Directed HD Radio Antenna?

**MachinasDei** · 06-02-2011, 05:50 PM

I have a 2007 STi which has an antenna embedded in the rear window.
I use centrafuse as my FE...

I get horrible reception? DO i need to use another antenna?
I am considering buying a cheapie antenna, pulling the rear window plug and mounting it inside the rear trunk lid.

are embedded antennas not good with HD radio?

thoughts?

**drewbp** · 06-02-2011, 07:21 PM

I am beginning to have a few suspicions regarding embedded window antennas. In my G35 I have an antenna amplifier. This is switched. So if you install an aftermarket radio and not hook the amplifier up to the ignition circuit from the new radio, it will never power on. I also suspect that it is very possible that if you turn the factory head unit to a different function, such as CD or Satellite radio, it very well my turn off the antenna amplifier since it is not in use. Both of these situations would make using the factory embedded antenna unsuitable for anything but the factory radio. Don't know if this is the case with all embedded antennas, but just my 2 cents.

**kegobeer** · 06-02-2011, 07:33 PM

I have a Visteon HD Radio in my 1999 Grand Marquis, which also has an embedded antenna in the rear window. I have great reception in CF, RR, and using the app included with Mitch's drivers. Have you tried using a different Motorola antenna cable from the HD unit to your antenna?

**mitchjs** · 06-02-2011, 07:36 PM

1st question is are you powering the antenna amplifier...

**darroj** · 06-03-2011, 07:15 AM

What mitch said - you have to power the antenna signal amplifier. I have an 04 WRX and my reception using the stock/glass antenna is great.

**darroj** · 06-03-2011, 07:18 AM

You can connect Pin 10 to Pin 14 and you'll have power without an issue - http://ae64.com/WRX-pinout.htm

get one of these if you don't have one already and make it easy on yourself

**MachinasDei** · 06-03-2011, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by mitchjs

1st question is are you powering the antenna amplifier...

glad you asked that, I dont exactly know.

I hooked up the antenna in to the Directed HD box directly...
I powered the Directed HD box red and yellow wires to 12V constant and grounded it.

i ran the RCA to 1/8 jack to my mac mini aux input

and ran the Mitch serial to usb cable to my mac...

Control is not an issue, and i do hear static and the stations coming in crappy..

am i missing a connection or soemthing? powering the antenna amp? not sure.

**mitchjs** · 06-03-2011, 12:53 PM

all glass antennas are amplified
90% of todays car antennas are amplifed
they need to powered on!
well.. when you figure out that part... i bet it works!

**MachinasDei** · 06-03-2011, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by mitchjs

all glass antennas are amplified
90% of todays car antennas are amplifed
they need to powered on!
well.. when you figure out that part... i bet it works!

so is the antenna NOT amplfied by plugging it into the Directed HD radio antenna in?

the Directed HD radio is fed power....does that not power/amplify it?

**MachinasDei** · 06-03-2011, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by MachinasDei

so is the antenna NOT amplfied by plugging it into the Directed HD radio antenna in?

the Directed HD radio is fed power....does that not power/amplify it?

I found a pretty damn good thread, but i'm still a little confused about how to hook up my antenna booster power.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=464212

So i'm thinking of cutting the white wire out of the harness and powering it to a 12v connection?
or do you guys think it'll work if i tap it off the same Directed HD radio power connections;
red wire, yellow wire, or both.

whacha think?