I have the Alta billet on there now, also liked the Honda S2000, direct fit. Reception is the same for both, but the Alta is a bit better fit overall for the base.

cheers
jon

 

The base of the Honda mast seems a bit larger than the OEM MINI antenna. Honda antenna does have good reception as the OEM. I wonder how's the reception of the Alta antenna with the Kenwood head unit. I'll probably go to Alta in Beaverton tomorrow to see if I can try it before purchase.

 

The lines on your rear passenger side window are for your AM/FM antenna. That the AM/FM antenna is in the shark fin is actually a very common misconception...

 

Thanks for the info on the shark fin and what's in it. With my antenna in the side windows, what can I do to improve reception?


All help appreciated.

memo

 

This is going to be tough.

Your bad reception has to do with the geography of the area (the distance from the radio source/relationship to mountains or valleys). Use CD or tapes as needed for areas where reception is poor.

Your radio can pick up only so much signal. Want better reception without changing the signal? Change the in dash head unit radio.

Consider satellite radio.

Consider getting an aftermarket audio upgrade shop to add a power antenna in your rear fender (don't think it would work in the bonnet except up near the cowl area and front door jam. Then hook up the antenna from the radio to the power antennae- you'll bypass the rear glass antenna.

 

When I installed the Kenwood head unit in the MINI, I noticed that the antenna's wire and its core is smaller than the standard universal antenna wiring. Many European cars (MINI, VW, etc.) use a different antenna wiring than the universal antenna wiring seen in most of the cars. Hence, I'll be replacing the the antenna and the wiring entirely with a high performance amplified antenna. After installing it next week, I can post the result if anyone is intereted. :smile:

In place of the OEM roof antenna will be a shark fin, painted white to match the white roof.

Metra 44UA200 high performance windshield or glass mount amplified antenna

- Separate AM & FM amplifiers for greatest performance.
- Separate ground wire for noise canceling & a red LED to confirm amplifier operation.
- Can mount on windshield behind mirror or on fixed side or back window.
- 14 1/2" / 37cm overall width. 93" / 236cm cable length.

 

I never encountered any problem with the reception in my other three cars when I'm around Westport and Norwalk area. Redding shouldn't be much different since it's relatively close and I never noticed lost of reception driving up to Danbury.

The 2 lines embedded on the antenna could be the culprit for MINIs with OEM GPS.

 

Thanks guys. I think I'll get the satellite radio. The only problem I have is in the Redding area. When I'm in Danbury, it's fine. Norwalk, too. Oh well.


Thanks again.