[Quixotic]

Since the XM Radio antenna topic was covered in a few different places, I am starting a new thread.

Attached* is page one of the two page instructions that came with my antenna. From my eye, it clearly puts the antenna close to the back of the trunk lid.

My dealer also got back to me with the answer from his source, restating the above.

*PDF is not a valid file to upload, so I'll put it at
http://www.icuonline.com/antenna1.pdf and
http://www.icuonline.com/antenna2.pdf

Hey Troy, how about letting PDFs upload!

 

[alk3997]

The initial response I've gotten is that your diagram is accurate. There was a late change that moved the antenna location and wasn't communicated to everyone. The diagram is the way the information is communicated to the dealerships. Sorry about the confusion!

My own guess is that this boils down to looks versus functionality. There is some degrading in signal strength if the antenna is inside the vehicle. On the other hand, there is the astetics issue for an antenna outside the vehicle. Since the antenna is *relatively* small, I guess the powers that be decided to go for signal strength over looks.

If I hear any more, I'll post an update. But right now it looks like the XM Radio antenna goes towards the back of the XLR's trunk, outside of any windows.

 

[alk3997]

XM Radio Antenna Photo

Attached is a recent photo of a Neiman Marcus XLR with the XM Radio antenna installed, taken at David Taylor Cadillac (Houston). The photo is taken from the side and the rear of the XLR is to the right.

The XM Radio antenna is circled. Just to clarify, the circle was added to the photo and is not part of the XLR.

 

[Quixotic]

It's hard to tell from the photo how much impact the antenna has on the lines of the car, especially with the circle. I'm still debating whether to install my antenna or not.

 

[alk3997]

Check the 1st and 3rd photos in this thread:
http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=293

The antenna is visible in both of those images. The bottom line is a choice between a slight change in the lines versus having the antenna properly installed so XM Radio won't mute.

 

[alk3997]

I wasn't going to use this photo since it came out a little dark. However, it does show the XM Radio antenna against the XLR's center line. Hope this helps...

 

[Quixotic]

I think the pictures have "talked" me out of installing the XM Radio antenna.

 

[alk3997]

Of course the other way to be absolutely sure is to take the XM Radio out of its baggie and put it on top of the trunk where it would be placed (drilling no holes, of course). This way you'll be absolutely sure of what it will look like.

 

[Quixotic]

It won't lie flat as it has a piece that goes through to the inside of the trunk. I'll stick to my CDs.

 

[pamlicopirate]

No Antenna for me

After seeing these photos its no antenna for me. Does anyone know if the antenna installation is done at the factory or a dealer installed feature. I'm still ordering Sat. radio but not going to have the antenna mounted. Hoping there will be an aftermarket offered later.

 

[paulr44]

Thought I had made a mistake but now glad that I didn't order!:iagree

 

[alk3997]

The ones I've seen are dealer installs. The PDF above also indicates that. Of course, that isn't anything official just what I've seen.

Your advisor may know more details.

 

[Quixotic]

An aftermarket antenna that is less obtrusive would be a good idea but I'm not holding my breath. the XM Radio system may be proprietary.

 

[XLRXTC]

has anyone thought of trying some different location. I have mounted them in many Corvette inside the rear fascia and they have worked great. I am wondering if I can fid a space in one of the fenders. If anyone has done anymore work on this let me know.:thumbs

 

[alk3997]

That certainly can be done with enough work.

I see two issues, though -

1) The cabling goes to the trunk area, so you'll have to find the location the cabling comes to before the trunk and re-route from that location. The moving trunk/roof is going to make this more difficult.

2) I expect about a 6dB drop in apparent signal strength when mounted inside a surface. Depending upon the type of material that could be more or less. Also the closer you are to the equator, the higher the signal strength will be. So those in the South may have better luck than the people in the North.

Obviously if it is incorrectly done, you'll be more prone to drop-outs which on XM Radio result in muted (dead) audio for a few seconds. It is why I was kind-of glad that the antenna was moved outside, despite the appearance issues.

 

[XLRXTC]

good points. I was looking at the instructions that came with the antenna and noticing the wiring on the trunk lid. this may put a bit of a problem in the mix.

I have done a number of vets and maybe it is the material the bodies are made of and maybe it is because I am in FL., but, I have gotten excellent reception with no significant drops reported by any one. Anyways just shoting around ideas.

 

[alk3997]

There is a new antenna available called an "XM Micro Antenna". It is small-enough to fit inside a hand. It would not be painted the color of the XLR, but that is another option. I also have not had any experience with the difficulties of installing that antenna rather than the factory antenna (don't even know if it would work).

Anyway, you can check the XM Radio web site for more information on the Micro Antenna.

http://www.xmradio.com/roady/

(look towards the right on that page)

 

[pamlicopirate]

that might just work

thanks for the pic of the micro ant. that just might work out especially since mine will be black.. arty

 

[Quixotic]

It is not apparent how to purchase just the little antenna. ANyone have better luck with that?

 

[alk3997]

Here is one link I was able to find:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/blxmmianxm.html



Once again, I have to note that I don't know if the antenna will work with the XLR's XM receiver. Someone will have to test that.