Power antenna broke: What other options do I have?
10-13-2004, 10:49 AM
#1
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Power antenna broke: What other options do I have?
One thing is certain, I will not be going back to a power antenna. So, besides Bob's well written whip antenna mod write-up, what other options do I have?
The stupid thing is in the up position and I just know it is a matter of time before it gets ripped off.
I really do not want to lose any reception quality, so please keep that in mind.
Any other ideas for me?
Thanks!
The stupid thing is in the up position and I just know it is a matter of time before it gets ripped off.
I really do not want to lose any reception quality, so please keep that in mind.
Any other ideas for me?
Thanks!
10-13-2004, 10:58 AM
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How about this solution...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...926863106&rd=1
It worked since 1996? Why not?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...926863106&rd=1
It worked since 1996? Why not?
Last edited by 4RUNR; 10-13-2004 at 11:00 AM.
10-13-2004, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by 4RUNR
How about this solution...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...926863106&rd=1
It worked since 1996? Why not?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...926863106&rd=1
It worked since 1996? Why not?
This scares me a little too:
Originally Posted by ebay auction (antenna)
BRAND NEW DESIGN!! We listened to our customers regarding the previous Power Antennas we have sold and now have come up with the best High Quality POWER ANTENNA you can buy for under $30 which includes the correct Antenna Cable Connection for your vehicle, unlimited tech support via email, & detailed online installation instructions.
Thanks for the option though.
10-13-2004, 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by waskillywabbit
What broke? The motor quit or the mast cord snapped? I got a perfectly good motor but no mast that you are welcome to for shipping (if I do still have it, I think I do).
The mast cord snapped. Thank you for the offer, I appreciate it.
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10-13-2004, 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Bob_98SR5
christian,
midiwall has a short antenna on his 4runner. check out his website. iirc, its a shorty firestik.
bob
midiwall has a short antenna on his 4runner. check out his website. iirc, its a shorty firestik.
bob
It appears that Mark's site had a little "mishap."
10-13-2004, 11:14 AM
#9
Taco whip
I did Bob's Taco Whip Antenna Mod with a twist or two, but essentially the same thing. Very worth while mod and no more broken antennas. That is what I would do if I were you.
10-13-2004, 12:38 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
Bob-
It appears that Mark's site had a little "mishap."
It appears that Mark's site had a little "mishap."
OMG! HOLY SHUZBUTZ! NANOO NANOO!
I think the site burped earlier today. The antenna page is there now though:
http://www.midiwall.com/4Runner/firestik.html
In hindsight, I'd add a spring loaded base into that stack. The antenna creates a lot more drag than I thought it would and it LOVED to tug and pull on that base. I've broken two bases, and didn't bother to repair/replace the last once since I moved to XM radio.
But, when it was up, it was quite the setup.
10-13-2004, 12:46 PM
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Cool! Hey Mark, how much for the firestik components?
*EDIT* Nevermind, I just clicked on the pictures like a good boy!
*EDIT* Nevermind, I just clicked on the pictures like a good boy!
Last edited by rimpainter.com; 10-13-2004 at 12:48 PM.
10-13-2004, 12:56 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
Cool! Hey Mark, how much for the firestik components?
Ummm, the base that I have on now is trashed, I only leave it there 'cause I keep forgetting to find a plug to fit the hole. I never did get a spring...
I still have the AM/FM antenna, and I figure that I can find a way to wrap it and ship it off to you.
PM or email me with a snail address and we'll make that happen. When you get it, check the postage sticker on it and send me a check or a Diet Coke or a Rockstar.
Sound good?
If you're looking to pick up the base, spring and all that, I highly recommend ALF: http://www.alfenterprises.com/cb_rad...ing_access.htm
Alvin ("A.L.F.") is a great guy.
10-13-2004, 01:05 PM
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PM sent, thank you Mark!
So I will need to order the antenna base, spring, and proper cable to connect the radio to the antenna, correct? Anything else I missed?
Thanks again!
So I will need to order the antenna base, spring, and proper cable to connect the radio to the antenna, correct? Anything else I missed?
Thanks again!
10-13-2004, 01:28 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
PM sent, thank you Mark!
So I will need to order the antenna base, spring, and proper cable to connect the radio to the antenna, correct? Anything else I missed?
Thanks again!
So I will need to order the antenna base, spring, and proper cable to connect the radio to the antenna, correct? Anything else I missed?
Thanks again!
Base, spring and cable is all of it. I should offer you up my cable as well, though I don't know that I'll have a chance to fish it out of there. You kinda' have to tear things apart to get to it. Lemme see what I can get done tonight before you order anything. You'll need the base and spring for sure.
Using ALF's site as a reference, you'd want:
"Firestik Stainless Steel Springs" - Medium
http://www.alfenterprises.com/cb_rad...ing_access.htm
Mount wise, I used:
"DV-SB"
http://www.alfenterprises.com/cb_rad...vel_mounts.htm
I found that the adjustable bracket was handy (since the hole in the bumper was at an angle) to get the antenna perp to the ground.
EDIT!
OOO! I just noticed this!
"DV-SBS"
http://www.alfenterprises.com/cb_rad...vel_mounts.htm
There ya' go!
Side note: One negative thing that happened in all this is that I lost the diversity antenna from the mix (this is the antenna that's embedded in the glass of the far rear window). The net result was that my reception become somewhat directional. But Seattle's radio market is a bit crowded and add that to the terrain around here, and I'm sure that's a lot of the issue.
I'll drop another line here tonight and let you know what I salvaged out of the truck.
Enjoy!
Last edited by midiwall; 10-13-2004 at 01:34 PM.
10-13-2004, 01:31 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by gapguy
Wow, thats a really cool solution! Is it possible to use the antenna for CB as well as AM/FM?
It'll work, but if you REALLY want the best out of your radio (both xmit and receive) then you need to run a separate 1/4 wave (or 1/2 wave!) antenna.
10-13-2004, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by midiwall
Side note: One negative thing that happened in all this is that I lost the diversity antenna from the mix (this is the antenna that's embedded in the glass of the far rear window).
Well, thanks for all the help. I will stand by and wait to see what you scrounge up.
10-13-2004, 06:33 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
Well, thanks for all the help. I will stand by and wait to see what you scrounge up.
I have a 3' black AM/FM Firestik, and the remains of my "DV-SB" mount. I pulled the mount 'cause the cable that I pulled is attached to it via a "round terminal" type end. (it's not a PL-259)
The DV-SB that's on the ALF site says it takes a PL-259, so I dunno if this cable will help or not, but you can at least see what's going on. The cable's been "pre-shortened" for your installation pleasure.
The original cable was 10' or so, and I've cut this back (and soldered on a Motorola radio connector) to about 3'. That was long enough to get from my fender to the radio. If the mount you get is the same as this one, then you'll be able to move this cable to the new mount.This specific mount broke, but it was JB Welded a while back and never used again. It may not help, but it's not doing me any good so you might as well have it. Plus, it'll force me to get a plug for this hole.
I'll confirm with ya' via PM once this shipped.
Hope it helps!
