Xantia RF PLIP Frequency pickup???

[citroenxm]

Hi all, especiially Electronic buffs amoung us...

Does anyone know, what freqency the Xantia RF PLIP transmits at..

Heres what Im getting at.. Im trying to repair a RF PLIP, however, Ive no idea if it has worked, does an ordinary radio pick up a transmit interfearance, or will I need a scanner, all I want to know is if the surface mount switch is working or not? Im guessing an FM or AM radio may pick up an interfearance noise when it is...

Anyone?

Cheers

PS: Im no where near the car it is for, hence wanting to know if it works before I send it back

[spider]

I do remember we had a little grey box (about the size of the "cooks" matches box) that would be used to detect if RF plips were working, ie transmitting. If that was dealer issue or something someone brought I'm not sure, I can recall seeing it once or twice but not after that.

I do not know the frequency or if its liable to cause any radio interference, I actually suspect its well clear of those band ranges though to comply with various legislation.

If its just the switch you want to test, a multimeter would do that no ? , I guess you wanted to check the whole plip is working though.

[Mandrake]

I can't seem to find it now that I'm looking for it, but I'm sure I remember reading that the RF PLIP operates at 433Mhz, which is in or near one of the amateur radio bands...

[electronmirror]

Simon,

You are correct, they operate in the 70cm Amateur band (433 MHz). My particular plip was on 433.5 MHz which is annoying because that happens to be the calling frequency for FM operation on this Amateur band....but they are low power devices so don't cause many problems.

Operation of the plip can be checked with a scanner or find a local radio amateur, they're usually quite friendly

Ted

[citroenxm]

Ah.. i think my dad has a scanner.. so i just tune it to 433 mhz then? is that am or uhf or vhf ? sorry Im a little duh when it comes to frequencys and radios etc..

cheers

[electronmirror]

Yes, set the scanner to scan continuosly between 432MHz and 434MHz (which is UHF) and you should be able to hear a 'noise' or a 'chirp' when you press the plip key. Bear in mind that when you press the plip key the transmission only lasts for about half a second, it's not continuous. Because of this you may need to try it several times before you hear anything on the scanner.

If you get a response from the scanner the chances are the plip is working OK, the electronics are reliable, it's the 'mechanical problem' with those micro switches that is the usual reason for failure.

[citroenxm]

Thats what I want to check, Ive resoldered the Lock switch, but because the original board mounted "Tracks" have been ripped off Ive made little tracks to compenstate.. I want to be sure they are correct, then Ill apply hot stick glue, or simmilar to support the switch so it shouldn't come away again..

Cheers