Antenna Mount

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

The Hon. Igor Kessel said: 
> 
> >Does anyone have experience replacing the dual antenna system on a 90 with
> >a standard power antenna? Any suggestions on location, brand, and where the
> >antenna cables are run? I've had it with the reception/radio performance in
> >the car...
> 
> Hi, Abhijit. Before you start drilling holes in a fender to install an expensive, 
> obtrusive, Cr-plated (for a short time, while not rusted yet), telescopic fishing 
> rod, which is prone to break downs because of the natural causes and break ups 
> because of the neighbourhood blockhead kids, otherwise known as a "Power Antenna", 
> let me ask you this silly question: Is your OEM antenna working correctly?

I'm glad Igor's antennas work OK, but the ones in my 1990 200 SUCK!  
I have a Hirschmann antenna which will soon go into the LR fender of 
my 200, at which time I will cheerfully abandon the factory antenna 
setup.  I have checked the amplifiers and they're OK, but the AM 
reception (especially) is a joke.  I'm lucky to hear stations 30 
miles away which I can hear in my 280ZX at 100+ miles.

Also - the Hirschmann antennas do not rust, masts cost $18 and can be 
replaced in 30 seconds, and they don't stick out when they're off, so 
the local youth can't turn them into pretzels.

The following comments are based on experience with the 1990 200:

In answer to your question:

You need a 12v+ line, a ground, and a relay to trigger the antenna to 
go up.  The relay can be found at the radio - it's the same wire 
which is used to trigger the "amplifier on" circuit for the rear 
antenna amplifier.   Of course, you will also need to run an antenna 
cable from radio to antenna; since most antenna cables are too short, 
you will need at least a 10 foot extension.  Don't forget that the 
Audi radio connector is non-standard, and requires an adapter.  I buy 
all this stuff from Crutchfield (call 800-info); their price is fair 
and their technical advice is excellent.

You will probably need to run the 12v+ line to the antenna site (DO 
NOT forget to fuse it!!), and you will certainly need to run a wire 
for the relay.  You can probably get then under the carpet on one 
side or another by removing the door sill kick plates, but you may 
have to pull the back seat to get them thru that area into the trunk. 
Pull *extra* wire - you can always cut some off.  Pull the antenna 
cable at the same time.....

Before you cut a hole for the antenna - measure at least 10 TIMES!!!  
And direct specific attention to the area under the fender, where the 
body of the power antenna must live.  You better get it right the 
first time!  In my 200, the factory antenna site is tempting - but it 
requires one to thread the antenna thru the trunk hinge, and I'm not 
going to take a chance on it.  I'm mounting it about 6 inches farther 
back where there are no possible obstacles.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Al Powell                        Voice:  409/845-2807
107 Reed McDonald Bldg.          Fax:    409/862-1202
College Station, TX 77843      
Http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm

Saunders' Slant: "If it's worth doing, it's worth hiring someone
 who knows how to do it."