playing a disc of 8 kbps or “VBR”, the elapsed playing time in the display window will not
be correct and also the intro play may not function properly. “VBR”: Variable Bit Rate.
Notes on creating your own CD-R or CD-RW containing MP3 files:
Notes on creating your own CD-R or CD-RW containing MP3 files:
 To enjoy high quality sound, we recommend converting to MP3 files with a sampling frequency of
44.1 kHz and a fixed bit rate o f 128 kbps.
 DO NOT store more than 448 MP3 files per disc.
 For ISO 9660 - compliant format, the maximum allowable depth of nested folders is 8, including
the root directory (folder).
 When CD-R disc is used, playback is possible only for discs, which have been finalized.
 Make sure that when MP3 CD-R or CD-RW is burned that it is formatted as a data disc and NOT
as an audio disc.
 You should not write non-MP3 files or unneeded folders along with MP3 files on the disc
otherwise it takes a long time until the unit starts to play MP3 files.
With some CD-R or CD-RW media, data may not be properly written depending on its
manufacturing quality. In this case, data may not be reproduced correctly. High quality CD-R or
CD-RW disc is recommended.
Up to 16 characters are displayed for the name of an Album or a Track. ID3TAG version 1.x is
required.
Note that the unit may not play Tracks in the order that you wrote them to the disc.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Testing Your Wilson Antenna

Often the antenna is not the source of the problem, but is the first item to receive the doubt and blame. The following simple tests, using either an ohm meter or continuity tester, can be performed quickly, efficiently and remove any doubt about the condition of the antenna.
NOTE: For the following tests, disconnect antenna from radio.

I. The Wilson 1000 and 5000 Roof Top, Trunk Lip or Magnetic Mount:

A. Testing the Antenna Coil:
  1. Remove antenna coil from the mount.
  2. Touch one lead (negative or positive) of meter or tester to the center pin at the bottom of the antenna coil.
  3. Touch the other lead of meter to either the threads on the bottom of the coil, or the chrome mast at top of antenna.
  4. In either position, if the meter shows a shorted condition (needle swings to the far right), or reads continuity, the coil is in proper working order.

B. The Antenna Coax Cable:
  1. With the antenna coil removed, touch one lead of meter or tester to the center pin of the PL-259 connector.
  2. Touch the other lead to the center hole located on the top of the SO-239 mount.
  3. If this shows a shorted condition (or reads continuity), the center portion of the coax is in proper working order.
  4. Touch one lead of meter to outer shell of the PL-259 connector.
  5. Touch other lead of meter to the threads on SO-239 mount.
  6. If this shows a shorted condition (or reads continuity), the shield portion of the coax is in proper working order.
  7. Touch one lead (negative or positive) of meter or tester to the center pin of the PL-259 coax connector.
  8. Touch the other lead of meter to either the threads on the SO-239 mount or the outer shell of the PL-259 connector.
  9. If this shows no reading (or reads no continuity), the coax is not shorted out and is in proper working order.

C. The Antenna Coax Connector:
  1. With the antenna coil removed, touch one lead of meter or tester to the center pin of the PL-259 coax connector.
  2. Touch the other lead of meter to threads on the SO-239 mount or the outer shell of the coax cable.
  3. This connection should show no reading or continuity. While these two points are connected through the meter, wiggle the connector and observe the meter or continuity tester.
  4. If there is no change in indication, the connector portion of the antenna is in proper working order. If the needle swings to the right, the connector is bad and should be replaced.

II. The Wilson 500 & Little Wil

The antenna coil is not removable on these antennas, and therefore may be tested only in the following manner:
  1. Touch one lead of meter or tester to the center pin of the PL-259 coax connector.
  2. Touch the other lead of meter to the chrome mast on the top of the antenna coil.
  3. If this shows a shorted condition (or reads continuity), the coil and center portion of the coax is in proper working order.
  4. Touch one lead of meter or tester to the center pin of the PL-259 coax connector.
  5. Touch the other lead of meter to the outer shell of the PL-259 connector.
  6. With the Wilson 500, this will show a shorted condition (or reads continuity). On the Little Wil, there will be no reading.
  7. While these two points are connected through the meter, wiggle the connector and observe the meter or continuity tester.
  8. If there is no change in indication, the connector portion of the antenna is in proper working order. If the needle swings to the left, the connector is bad and should be replaced.


  1. Touch one lead (negative or positive) of meter or tester to the stainless steel shaft (below the antenna coil).
  2. Touch the other lead of meter to the chrome mast on the antenna coil.
  3. If this shows a shorted condition (or reads continuity), the coil portion of the antenna in proper working order.

IV. The Wilson FGT & Flexible Fiberglass:

  1. Remove the rubber cap at the top of the antenna.
  2. Touch one lead (negative or positive) of meter or tester to the threaded portion at the bottom of the fiberglass antenna.
  3. Touch the other lead of meter to the brass whip tip at the top of the antenna.
  4. This should produce a shorted condition (or reads continuity), if the antenna is in proper working order.
  5. Touch one lead (negative or positive) of meter or tester to the threaded portion at the bottom or the brass whip tip of the fiberglass antenna.
  6. Touch the other lead of meter to the lug attached to the matching lead wire.
  7. Either position should read a shorted condition (or reads continuity), if the antenna is in proper working order.

After Testing Antenna

If, after verifying that the antenna has tested properly, the problem still persists, it is from another source. The most common problem is one of poor or inadequate grounding. This may be from either the vehicle, antenna mount, radio, or amplifier. Check the following items and potential sources:
  1. Recheck the ground on the antenna installation
  2. Check the ground on the radio - not the power ground. You may need to add an additional ground wire from the chassis of the radio to actual metal ground.
  3. Check the ground on any amplifier.
Check the center hole of the SO-239 Mount on the antenna. It can be the cause of fluctuating SWR and poor connections. There are some poorly manufactured mounts on the market that is the source of a lot of antenna problems.