HOW-TO: Connect aftermarket radio to antenna on the cheap.

[ContraAl]

Save your $$$! You only need a $2.00 antenna extention (3 ft) NOT a $20 antenna adapter. Just take off the passenger kick panel.

Connect it here.
/attachments/radio antenna/2051DSC00167.JPG

[SilverSRT4bang]

No shit, nice find. I had to buy mine more than 2 yrs ago, sucks to find this now.

[neonsohc]

umm would this help reception with an aftermarket radio. i have my sftermarket connected to where the stcok radio connected. i had no issues with it. but ive notcied reception is kind of bad.

[ContraAl]

How's your AM reception?

[neonsohc]

its decent.

[blazinsrt]

Yeah thanks AL I already figured that one out!:thumb:

[ContraAl]

The reason why I ask is because the ground plane is the key to good reception. AM is largly dependant on the ground plane. The ground plane is not so critical on FM but could be the difference between okay reception and awesome reception.

You can test the grounds with a DMM. Basically unplug the antenna from the back of the radio. Then test the shielding from the antenna lead going (antenna side) and the negative post on the battery. The resistance reading should be less than .5 OHM. (lower is better) If you find that the resistance is higher then test it from the (unpainted) base of the antenna to the battery. Keep working up the antenna lead to the back of the radio until you find the problem.

Should you find that the shielding is in good order then test the center pin for breaks. Place one end on the center pin and the other on an unpainted part of the antenna. (towards the top is better) This reading should be zero or damn near close to zero.

After that then check the antenna lead for shorts. The center pin should be completely isolated from the shielding. If it's shorted then replace as necessary. You can test for resistance right at the back of the radio.

If everything tests okay, then reconnect the antenna. If you are still getting static on FM or weak AM then it could be the radio itself. Check the manual for radio filtering capabilities. Maybe something is switched on.

Should you find the radio is suspect, make sure you have good connections on the center pin connector, as well as the ground shield.

[ContraAl]

Yeah thanks AL I already figured that one out!:thumb:

I posted this back in 2003 on the "other forum" but ported it back here for content..

[neonsohc]

thanks for the info man. im going to have to check this all out this weekend when i get a chance.