Positioned radio antenna horizontally, interesting effect...

[Philberto]

So, reading the OS inspired me to unscrew my radio antenna mount and lay the antenna flat under the wiper cowl. I then used copper wire instead of zip-ties to secure the base to the original holes, thinking maybe grounding would be an issue.

Upon turning on the radio, I've noticed that I'm getting much, much better reception on the lower-band channels (up to around 98.9) and much worse reception on channels above that. Is it likely the positioning of the antenna, or is it possible that I may have actually changed the antenna tune by using the copper wiring? I'd love to hear opinions on this.

[bgwolfpack]

I do not think there is a grounding issue with the radio antenna but placing it on its side could possible make it more directional. The copper wire could also effect the frequency range of your reception. Have you experienced a change also on the AM bandwidth as well?

Good mod to go with if it doesn't hinder the antenna too much.

I suppose your questions were already answered on the OS. Which means I'm an ass for not checking, right? Too bad. I'd rather try to help this lonely post, then waste time reading stupid posts.

Sorry had to vent. Anyone KNOW the answer for Philberto?

[irishboy02]

The answer? No, however i have this same effect. My antenna is down, inside my cowl as well.

With AM frequencies, if i have my HIDs on, all i get is static fuzz now, like a resistance (grounding) issue. I think the bolts do act as a ground. Mine is just laying in there, i did nothing to re-attach the base to the fender

[Trail X]

Speaking of funny radio feedback... when I hit my horn, the horn noise feeds-back into my CB speaker.

[irishboy02]

Speaking of funny radio feedback... when I hit my horn, the horn noise feeds-back into my CB speaker.

Thank god i dont have this issue, i use my horn around here alot in lovely jersey traffic

Again, James, could just be a grounding issue. Do you haave the CB set to a PA as well?

[Trail X]

Nope. I'm not really worried about it, as I rarely use the horn. Just think it's funny.

[Philberto]

Hey thanks for the input guys. I don't listen to AM, so there's no comparison I can make. I will, however, try switching the copper wire with zip ties and see what happens.

Wolfpack, I never post onthe OS anymore. No point in wasting time there wen I'm here.

[bgwolfpack]

I don't listen to AM either, just channel # 124 or is it 128, Nascar channel satellite radio.
I've thought more about this since my post, the copper wire will effect and change your radios reception. Good idea changing to the zip-ties. A post by you is required regarding any change or not.

I'm glad to know I am not he only one steering clear of the OS. It feels like a comfortable place being here. The OS feels like the mall, I hate the mall.

[janesy86]

I did this a while back and haven't noticed any change in reception for FM but I have never once listend to AM so I can't comment there. And even FM I hardly listen to, mostly XM or my iPod. And I have the antenna mount sercured with zip ties btw.

[cbbryan]

I wanna see how you guys did this please because I feel sorta lost without an accurate image of the mod.

[foosh]

Look at Janesy's CarDomain page, its there.

[Philberto]

I'll take pics tomorrow, but for now, basically you peel back the plastic covering near where the antenna is mounted. The antenna screws onto a stud that is bolted to the fender. Unbolt the stud (6mm or 7mm I think), turn it horizontally, fish the antenna under the plastic cowl, thread it onto the stud, and then ziptie the stud to its original mounting holes to keep it from moving. Push the plastic cowl back into place and you're done!

[Excell]

I need to do this. I have always HATED how the antenna looks. Every vehicle should have an integrated antenna.

[Philberto]

Hey, sorry, no pics today. I got sucked into the black hole that is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.

[OregTrailBlazin]

Hey, sorry, no pics today. I got sucked into the black hole that is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.

Fell into the same hole at my buddies house the other night.. Unfortunatley I haven't been able to get my own yet, but it's probably a good thing, gotta get ready for our Trip!!

[bgwolfpack]

Hey, sorry, no pics today. I got sucked into the black hole that is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.

Tough life Tony. Someday you'll have kids. Then that stuffs over. I was hoping to see the pics. Shows what is important to you. Your a sad man Tony.

[Philberto]

Hey, sorry, no pics today. I got sucked into the black hole that is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2.

Tough life Tony. Someday you'll have kids. Then that stuffs over. I was hoping to see the pics. Shows what is important to you. Your a sad man Tony.

Ouch my man, major ouch. Don't worry, got past a major plot point in the game, so I'll be able to dedicate a lot of my day tomorrow to the TB and all things related. Waking up at 11 today didn't help any... allergies have been killing me.

[bgwolfpack]

allergies?My god you do live in SoCal. The temperature here is 48%F and won't stop raining. If allergies keep you in there than middle coast Oregon will become your cave.
I really do want to see the pics of what you've done. It may help me with an idea or two.
Do you really want people to call you Tony?

[Philberto]

My allergies are to the dust and the Santa Ana winds. I would kill for cold temps and cool rain. And no, I was just kidding about the Tony bit... my name is Phil. I was just making a reference to Tony Stark from Ironman. I will get pics when I can, I always do, especially when you guys remind me.

[janesy86]

If you guys still lookin for pics of the antenna under the cowl...