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Antenna Amplifier??

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:56 am
by BlueCrush
Does anyone know if there is any kind of cheap antenna amplifier for the stock audio set-up that will help me get some weak signals from the St. Cloud area like 104.7 & 100.7 so there isn't as much static down here in the Twin Cities? Both stations come and go while driving.Thanks!

Re: Antenna Amplifier?? (BlueCrush)

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:15 pm
by tribalman
yeah. i have the same basic problem. when driving a 98 dodge caravan i get a radio station pretty clearly from almost across the state, but with my vibe it's unlistenable. the best thing to do would be to get a longer antenna. i think the vibe's is too short cause even some locals have issues. does anybody have a picture of what the antenna plug looks like, or is colored? i have an aftermarket radio and what i'm thinking of doing is cutting the antenna wire and inserting a longer cable and running it around the car. the basis of the idea comes from this. those stuipid iTrip thingys so you can use a radio and listen to the ipod are transmitters, and because the makers don't want your music going to far to affect other cars radio's(or other items), it's weaksauce. a simple fix is crack the sucker open and attach a paperclip or other metal to the antenna, making it longer(size matters with transmitters and recivers). see also the old bunny-ears for TVs. a common fix is putting a coat hanger, or tin foil on it, effectivly making the reciever longer.

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:39 pm
by northvibe
yes they do have them, i know some other members here have used them. Sorry remember who or the specifics but im interested in one too as i wanted the shark fin antenna and yeah...need better reception as i travel a lot. oh yeah 104.7 i get it on the hwy to duluth/tc but its fuzzy in the city hahha.

Re: Antenna Amplifier?? (tribalman)

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:47 pm
by joatmon
the antenna cable is coax, the outer conductor shields the inner one, so running lots of coax will not help you pick up more signals, and running a long unshielded wire inside the car won't help either, unless you want to pick up more ignition noise

Re: (northvibe)

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:49 pm
by Kamikaze
Why would you want 104.7? That station sucks... I couldn't resist since I live here in St. Cloud....I wouldn't mind a booster so I could get more of the stations down in the cities....I know they make them, but I've never used one.

Re: (Kamikaze)

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 2:16 am
by BlueCrush
Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze »Why would you want 104.7? That station sucks... I couldn't resist since I live here in St. Cloud....I wouldn't mind a booster so I could get more of the stations down in the cities....I know they make them, but I've never used one.KCLD up there is better then KDWB down here...lol.I checked on ebay and didn't find anything. I'll haveto hit up Radio Shack or one of the audio electronics stores.

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 4:23 am
by Sublimewind
I'm not sure on Vibes, but I know on MANY Subarus there is a POWER option for the FM ant that you have to hook up to get proper reception... blue with white stripe on many aftermarket HU used to "power antenna"

Re: (BlueCrush)

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:06 am
by keithvibe
http://www.electronixwarehouse...s.htmhttp://www.sportsimportsltd.com/20amfmauansi.htmlhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...idgethttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...idgethttp://www.crutchfield.com/S-P...4UA60granted... looks like not a single one works as it says it is soposed to. Get yourself a k-40 cb antenna.. HAHAHAif your good with boards you can build one... lol http://www.elecfree.com/circui...c2570/

Re: (keithvibe)

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:44 am
by northvibe
Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »if your good with boards you can build one... lol http://www.elecfree.com/circui...c2570/oh that looks easy enough..now how to find the time to actually get myself to make one hahah (i still have a lcd to install in my visor that ive had for like 2yrs!)

Re: (northvibe)

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:49 am
by keithvibe
Quote, originally posted by northvibe »oh that looks easy enough..now how to find the time to actually get myself to make one hahah (i still have a lcd to install in my visor that ive had for like 2yrs!)Im glad you think it's easy... not me

Re: (keithvibe)

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:48 am
by ProtonXX
I saw a TRD antenna on ebay that claimed 50% better reception. I was looking for a signal boost too.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW