Satellite radio antenna and the aluminum roof

[bfivelover]

I just got Sirius satellite radio. I was wondering if anyone else has satellite radio and what they have done about the magnetic antenna not sticking to the roof? For the time being, I think I am going to attach some velcro on the roof and see how that works. Someone at work suggested some sort of suction cup device. Any ideas appreciated.

[Billy]

how about not mounting an antenna outside the car at all? Some (not Insights) have reported not needing it mounted externally. My first choice would be to use a coupler box, thereby tapping into your stock radio cable & antenna. Billy....

[Rick]

I have Sirius in my Insight. I almost got in to an argument with the Best Buy sales guy who was trying to tell me the magnetic antenna would stick to the alluminum roof. I contacted Sirius to see what they said, which was if using tape to hold it down I'd need a mylar strip to properly ground it to the body. I proceeded anyways without. I got some 3M side molding adhesive tape (pricey, but it holds forever) and put some pieces on the bottom side of the antenna then carefully cut off the excess with a razor blade so it looks good. I then lined it up with the radio antenna and stuck it directly behind the radio antenna on the glass. You would basically safrafice any use of your rear wiper nozzel, but I never ever use it anyways, and I wasn't about to mount anything that wasn't absolutely necessary on my precious paint.

Anyways, I ran the wire under the hatch window and then up under the weather seals. I have the brain mounted in the styrafoam block where the factory CD changer would go, which I hollowed out to fit the brain unit in. Then under the rear carpet is a channel that the CD changer wiring would run through. Then the wire goes under the side trim by the seat and under the scuff guard plastic piece (where there's another wire channel thats unused), up under the dash and over to the deck.

Hope this helps, the 3M molding adhesive tape can be found at auto paint and body shops. And you can also try mounting the antenna inside the car as well first.

[bfivelover]

Rick, that's pretty much how I mounted the antenna, at least temporarily, but with all weather velcro rather than 3M tape. I tried it inside the car, but I kept losing the signal. Haven't figured just where to put the radio quite yet.

[JeffKinTN]

I too have Sirius, but in my Element. I thought about this issue if I wanted to move the receiver to my Insight. Are there tapes available that are infused or made with steel? One could cut the strip into the shape of the antenna magnet and stick it to the back glass.



Addenum: One word: Epoxy!

[Rick]

Just use molding tape and don't worry about the magnet. The only time I loose the signal is when I drive under large freeway overpasses, which is wierd because I can drive through the tunnel under downtown Phoenix and it usually keeps the signal.

[bfivelover]

Originally Posted by Rick

Just use molding tape and don't worry about the magnet. The only time I loose the signal is when I drive under large freeway overpasses, which is wierd because I can drive through the tunnel under downtown Phoenix and it usually keeps the signal.

I just made a 500 mile round trip and the velcro worked great. If the tape makes a mess on the window, I figure I can easily remove the mess with Goo Be Gone or something. Just like you, I only lost the signal under overpasses. Mine is a plug and play with FM transmitter, so I need to be able to remove it and the antenna without a big hassle, unless I want to buy another kit and antenna. I just mounted the base to the dash (it had tape on the bottom) and ran the antenna wire between the seats. I have to use a little tape or something to keep the wire out of my way when I'm shifting, but the radio and antenna are easy to remove if I want to use it in the house or at work. Now let's see how long the velcro stays on the window.

[Rick]

I'll be waiting to hear how long the velcro holds out. I had a couple little spots of velcro in my rear window so I could hold a second reflective bubble cover in the hatch window durring the summer, but once it got hot enough the glue just failed.

BTW, for removing any glue without chemicals they make plastic razor blades. All you have to do is heat up the glue and scrape with the plastic razor blade, and they won't scratch.

[bc]

I just taped mine to the dashboard and rarely have any problems with the signal. I think the signal goes through the aluminum better than it would a steel car, but that's just a guess. It doesn't look great, but it doesn't permanently alter the car, so I prefer it that way.

[ScottH]

I solved this issue with XM by taping a fairly strong magnet (pulled from an old hard drive) in the upper right hand corner of the back window. Then the xm antenna will stick to the window. I've had pretty good luck with signal quality doing this.