Hidden Antenna

[chip]

I have bent my second antenna on my I.S. (lowered the garage door on both) yes I know, stupid but two cars two bikes I'm starting to get cramped for space. Anyway I have seen where some members had hidden their antennas in the fairing. Since I need to replace the antenna anyway does anyone  think this would be a good one to purchase,http://www.ecshylites.com/page/page/761353.htm the motorcycle specific TT2C  only comes with 24 inches of cable I think I need about 3.5 ft, is the male end the correct size it has a standard "Motorola termination" is this what I need? the automotive antenna comes with 6 ft of cable I think this would be about 2 ft to much. Another concern is the antenna shaft length. Any one have some thoughts or experience on this installation.

[firedude-94]

if you are going to hide it in the fairing just get a cheap one at your local auto parts store. mine is a 10 dollar unit. with enough cable to easily run under the tank to the right side cover where the plug in is located

[chip]

That was also something I was thinking about. didn't know if the cable end was correct on the common antenna. but I guess it is.

[GJS]

Hey Chip,

Thanks for the link. That looks like a fine Antenna.

Yes you can use a cheap $10 standard antenna, but you may be disappointed, depending on the strength of local FM signal.
What is important about the Antenna in the link is that it is not a 'Ground Plane' antenna.
Have you ever noticed local delivery companies have a whip antenna in the centre of hood of the car.? This is because of the 'Ground Plane' it provides.

Mounting a normal antenna on it's side will greatly reduce it's effectiveness. You will also likely notice reception is better in one direction over another. Having a good antenna on a long trip is a blessing, especially in Canada where you can ride for several hundred miles with no reception.

The Antenna in the link you provided does not require the same ground plane. Interesting spin they have put on it though. ALL signal is with reference to ground. The 95% shield they use is a ground shield.

I'll wait to hear if others have recommendation they like, but I'll think I'll be ordering the T-Antenna for inside the IS fairing.

http://www.antennas.us/store/c/28-ANTENNAS-by-Frequency.html provides some insight into Antennas.
Different applications need different antennas. I for one would like to find a good small CB antenna for the Interstate. Doubling up with the (normal) FM antenna can be done, but it really compromises signal strength for the CB, greatly reducing signal strength and range. I am considering one of these for that job http://www.cbcity.com/category/Antennas-32

All the best.

Glenn




 

[chip]

I just spoke to the maker of the hidden antenna to inquire about a 3.5 foot cable. He said no problem but special order would take a couple of weeks.And then he asked if I thought that their motorcycle specific model might need to come with a slightly longer cable as standard. I would think for any of the models with a radio under the seat it would need to be maybe 3.5 ft. Are there other models out there with the radios under the seat or further away from the fairing? This gentlemen seemed very willing to work with me,and I like that.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'm running a rubber attena from autozone mounted between the rear bags and the fender. I mounted my just ahead of the left rear turn signal. I get good  signal on the FM stations arround Houston. I run my XM most of the time now so FM is not that important to me.