External Antenna - Mo'...

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

Taka,

My recollection ( this is for the '86 5KTQ right) is there were two wires to
enable power to the OE antennae.  One was for the power to relay the antenna
to go up.  The other was for the power to a built in signal pre-amp in the
antenna.  If you didn't have that pre-amp wire enabled when the radio went
on, even though the antennae went up, there is no reception - none, zilch.

The wire if I recall correctly was white, maybe gray.  I had to refer to the
Bently fot the convoluted 10 speaker system wiring diagram to confirm which
one.

Also, I noticed on two 4K antennaes(both broken) that there is a switch for
80/90 series cars.  Must be an impedance thing to help match the car, or
possibly to work with one with the antennae in the windscreen.  I hope that
helps steer you in the right direction, and help others with the problem.

Regards,

Ben
4KQ - currently using non powere antennae after someone ripped off the mast
on the powered one - reception OK.  Will be replacing with powere antennae
from Harbor Freight $16 and will post results.

5KcsTQW - Fuba whip works fine even after wrapping the dry rotting mast with
black electrical tape to prevent it eventual demise.

+++++++++++++++++++

Thanks for the notes.

I do know that the antennae are amplified. For that reason, I
bought the Metra VW/Audi amplified antenna adapter, which is
supposed to fix this problem. The only thing I can think of is that
I hooked it up incorrectly. The power antenna turn-on lead is
hooked up to the adapter wire- maybe I need to hook up the adapter
wire to constant power?

I've tried both the black plug and the white plug antennae and
both have lousy reception. I don't remember which antenna is
plugged in right now, I'll have to check.

Any further thoughts?

Taka