XM/SIRIUS anntenna and VEGAS/AXIS

[Mo_Mike]

After an ongoing "challenge" of where to install the XM antenna for our ONYX radio, I think we have finally hit upon the perfect (for us) solution.

We tried the dash (too many cut outs and interference when the wipers were engaged), tried up by the cabinets by the ceiling (still too many cutouts) and was almost to the point of fishing it up on the roof and attaching it that way...

Then, one day, I tossed it up on the over cab bed and raised the bed to the ceiling for driving... On the short trip, the reception was PERFECT! But, didn't want wires dangling from the bed. So ran the cable from the dash, around the trim on the drivers window up to the over cab bed. Then cable tied the antenna wire to the netting that is around the bed when lowered. At the bed, ran the antenna under the mattress to the center of the bed, secured with vinyl tape to the floor of the bed, and replaced the mattress...

Again works perfect, no dropouts or dead spots (at least not from the MH) And the bed can be raised and lowered with no danger of snagging the wire. And, there are no exposed wires (except about two inches at the top of the bed when the bed is in the "lowered" position. Other than that, it is my secret...

[axis earl]

Interesting and thanks. Could we bother you for a couple of pictures of where you placed it? I am surprised that it picks up the signal through the front cap.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by axis earl

Interesting and thanks. Could we bother you for a couple of pictures of where you placed it? I am surprised that it picks up the signal through the front cap.

I was told that since the front cap is fiberglass, it doesn't block any signals (as long as you stay away from the bed tracks on the side)

When I get home, I will post pictures and upload

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by axis earl

Interesting and thanks. Could we bother you for a couple of pictures of where you placed it? I am surprised that it picks up the signal through the front cap.

Here are the pictures, sorry for the delay. As you can see, ran the cable up around the drivers window frame, then across to the safety net then cable tied through the net to the floor of the bed...

You also cant feel the antenna through the bed, if you are laying on it


Also, the only area you can see the cable is between the frame and the net, and that is only when the bed is lowered.(I have a thing about hiding cables and wires)

No cutouts or issues, yet.

[tnedator]

Since I plan remove mattress and use it for storage (dog pen and such), I wonder if using the same idea it would be possible to tack/affix it to the ceiling above the bed.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by tnedator

Since I plan remove mattress and use it for storage (dog pen and such), I wonder if using the same idea it would be possible to tack/affix it to the ceiling above the bed.

It should be, just don't make our mistake.of "taping" it upside down. Ours didn't work that.way, then someone informed.me that the antenna had a degree.range and upside down wasn't one of them.

[tnedator]

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

It should be, just don't make our mistake.of "taping" it upside down. Ours didn't work that.way, then someone informed.me that the antenna had a degree.range and upside down wasn't one of them.

I imagine that even double sided velcro or foam tape on the top would be no more of a hindrance to the signal than the fiberglass. Just a matter of what to affix it to. I figure anytime I can avoid drilling a hole through the roof, it's one less leak potential.

[axis earl]

Thanks for the pictures. I too have no desire to drill any holes in the roof. I was doing some experimenting after reading your post as far as positioning the antenna. I have Magneshades on our Axis so there are very strong magnets stuck all around the inside of the windshield. I stuck the antenna to the one on the top corner of the windshield and it seemed to work. I'm going to see what happens when I take it for a drive.