sattelite antenna locations?
sattelite antenna locations? my friend got a sirius XM radio for his 98 T/A and decided he'd put the antenna in the middle of his hood. it looks absolutely horrible but he said since it is the biggest metal pannel on the car he gets the best reception there. i told him he should take the factory antenna out and use that hole for the wire and cover it up with the antenna so you can't see any of the wire or the hole(not sure if it will work or not) let me know what you guys did post pics if possible. thanks
although i haven't gotten everything else installed, i have mine mounted in the hatch. on the plastic panel that goes under the hatch in the back, and have the wire runnin to the top of the hatch and then down the inside panel
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Satellite antennas don't require a metal surface for mounting - the magnetic mount is just for convenience. You can use 2-sided tape and mount the antenna anywhere. Several people have mounted theirs inside the rear spoiler for a totally stealth installation. The composite material is transparent to the satellite signal and doesn't interfere with reception. Personally, I mounted mine on the bar between the t-tops so that it would be at the highest point on the car. These days the antennas are so small that you hardly notice it's there.
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Originally Posted by fastls1ta
fbody doors are fiberglass though so i don't think that the magnet would stick, correct me if i'm wrong
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
I hid my antenna in my hatch:
Here is more info on my setup:
http://www.fadingarrow.com/XMSatelliteRadio.htm
Here is more info on my setup:
http://www.fadingarrow.com/XMSatelliteRadio.htm
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by fastls1ta
alright thanks guys, he told me that the antenna is strongest there B/C it makes the hood act as a big antenna(wether this is bs i don't know)
What he's refering to is a ground plane - a metal surface to help reflect and amplify radio signals. What he doesn't seem to realize is that a ground plane isn't necessary for satellite radio. For that matter, it isn't necessary for almost any receiving radio. It really makes a difference for transmitting (CB, HAM, etc.) but has almost no effect on reception. The slight difference in reception is measurable but imperceptible for all practical purposes. I sure wouldn't put an antenna on my hood for that reason.
Originally Posted by fastls1ta
alright thanks guys, he told me that the antenna is strongest there B/C it makes the hood act as a big antenna(wether this is bs i don't know)
Anyone thats knows how RF transmission works, knows about ground planes...
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 82
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Well... I guess mine was easier because I have a T-Top.. I removed the passenger railing and ran the wire up there, then I strategically placed the wire through the inner linings of where the t-top goes, and took out the center of the T bar and ran the wire under there.. Then towards the back it is somewhat metallic, and I put 3m double sided tape and it looks flush and professional. Only when I have the T-Tops off can you see any wire once - so ever, and its not ugly.!>!>
Originally Posted by Billiumss
In a way your friend is correct. The reason why it might work better there is because the metal hood will act like a ground plane and boost the efficiency (db Gain) of the antennas reception.
Anyone thats knows how RF transmission works, knows about ground planes...
Anyone thats knows how RF transmission works, knows about ground planes...
Actually he is incorrect with respect to how the antenna operates. The Antenna is internally grounded so regardless what it is mounted to its performance will be solely base of location not material it is attached to. The antenna is its own antenna and will not use anything else shy or a repeater as an extension of such base of how it is desinged.
I do agree with you on the grounding plan if such antenna would utilize an external ground.
I have my with double sided 3M tape on the Hatch Glass. Works like a champ.
