PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

So my '01 SSEi is my first vehicle that uses the defroster grid as the radio antenna (in addition to the one in the windshield). The rear defroster on mine does not work (have yet to start troubleshooting it) and I know that could affect antenna performance. Despite that, from what I've seen searching on the 'net the consensus is that glass-grid antennae don't receive as well as an old-school whip sticking up. I know the Bonneville's dual grid antennae and antenna black box are awesome in theory but 11 years of wear & tear have left my Bonneville as having the worst radio reception I've ever had in a car.

Has anyone ever added a whip style antenna and bypassed the antenna module? If so, how did it compare to the glass grid setup? I do plan on fixing the rear defroster issue regardless.

I'm also considering adding an antenna anyway, a trunk lip CB antenna and have thought of using one of these: http://www.firestik.com/Catalog/AR-1A.htm. This would do dual duty and bypass the antenna module for the stereo. Just to be clear, this is not just for the stereo--I would also be installing a CB radio as well. Since the CB would have to have an antenna I thought I'd try this.

Any thoughts? I can understand how eliminating the whip antenna might make for a smoother-looking design but then why go screw that idea up by sticking a through-the-glass cellular antenna on the rear glass for the Onstar system?

AFAIK, the rear antenna and the defroster are two separate circuits, but I could be wrong.

I have not seen anyone use a whip antenna on these cars.

I don't see why you want to use a CB, but that's just me, lol. Most people have cell-phones now days, only truckers use CB's anymore. However, do what makes you happy.

I too, believe that the antenna and defroster are two different circuits.

00Beast wrote:AFAIK, the rear antenna and the defroster are two separate circuits, but I could be wrong.

I have not seen anyone use a whip antenna on these cars.

I don't see why you want to use a CB, but that's just me, lol. Most people have cell-phones now days, only truckers use CB's anymore. However, do what makes you happy.

I spend a lot of time on the road for work and often go through areas where I have no cellular reception. Besides, it can be something different to listen to (I usually don't chat much). The CB I'm planning on using also has NOAA weather radio channels built in.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have a chance to take a closer look. Thanks!

They are indeed two different circuits.

Here is what I would do and why... (HAM radio guy here and many years as a Comm Maintenance guy in the Marines...)

DO NOT use the same antenna for you radio as you would for a CB for many reasons....

1. 4watts from the CB going directly into your head unit is BAD. Over time you will burn the tuner. I had a guy when I was in the Marines decide to try to connect 6 radios to one antenna and on low power (10 watts) he managed to fry the other 5 radio after transmitting as transmitters have a relay in them that takes out the receiver when transmitting just for that reason... Direct injection of RF is a BAD thing to receiver circuits. and given enough RF it can bleed into other things as well since the radio is connected to other electronics in the car...

2. CB's operate at a different band that your car's tuner, (29Hz vs 100MHz FM and 1000 Hz AM). again affecting its ability to recieve stations properly.

If you have the Onstar Antenna it was designed to work at 900-1800MHz. however its mast is replaceable with one tuned to your CB as you mostly receive, this should work well for your purposes. Or you can get a glass passthrough as a Lip mounted over time will damage the paint, just a thought... my Onstar is now a 2m antenna and you can't tell for other than the coil in the middle that it is not stock :D

Believe it or not there is more to an antenna than meets the eye and each RF device deserves its own antenna, that is why on a police car you see so many and of different sizes.

My '02's radio reception is still as good as the 04 Grand Prix that I bought new. So possible your tuner is having issues? There really is no wear and tear on the windshield antenna unless you have a bad connection to it from say someone not careful cleaning and damaged the connection?

I second what leatherneck said... I am also a ham operator. I was going to mention the power implication not to mention the different frequency bands.

Could also be what happened is if the windshield was replaced in the car you would want to make sure that the connection for the antenna was again made solid. I'm not sure how it's done in these cars but a lot of windshield based antennas have a snap similar to what is on a coat.

I have an 05 GXP and I notice that my AM reception sucks but since my favorite AM radio station just bought an FM station and is broadcasting on it now it really doesn't matter to me anymore.

I am planning to replace the amp and speakers for my system because I don't like the stock layout. Also I'm guessing the impedance is different between the stock unit and an aftermarket unit. I heard that the stocks use 2 ohm as opposed to 4 ohm speakers. Anyway that is off topic..

Bottom line - don't do it. Use a separate antenna for the radio for which it was designed.

my Onstar is now a 2m antenna and you can't tell for other than the coil in the middle that it is not stock

How did you do that? I have a rig that I may want to find a spot for if I could use the onstar antenna. I have no use for the onstar anyway.. I took the transmitter unit out of my 2001 because it was interfering with my ham rig not to mention I didn't want my car broadcasting to onstar or have them have ANY control over my car.

-Rich

While the splitter would work they generally throw the tuning out of the antenna for CB usage.
They are built with filters in them to reduce the amount of power going to the head-unit. They are able to do because they operate on much different frequencies.

I'm still contemplating where I am going to plant the forest of antennas that eventually will end up on my car... I've thought of going with a standard mast for the car-stereo on the driver side directly opposite the factory position, and placing my 10 meter (near CB band) antenna which is about the same height in the factory antenna hole, and the smaller antennas for 2m and 800Mhz elsewhere on the trunk.

I appreciate the input, guys. Getting anything done with a fussy baby has been almost impossible, though! And now my latest project is working on a Briggs & Stratton V-Twin mower motor--and I don't like mowing but with 4 acres it's necessary from time to time. Plus I have to keep the wife happy.

I understand the differences of the frequency bands and radio basics and what the ideal situation for each would be (one has to learn the basics in order to get the BS Physics degree I somehow earned ;-) ). I'm still tempted to try my original plan just to test out that splitter device. I'll update once I have a chance to do something to it!