Satellite Radio Antenna Placement (107)

[dichronic]

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for placing a satellite radio in their 107. I'm trying to avoid plopping it on the outer body, to me that would be an incredible eyesore. Right now, I'm thinking I'm going to run the antenna cable under the paneling on one side of the windshield, then under the paneling across the top of the windshield, so I can place the antenna between the windshield & the rearview mirror.

I've tried putting it along the center console area, my experience in other cars made me think this would work, but the reception is terrible with the hardtop on (it would probably work if I was only using the ragtop).

Any other thoughts, or your own experiences, would be appreciated. Otherwise, I'll be running the antenna up to the rearview mirror this weekend and I'll report back. Thanks...

[RadioTek]

Which type are you using, XM or Sirius? The antenna sizes are different, with the XM being quite a bit smaller.

To get the best reception, you need a 'backplane' for the antenna. This should be a flat metal area at least 6 inches square ideally. When I used my XM on a 107, I put the antenna on the rear deck, just in front of the trunk lid, but it was only temporary.

If you could get a plate about 6 in square, you could stick the antenna to it, then put it someplace out of sight, but high enough to get a signal. You may have to get creative.

Scott

[JLJ133]

I pit mine on the dash, dead center, under the rear view mirror, running the lead up through the temp sensor hole and under the dash cap - only had problems in concrete canyons..

[dichronic]

I've got a Sirius radio, the antenna head is slightly larger than 1"x1". I know from previous cars that it's not necessary to have the metal plane underneath the antenna to get good reception. I've always had good luck putting the antenna somewhere out of the way but near a window, which is why I'm aiming for the spot between the windshield and the rearview mirror. Anyway, I'll provide an update once it's done. Thanks for the feedback...

[donbryce]

I had plans to cut a hole in the plastic housing of my old-style third brake light on my 86 560SL, the light that mounts at the front of the trunk lid, glue in a backing plate, and mount the antenna in the recess. Well, that didn't happen because the cracked housing allowed the lens to pop out, which I never found, so I bought a later style one that mounts on the rear of the trunk. It looks much better, but has a housing much thinner and lower and won't accomodate the antenna. If you have the older style light, it's a thought.

[dichronic]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up running the antenna wire, as I planned, up along the a-pillar and then along the top of the windshiled, under the plastic trim the whole way. Then, the antenna head comes out in between the rearview mirror and the windshield and I've got it secured up against the windshield. Reception is good, I've only had one quick 1 second interruption in the past day of driving. Anyway, just thought I'd update, in case anyone was interested.