Quote:
Originally Posted by cliffmac
...but I seem to remember that sending a radio signal from the back to the front of a car requires some kind of amplification....is that right?
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I've never heard of this, must be an urban myth in your locale. As long as the signal wire is securely fastened at each end, no additional 'amplification' is required. Next time you have the radio out of the dash, but still wired to the harness, try running it with the antenna lead unplugged from the radio, but nearby the input socket. You will still get a signal, albeit a weak one.
The amplifier, or signal booster, you refer to is sometimes used to boost a weak signal reception from the antenna mast, caused by a poor mounting spot for the mast/antenna itself, a too short mast, or more likely, geography in the area interfering with the reception, mostly FM.
If you can get the mast up under its own power, then unplug the antenna while it is still up/radio on, it may go down on its own, which suggests the unit is working as it should. If it won't go up under power, you could manually pull it up, but you do risk damaging the gears and/or toothed nylon lead inside the mast. I don't know what you want to end up with, but these are great antennas and easy to repair. Lots of info on the audio forum here.