So after keeping up with this thread, I finally realized with nsxtasy’s post that we have as “in glass” antenna. From the wiring diagrams I could find, I did not see a booster anywhere along this antenna’s feed. So I decided to try and go without the main antenna mast and only use the “in glass” antenna with a booster.
The short answer – it didn’t work.
The long answer – While in the garage, I unplugged the main mast and found my radio reception was the same as when it was plugged in. Then after disassembling the necessary parts to get to the head unit, wire in an antenna booster from J.C. Whitley, and reconnect the head unit, I tested again. The reception was worse than before I put on the booster … or so I thought. I finally realized that the difference was the closed garage door that I had closed while doing the install. Once I opened it, all was back to normal. But ultimately, when I drove this morning using this antenna setup, the reception was very poor. The only thing I can pick up is the FM modulation I’m using for my IPod tie in.
So while this wasn’t a success, I thought I would share my experience to save others from trying the exact same path.
The short answer – it didn’t work.
The long answer – While in the garage, I unplugged the main mast and found my radio reception was the same as when it was plugged in. Then after disassembling the necessary parts to get to the head unit, wire in an antenna booster from J.C. Whitley, and reconnect the head unit, I tested again. The reception was worse than before I put on the booster … or so I thought. I finally realized that the difference was the closed garage door that I had closed while doing the install. Once I opened it, all was back to normal. But ultimately, when I drove this morning using this antenna setup, the reception was very poor. The only thing I can pick up is the FM modulation I’m using for my IPod tie in.
So while this wasn’t a success, I thought I would share my experience to save others from trying the exact same path.
