Phone cradle and external aerial

[Deva Link]

I use a Nokia 6310i which access the external aerial through the armrest phone cradle.
We're changing phones to 6230's which don't have an external antenna connector.
If I get the correct MB cradle, does this somehow (inductive coupling) make use of the roof aerial, or does the phone become reliant on its internal antenna?

[sneijder]

All you need is a new cradle, Part number B 67875832 from your local MB dealership. They cost £110.87 + VAT, and will work with your proper roof aerial



>> Edited by sneijder on Sunday 13th March 14:08

[Deva Link]

Thanks - I'm sure the kit will work OK, I was just uncertain how the aerial coupling is done, as there isn't an aerial socket on the 6230.
I wondered if it simply relied on the phone's aerial, whcih might give me problems with coverage.

[dazren]

Will you need a software upgrade in the car for the steering wheel controls etc to work?

DAZ

[sneijder]

If the car left the factory with the cradle in the armrest then it has factory phone 'Prewire', therefore the new cradle will take care of everything. Another way to check is to look in the back of your service book and look for the blue and white vehicle datacard issued at the factory, if you can see any of these sales codes you will be OK : 381/382/380/354 or EH3

>> Edited by sneijder on Monday 14th March 15:10

[Deva Link]

I don't think they ever leave the factory with the cradle fitted?
They leave pre-wired etc (if ordered, as mine was), and then the relevant cradle is dealer fitted.
I've already got the 6310i and it works fine.

My only issue is about roof aerial access if I swop to 6230. I understand the cradle has some sort of inductive coupling to the aerial (as the 6230 doesn't have an aerial socket like the 6310i) but I wondered if that really worked, or am I likely to suffer from worse reception than my current set-up?