sat radio antenna mount

[jacal]

With respect to mounting the antenna, why is the rear of the suv the suggested location? If you had a gear box or roof mounted items wouldn't you risk blocking the signal? Also, does a layer of ice and/or snow degrade the signal? If so, I will need to keep it clean, which will help determine my location.

I have noticed, with the inclement winter weather, that sometimes the rear hatch "grinds" the ice and snow that accumulates along the top. I worry that a cable run thru that area might get damaged when space becomes filled in with ice/snow.

Could the ant just be mounted to the spoiler? I suppose some sort of adhesive could work there? That would be nice because the existing wiring could be followed, and maybe just a small hole drilled aboove the leds on the spoiler?

In some ways, mounting it up front might be a better solution.


Thoughts? feedback?


J

 

[jrs2]

Ice and snow shouldn't degrade the signal, neither will fiberglass. I mounted my sat antenna under the spoiler of my MR2. Works fine and is completely hidden. On my 4Runner I put in on the rear back, I don't have a spoiler.

 

[greasefingers]

I would experiment with it at two locations inside the cabin first. Just toss it on the dashboard with some double-stick tape, and then try taping it to one of the rear windows. You have get lucky and not have to worry about an external mount?

 

[jacal]

I would experiment with it at two locations inside the cabin first. Just toss it on the dashboard with some double-stick tape, and then try taping it to one of the rear windows. You have get lucky and not have to worry about an external mount?

Yes it is true, it does pretty good just mounted inside. However, I know it needs all the help it can get on two long trips I take on a regular basis.

I think I will get the most benefit from a direct aux-in connection as I get interference in the city. Coming soon.


J

 

[Fro-Runner]

Yep, inside is the way I run mine. I took a 2,000 mile cross country vacation with the Sat antenna on the inside for the whole trip. All you have to do is move it along the dash from time to time. The reason for this is because your position for the sat may change from pillar to pillar. BTW, I have Sirius (the best).

 

[jrs2]

I tried with it on the dask for a while, works OK most of the time, but then you turn and it cuts out. Got tired of that. Much better and cleaner with outside mount.

 

[leftyrb]

I think I will get the most benefit from a direct aux-in connection as I get interference in the city

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Last year, I could not locate an aux. in setup in Canada, so ordered one prior to my trip to Wisconsin (got the PIE unit) and had it shipped to my hotel. I like the aux. in and hope it is now more readily available

 

[sbbamafan]

I ran the wire myself and placed the magnetic antenna at the back of the roof. It was very easy, took less than 1/2 hour. As for performance, it is very good. There is no extra maintenance. I dont even worry about it when I go through a car wash. BTW - I mounted my Sirius radio to the button blanks on the left side of the dash. IT was conveninet to run both the antenna wire and direct wire it to the fuse block. Fully concealed and when I sell the vehicle, it can be removed in a matter of minutes (I did this so I can move it to my wife's car on family trips) and replace the 2- $2 buttons. No one will ever know.

 

[jacal]

I ran the wire myself and placed the magnetic antenna at the back of the roof. It was very easy, took less than 1/2 hour. As for performance, it is very good. There is no extra maintenance. I dont even worry about it when I go through a car wash. BTW - I mounted my Sirius radio to the button blanks on the left side of the dash. IT was conveninet to run both the antenna wire and direct wire it to the fuse block. Fully concealed and when I sell the vehicle, it can be removed in a matter of minutes (I did this so I can move it to my wife's car on family trips) and replace the 2- $2 buttons. No one will ever know.

Where did you connect for ground?

Good idea for the left side mount.



J

 

[bmacisaa]

I think the rear mounting of the antenna is suggested due to easier instalation. Wire can run right through the opening of the hatch (between roof and door) and through the molding to inside. It was easy - took about 20 minutes. Otherwise, I don't think the location anywhere outside would matter for performance.

 

[sbbamafan]

Power circuit - I added a device I think called 'add a circuit' or something like that. It consists of a fuse to replace an existing fuse as well as a secondary fuse for the new circuit. Got it at Advance Auto or Auto Zone for +/- $7. I installed it in a blank. You can check around the panel with a 12 V DC test light until you find a blank circuit that is either switched or not switched, depending on your preference.

Ground - That's the easy part. Using the same 12V test light, put the alligator clip on any screw that is attached directly or indirectly to the chassis. That is where you leave it to find the appropriate power source. USe the same screw as the permanent ground.