[aprssig] Re: Mounting 2M Xcvr in '05 Toyota Camry

[Stephen H. Smith]

k4rxr_ at rlburns.net wrote:
>
> I can't say whether or not all VWs since a certain date have had rear 
> roof mounted broadcast antennas, but I think they first started doing 
> on the Jetta GLI back in 1987 or so. I've had 8 VWs. The last two, a 
> 2002 Jetta GLS and a 2005 GTI, both with the 1.8T gasoline engine, 
> have had rear roof mounted antennas. Also, keep in mind that the 
> antenna VW uses has a small pre-amp mounted at the base of the antenna 
> under the roof.
>
> Bob...
>

My 97 Passat TDI had the roof-mounted Fuba active whip antenna like most 
other recent VWs,  but my new 2006 Jetta TDI has an antenna embedded in 
the rear window.  Somehow they are utilizing the defogger grid in the 
rear window as a small loop antenna that apparently responds to the 
magnetic component of the radio field (at least on AM) instead of the 
usual voltage probe whip that responds to the AM E field.   

 I was skeptical at first but it seems to be as sensitive as the classic 
whips, amplified or otherwise on distant weak AM stations. It doesn't 
seem to be as effective on FM (somewhat directional).   It appears to be 
very hi-Q and detunes easily.  I hear a noticeable dropoff in signal 
when I put my hand on the glass, or when heavy rain is sheeting down the 
glass.  

It also seems to sense power lines much more readily than traditional 
whips. I was surprised to get loud hummy noises not only when you drive 
under overhead AC lines (as you would expect) but over some buried lines 
as well. 


By the way, I have hit the Jetta's extensive electronic control systems 
with 100 watts of RF on all HF bands (including 30M HF APRS) into a 
W6HIQ Hi-Q "Stealth Antennas" screwdriver mounted in the center of the 
trunk lid,  and full power on both bands of a D700 into a hard-mounted 
dualband whip in the center of the roof with no problems.   

Despite the electronic diesel injection system, 6-speed 
computer-controlled Tiptronic transmission, electronic stability control 
and antilock brakes, this car is FAR quieter on HF receive than my '97 
Passat or my 2005 Prius.  [ The Passat's cruise control would go nuts 
when I keyed up on 40M, and it's trick  smart door locks generated a 
continuous broadband noise that made 6 meters unusable, even with the 
ignition turned off . ]





--

Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com
EchoLink Node:      14400    [Think bottom of the 2M band]
Home Page:          http://wa8lmf.com


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