Difference between Sony XR-F20 AND XR-F21RDS | FerrariChat

Difference between Sony XR-F20 AND XR-F21RDS

Discussion in '348/355' started by 4respy, Jul 17, 2020.

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  1. 4respy

    4respy Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2014
    577
    los angeles
    Full Name:
    steve
    Just Curious if anyone knows the difference between these models?.. I have a XR-F20 and just picked up a XR-F21RDS.. I don't know anything about it besides it being optional in the 355 and standard on 550..it came out of a 355 GTS
     
  2. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2018
    5,624
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Eric
    Courtesy of Google as I wanted to know, from the manual link it explains it there. http://pdfstream.manualsonline.com/c/ccd838c3-9128-1b24-49b7-6387475a7c57.pdf

    Overview of the RDS Function
    RDS (Radio Data System) is a system which uses FM radio waves to receive digital signals. Receiving RDS data with your car stereo unit allows it to use a variety of services. There are several ways to use these services. For instance, you can receive information such as traffic announcements and station names, or you can cause the unit to automatically retune to the strongest signal that is broadcasting the same programme. So even if you travel a long distance, it is still possible to listen to the same programme without having to retune manually again and again. Another function allows it to receive traffic announcements during tape, CD or MD playback. RDS offers various functions, but depending on the country or region, not all of these are available. Following information explains the RDS functions of this unit.
    Notes
    • In case of weak signals or other poor reception conditions, the RDS functions may not work properly.
    • If the FM station currently received does not transmit RDS data, the functions described below will not work.
     
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  3. 4respy

    4respy Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2014
    577
    los angeles
    Full Name:
    steve
    Thanks for that information Eric!..
     
  4. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
    11,166
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    Barry Wolinsky
    Steve, are you having a problem with your XR-F20?

    Barry
     
  5. 4respy

    4respy Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2014
    577
    los angeles
    Full Name:
    steve
    No, It works fine..
     
  6. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
    11,166
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    Barry Wolinsky
    Great. I'm happy to hear that. I was going to post information about a firm that does fine repairs for both the XR-F20 and XR-F21RDS. I'll post their website for others: Factory Car Stereo Repair, Inc.

    Their website gives troubleshooting advice and head removal instructions as well.

    Barry
     
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  7. 4respy

    4respy Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2014
    577
    los angeles
    Full Name:
    steve
    Thanks for the Info anyway Barry..Always good to know!!
     
  8. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
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    They repaired my 550's XR-F20 head several years ago, Steve. It needed a new circuit board. Turnaround time was fast and I remember the repair ran about $175. They serviced and lubricated the tape drive as well.

    Their website mentions that the tape drive assemblies are no longer available so it's always a good idea to service these old heads every few years.

    It looks like your XR-F21RDS will be operated similarly to your original head but will give some additional station and perhaps song information on the display when the service is available.

    My challenge car doesn't have a radio.
     
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  9. JazP

    JazP Rookie

    Feb 23, 2013
    35
    My XRF21 stopped working a few days ago and today I started troubleshooting. I could trace the fault down to the supercap. It was leaking and the acid already started to corrode the PCB. Few pics:

    Looks still nice from the outside...
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    ...but not underneath (as the acid runs along the wire)!
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    My strong advise is that you change your supercap before it gets bad!

    The original device is a Panasonic EECS5R5T224 (datasheet). However, any 0.22F/5.5V supercap will do. Note that the orientation is quite exotic, though.

    Oh and one more find: you can download the schematic of our radio here!
     
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  10. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Aug 3, 2007
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    Nostradamus
  11. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    Feb 20, 2015
    11,484
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    Ian Riddell
    Excellent! I have the CD Stacker overhaul manual, but I've been looking for the radio schematic for years.

    https://www.dropbox.com/t/c9JZc3KApPwQEM6l
     
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  12. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Yes, Ken. Factory Car Stereo Repair fixed my 550's XR-F20 head several years ago. I'm happy to see they're still fixing them.
     
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  13. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jun 11, 2004
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    John Kreskovsky

    You need the service manual for the XR-C720RDS. The only difference between it and the XR-F21RDS is the front panel design. Do a google search for XR-C720RDS. Plenty of sources.

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  14. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
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    Here's one in pdf format: SONY XR-F21RDS Service Manual
     
  15. Uberpower

    Uberpower Formula 3
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  16. Ebarela

    Ebarela Rookie

    Jun 18, 2022
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    Ernest Barela
     

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