Antenna connector in A pillar?

[deliriousga]

I saw a picture from Tool Pants in another thread where it looks like the antenna plugs in to the booster in the A pillar using a regular type antenna plug. Is that the case or is the plug in the A pillar the same "VW" type that's in the back of the Becker units?

I'm putting in a Garmin GTM 10 FM TMC Traffic Receiver to go with a GPS unit and it plugs into the antenna cable, but it only comes with a regular type plug and an GM type plug. If I can plug it in at the A pillar rather than order an adapter to go in the back of the radio it would be nice.

Thanks for the help! :cheers:

Edited January 3, 2006 by deliriousga

[ukchris]

I saw a picture from Tool Pants in another thread where it looks like the antenna plugs in to the booster in the A pillar using a regular type antenna plug. Is that the case or is the plug in the A pillar the same "VW" type that's in the back of the Becker units?

I'm putting in a Garmin GTM 10 FM TMC Traffic Receiver to go with a GPS unit and it plugs into the antenna cable, but it only comes with a regular type plug and an GM type plug. If I can plug it in at the A pillar rather than order an adapter to go in the back of the radio it would be nice.

Thanks for the help! :cheers:

I can't remember what sort of plug it was but from picture four in my photos here http://lawlai.com/album/thumbnails.php?album=13&page=1 it looks like you may be right, certainly doesn't look like the euro connector. But this is the AM antenna - does that matter? Do they share the connector? I thought the FM antenna was in the windshield glass.

I think if it were me I'd get the adaptors and connect behind the head unit, it's much easier and they're only $20.

Chris.

[deliriousga]

That does matter. It has to be the FM antenna so I'll get the connectors and go from there.

Thanks for the help. :cheers:

[Tool Pants]

The am/fm antenna is in the glass. The thing in the A pillar is the electric booster. Here is an ebay picture of the booster.

[ukchris]

The am/fm antenna is in the glass. The thing in the A pillar is the electric booster. Here is an ebay picture of the booster.

Do you happen to know if it is possible or practical to replace the antenna? I happen to like AM radio and even after the "hack" the reception is quite poor. I'd consider relacing the antenna entirely if it were possible, maybe even with a body mounted one.

Chris.

[70Sixter]

Do you happen to know if it is possible or practical to replace the antenna? I happen to like AM radio and even after the "hack" the reception is quite poor. I'd consider relacing the antenna entirely if it were possible, maybe even with a body mounted one.

Chris.

Your ears might well be MUCH better than mine, but my AM reception is excellent. Altho typical AM interference sources like high tension lines are a problem. You might have a bad ground somewhere. I'd check that before modding the antenna.

[Tool Pants]

The quality of the reception depends on where you live. In my younger days I had Chevys with a windshield antenna and the Boxster is not worse or better..

When I started out almost 7 years ago Becker asked owners if they would be interested in an external antenna. The interest was low and Becker never came out with an antenna.

The 987 has an optional no cost external antenna that mounts to the fender. I have not seen it in person so I guess no owner is brave enough to order it. There is a retrofit kit for this antenna. It mounts near the gas flap. The installation instructions are 12 pages long and I have not looked at them to see if this can be used on the 986.

[deliriousga]

Thanks everyone. I found the adapters last weekend and put them in. Everything is working well and we can get around the Atlanta traffic and construction. :cheers:

[RAZOR1]

Thanks everyone. I found the adapters last weekend and put them in. Everything is working well and we can get around the Atlanta traffic and construction. :cheers:

Bringing back the dead here...

Where did you find the adapter?

Thanks, Joe

[ukchris]

Thanks everyone. I found the adapters last weekend and put them in. Everything is working well and we can get around the Atlanta traffic and construction. :cheers:

Bringing back the dead here...

Where did you find the adapter?

Thanks, Joe

You can buy them online at Crutchfield.com althought hey were expensive, about $25 each IIRC, I got mine from my local Tweeter store, I think I paid $25 for the pair. I'd think most car audio places should have them or be able to get them.

[RAZOR1]

Hey Chris.

You mention "pairs" in your reply. From what I have read all you need is the adapter itself.

What do you mean by pair?

Thanks, Joe.