Hidden antenna
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,922
Likes: 3,056
From: USA
Hidden antenna
Anyone using a hidden antenna in their fairing? How is the reception? I want to scuttle my antenna from the rear of my bike. Any info, including installation issues will be appreciated.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
antennas work best when posted near vertical
amplified antennas will amplify noise at the same ratio as radio frequencies ( these are offered on ebay etc.)- so if your radio is picking up 40% static and 60 % music, an amplified antenna will give you the same 40/60 proportion
if you are in an urban area and stay fairly close to the broadcast tower this may make no difference to you
I get pretty good results with a $8 pepboys rubber stubby mounted using the relocate bracket that comes with the detachable kit
mike
amplified antennas will amplify noise at the same ratio as radio frequencies ( these are offered on ebay etc.)- so if your radio is picking up 40% static and 60 % music, an amplified antenna will give you the same 40/60 proportion
if you are in an urban area and stay fairly close to the broadcast tower this may make no difference to you
I get pretty good results with a $8 pepboys rubber stubby mounted using the relocate bracket that comes with the detachable kit
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 20, 2014 at 11:06 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,915
From: King George, VA
Not a whole lot of science about the antennas. MKguitar is right about the antenna being vertical for best performance. The hidden antennas usually include an amplifier to compensate for the reduced length. Unfortunately, it amplifies the static as well as the radio signal, so you still aren't going to be able to pick out the weaker stations without the noise too. With the bike sitting still and motor not running, you can hear a lot of station, but once on the road, the weaker ones go away.
You can cut down the stock antenna. Look at the base of the antenna where the whip goes into a threaded base, you will see a small allen set screw in the side of the antenna base. Loosen the allen set screw and the whip can be pulled out and cut about a foot or so shorter.
You can cut down the stock antenna. Look at the base of the antenna where the whip goes into a threaded base, you will see a small allen set screw in the side of the antenna base. Loosen the allen set screw and the whip can be pulled out and cut about a foot or so shorter.
Last edited by EasternSP; Feb 20, 2014 at 10:55 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Actually there IS a lot of science about antennas, the length of the antenna is calculated for the frequencies desired- "tuned". there is a direct relationship between the length of an antenna and the frequencies that it will easily receive.
better results cutting a solid antenna ( no loading coils, no wiring wrapped around it), would be found by cutting it exactly in half or quarters. ( so the octave and 2 octaves above the fundamental)
random cuts will result in the antenna being tuned for random frequencies.
mike
better results cutting a solid antenna ( no loading coils, no wiring wrapped around it), would be found by cutting it exactly in half or quarters. ( so the octave and 2 octaves above the fundamental)
random cuts will result in the antenna being tuned for random frequencies.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 20, 2014 at 12:26 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 341
Likes: 4
From: Denver
I have the HD hidden antenna and it works great. I've noticed no difference in the city or in the country.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 1,076
From: SE SC
Actually there IS a lot of science about antennas, the length of the antenna is calculated for the frequencies desired- "tuned". there is a direct relationship between the length of an antenna and the frequencies that it will easily receive.
better results cutting a solid antenna ( no loading coils, no wiring wrapped around it), would be found by cutting it exactly in half or quarters. ( so the octave and 2 octaves above the fundamental)
random cuts will result in the antenna being tuned for random frequencies.
mike
better results cutting a solid antenna ( no loading coils, no wiring wrapped around it), would be found by cutting it exactly in half or quarters. ( so the octave and 2 octaves above the fundamental)
random cuts will result in the antenna being tuned for random frequencies.
mike