• Protip: Profile posts are public! Use Conversations to message other members privately. Everyone can see the content of a profile post.

Since I no longer have my ANTENNA....

Joined
30 October 2000
Messages
4,249
Location
Houston, TX
I was looking for something different. I listen to the radio pretty often, so I always have the HUGE antenna up. Oh, that is until I went thru a toll gate, um, I mean under it. So, now that I did the disappearing antenna trick, I need to get rid of this static. Instead of installing a new OEM one, I had some alternatives in mind and wanted some more opinions.

Here's what I've found:
1st - This is a small antenna similar to the S2000, but smaller I believe (if I got this, I was thinking of mounting it on the trunk lid near the engine hatch)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443628419&category=33639

2nd - Hidden antenna that I can place in the engine bay area or mounted under the hatch glass.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443731030

3rd - Another hidden antenna but with added reception? Not really interested in getting foregien stations, just want to get my local ones crisp and clear. (this is what I'm leaning towards)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2444048736&category=38636

Anyone have any thoughts??
Thanks
Z
 
I'm not real thrilled by the first option; but the other two look like they might be good alternatives. The third might cause problems with overlapping stations.

Keep us informed as to progress and performance of the final install.
 
I'm surprised you have static, unless you live pretty far from the transmitters. Remember, even without the mast antenna, you still have the rear window antenna; the NSX has a diversity antenna system in which it selects from the stronger of the two signals. Without the "tall" mast (it's only 30 inches high), you lose range, but if you're reasonably close, the signal should still come in okay. Is it possible that your rear window antenna is not functioning - perhaps a break in one of the veins or connectors?

As far as non-mast "stubby" or hidden antennas go, I wonder whether they will add all that much over just using the window antenna, since the primary advantage of the mast antenna is the signal strength that is a direct result of its height... :confused:
 
Am I the only one that doesn't think the antennae looks all that bad? Guess it's cause I am an R/C nut!! :D :D
 
jmjrdh1 said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think the antennae looks all that bad? Guess it's cause I am an R/C nut!! :D :D

Hey, I never said that the LONGLONGLONG antenna looked bad. :D Just seeking other alternatives since mines broken off. ;)
 
nsxtasy said:
I'm surprised you have static, unless you live pretty far from the transmitters. Remember, even without the mast antenna, you still have the rear window antenna; the NSX has a diversity antenna system in which it selects from the stronger of the two signals. Without the "tall" mast (it's only 30 inches high), you lose range, but if you're reasonably close, the signal should still come in okay. Is it possible that your rear window antenna is not functioning - perhaps a break in one of the veins or connectors?

As far as non-mast "stubby" or hidden antennas go, I wonder whether they will add all that much over just using the window antenna, since the primary advantage of the mast antenna is the signal strength that is a direct result of its height... :confused:

Yeah, one of the stations I listen to is a bit far and without the antenna, I can't get it at all. I will check the window antenna to see if its broke like you suggest, but do you have any idea how I can do that?
Regards
Z
 
jmjrdh1 said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think the antennae looks all that bad?
No. I don't. After all:

1. It's only 30 inches long. That may be long for some other things ;) but it's not unusually long for a mast antenna.

2. I never see it on my own car anyway.

NSX FoYoAss said:
I will check the window antenna to see if its broke like you suggest, but do you have any idea how I can do that?
dunno.gif
 
dunno.gif



:eek: Ken, you mean you don't have the answer?!?!!? :eek: :p j/k
 
Hmmm. I never thought of using ONLY the window antenna. After my mast broke :eek: I bought a cheapo shorty mast from PepBoys (and it actually doesn't look all that bad to me).

Has anyone tried using only the window antenna? If so, and if it works acceptably (ie pulls in the strong stations without too much difficulty), do you have any ideas for covering up the hole?
 
SF944 said:
Hmmm. I never thought of using ONLY the window antenna. After my mast broke :eek: I bought a cheapo shorty mast from PepBoys (and it actually doesn't look all that bad to me).

Has anyone tried using only the window antenna? If so, and if it works acceptably (ie pulls in the strong stations without too much difficulty), do you have any ideas for covering up the hole?

I tried using the window antenna only and ended up connecting the mask antenna back the next day. It really depends on where you live. To answer your question, the reception is not acceptable in LA California. I’ve seen different sizes of black rubber plug you can purchase in hardware store. Plug the hole and seal with RTV sealant.
 
I have my antenna disconnected the window one does not do much. Even when downtown Chicago reception is sparse and spotty at best.

The only staition that really comes in is TAITEC!!!:eek: and it sounds great! :D
Aaron
 
I have experience with the 3rd antenna listed and it doesn't get that great of a reception unless you are in a good area. If you are in a valley, around mountains, or are not close the normal area of reception, you will just get a bunch of static. HTHs.
 
93B18 said:
I have experience with the 3rd antenna listed and it doesn't get that great of a reception unless you are in a good area. If you are in a valley, around mountains, or are not close the normal area of reception, you will just get a bunch of static. HTHs.

Thanks for the post! Now, with the 3rd antenna listed, did you get the same, better, or worse reception than the long OEM?
Houston's pretty flat, so it maybe different for me. :confused:
 
I broken mine last year. It hit a low tree branch. Went to a shop and got a cheap one and it weighs lot lighter than the original and its black just like my car. Reception is as good as the original.:)
 
JaguarXJ6 said:
Ok, I imagine looking at an NSX parked near a tree, looking up at the branches and wondering exactly how long was your antenna?? ;)
30 inches. But it was a very low tree branch. :D
 
Shark Attack II

Here is a link to the "Shark Attack II" antenna, with installation instructions for an NSX. I recently had this installed on my black NSX in place of the oem power antenna, and I am really satisfied with the appearance. The styling really blends with the rear of the NSX. It absolutely looks like it belongs on the car. I can't really say whether or not the antenna receives as well as the former power antenna, since my POS bose stereo has been giving me trouble for some time now, but I will post further once I get the stereo trouble sorted out.

http://www.locustom.com/nsx_install.htm

For those who are weight conscious, replacing their stock electric antenna with this one would shave a few pounds off the weight of the car. I estimate that replacing their electric antenna with this one would be worth a gain of 3/10 of one horsepower!
 
Last edited:
a few things to keep in mind:

1. Adding any antenna (regardless of mounting placement) in lieu of the long whip on the fender will be better than just the single on glass window antenna already in the hatch glass.

2. For the diversity antenna system to work optimally, each antenna much be at least a half wavelength apart; 31 inches in the case of FM signals. (assume midband 98 MHz)

3. An additional antenna mounted closer to the on glass antenna than 31 inches will reduce the diversity effectiveness. ie in the engine compartment.

4. Diversity is a good way to reduce or eliminate signal dropouts and phase cancellations caused by multipath signals.

5. Multipath is still very much present in flat level terrain areas from metal signs, billboards, cars, siding, buildings. etc.

6. The long whip in our cars is the only antenna used for AM reception.

It will be very interesting to hear how this works!
 
NSX FoYoAss said:
Thanks for the post! Now, with the 3rd antenna listed, did you get the same, better, or worse reception than the long OEM?
Houston's pretty flat, so it maybe different for me. :confused:

In the flat open areas, I pretty much receive the same reception. But in other areas where the stock antenna would get good reception, I would get static with this new antenna.
 
Back
Top