Antenna question

[Donaldo]

What are your opinions on the 'hidden' or 'invisible' antennas' ?

I see advertisements for some that look like long directional finders and others that are powered (12volt) - do any of them work worthwhile ? , FM stations are available in my area.

[Rude Dude]

Most Radio stations broadcast in a digital signal now a days so a lot of Auto radio receivers are synthesized tuners so doesn't need a huge antenna to pick up a good signal unless your running an old AM Radio.

[Donaldo]

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

Most Radio stations broadcast in a digital signal now a days so a lot of Auto radio receivers are synthesized tuners so doesn't need a huge antenna to pick up a good signal unless your running an old AM Radio.

OK thank you, but specifically what of the type of antennas' I asked about ? Or better options without drilling more holes in the truck.

[Rude Dude]

I plan on getting one of these and mounting it under the floorboard

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-6100

[Donaldo]

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

I plan on getting one of these and mounting it under the floorboard

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-6100

The totally negative customer review on that antenna is why I was asking here - hoping for other options -

or I will have to get the drill out..............:(

[Speedbumpauto]

I used a thing called a "tune trapper". Google it. Mounted under the dash close to the base of the windshield. I had already installed the antenna but did some trade out work with a guy to install the receiver and amp. When I picked the truck up, the guy commented "that stupid antenna thing really works". And it seems to, but you know, after you pay for the speed part, the car HAS to be faster. Whether it really works well or not, it's better than putting an ugly antenna on the outside of something I worked that hard on....but maybe it's just me.

[Indian113]

Rude Dude I have that same one in my S10 and I hate it ! It's very directional and limited range. I also have a hidden one that looks like a ribbon in the fairing of my Harley that works SO much better.

[_Ogre]

i have a cheap $9.99 autozone antennae wire tied under the passenger step on my 58
i slid some thin rubber tube over the end when i wire tied it so as not to ground the antennae

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i have a cheap $9.99 autozone antennae wire tied under the passenger step on my 58
i slid some thin rubber tube over the end when i wire tied it so as not to ground the antennae

I too used the Ogre method and it worked great.

Marc

[Highsider]

I have posted these photos in other threads, but just for fun...

Electric, automatic, retractable antenna. Installed in the early '80s:

[Iceburgh]

I have tried almost everything on the market.... I am sticking with Iheart radio

[Donaldo]

Originally Posted by Iceburgh

I have tried almost everything on the market.... I am sticking with Iheart radio

I was actually hoping for experience/opinions on hidden antennas, not programming. I did try searching but didn't find an Iheart radio antenna...

[iowaboynca]

LOL...I think Iceburgh is referencing the IHeart radio app on his phone...which is very nice...

[Iceburgh]

Yes Iheart works as an app on your phone. Most radios have a way to hook to your phone by wire or blue tooth.
As far as antenna I spent money on the tune trapper for motorcycles as well as 2 different ones from radio shack. None worked in my area

[_Ogre]

what are these apps you guys have on your phones
mine makes calls and T9 texts

[Donaldo]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

what are these apps you guys have on your phones
mine makes calls and T9 texts

How often do you have to rewind it ?

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by Donaldo

How often do you have to rewind it ?

You know i remember as a kid out cruising, it was 'shotgun's' responsibility to man the tape deck...and so help me god if you miss "Dumas Walker" one more time you're in the back seat...

[joedoh]

I have used a couple, the scosche windshield mount, the dakota digital. Metra made a fiberglass one for a while. mounting those under steel does not work very well but mounting them to the inside of a windshield does work really well. I have had a few cars with the antenna mounted in the windshield or rear glass, aside from being pretty directional with respect to which way you are heading (towards or away from the station) they always worked well.

I had a bunch more typed on antenna theory but it seemed extraneous on the proof read so I pared it down to:

I have also seen guys stick a 1/4 wave aerial under the dash (the ogre method) and as long as you provide the base a ground it can work pretty well (relax, normally your radio antenna input has the outer shield tied straight to chassis ground so just plugging it in does the antenna grounding) but not as well as giving it that plane of the hood to reflect from. as long as you stay in town where the signals are strong, you should be good.