View Full Version : Stereo Antenna Install?
Professor
03-06-2005, 10:14 PM
Hey guys…I want better reception from my stereo receiver. There is a soft wire antenna attached under the dash. Have any of you solved this problem? I would rather have a hidden antenna. Ideas?
milkmania
03-06-2005, 10:19 PM
mine's hidden in my PS190, I don't seem to have trouble getting reception.
but, usually listen to CD's anyway
sfitzgerald351
03-07-2005, 12:05 AM
I went to radio shack and got the antenna tape. Basically it's a wire in a clear tape and I ran it along the bottom of the windshield (kinda like the old antennas in the 70s in the windshield). You really don't notice it and I get pretty good reception.
NatesGr8
03-07-2005, 01:03 AM
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
jimmer2880
03-07-2005, 07:27 AM
I bought the longest rigid antenna at my local AutoZone. Zippy-tied it under the bow to the fiberglass rings where the wires run through. Works GREAT!
I have tried the soft wire (in the bow), I have tried a "rubber duck" type 12 inch antenna (up in the bow strapped vertically) and I have tried the windshield tape antenna. All worked about the same and had the same directional problems. I believe JimN mentioned improvements can be found with an antenna signal amplifier. I have used TV antenna signal amplifiers in vans before with some (but not much) improvement.
Professor
03-07-2005, 11:21 AM
Thanks guys. I often use the cd player since the reception is poor. It seems to be better while on the trailer and away from the water.
jimmer2880
03-07-2005, 01:35 PM
The reception I get on the boat on the river (between 2 very steep rock cliffs) is better than in any auto I've ever owned. Don't get too fancy, try the cheap steel kind under your bow first. It's not much $$$'s.
My factory antenna was crap - this is 300% better.
Andyg
03-07-2005, 02:30 PM
This was a big topic for a motorcycle forum that I also check out every once and a while. People on that site were looking for an antenna that could be mounted inside the motorcycle fairing. On my bike I tried two different antennas and I would bet the second one I tried would work awesome in a boat application also. The antenna that I chose is not amplified and works as good as the original stock whip antenna. The antenna is called a Tune Trapper and can be found on Ebay. It is realtively cheap so I think it would be worth a try. The antenna has a adhesive pad on it so it can be mounted just about anywhere. You can check out the topic on the motorcycle site through the link below. The other option was an amplified antenna made by Dakota Digital. I had that on my bike originally and it basically didn't work at all. I would not recommend getting the Dakota Digital based on my experience.
Motorcycle Hidden Antenna Link (http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=eg_gen;action=display;num=109597032 3;start=1#1)
Tune Trapper on Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7958761040&category=38655&sspagename=WDVW)
georgea0731
07-29-2009, 08:24 PM
I'm gettnig ready to buy one of these ($40), but would prefer to get actual feedback. thanks in advance,
These work and it's amplified. Understand, any interference will be amplified too but I have used these in many boats with good results.
http://www.weisd.com/store2/MET44-UA200.php
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
XM is better. Much better. :D
get_sum
07-29-2009, 09:06 PM
I'd get the XM with best of Sirius package. I think it's good, well at least in my truck. On water, where I ride, I have no issues with radio reception.
Back to the thread, if satellite radio isn't an option, I'd look into a signal amplifier. I had one on a tractor a LONG time ago, and it worked wonders. Actually almost too good at times, because signals were too close together and the seek button stopped every .2 or .4 increment on the dial.