Kenwood SIRIUS H2A Ashtray install (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 30, 2003 | 06:26 PM

ceboyd

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 4

From: Illinois

Kenwood SIRIUS H2A Ashtray install (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Well, it started tonight --- the new Kenwood Here To Anywhere unit is aobut to become a PERMANENT unit behind my ash tray door. The next task is mounting the newest generation small antenna on the trunk in front of the 3rd brake light and then putting all the pieces together and turning it on.

Here is the first 'work in progress' photo:

Attached Thumbnails

Kenwood SIRIUS H2A Ashtray install (WORK IN PROGRESS)-h2a-closeup.jpg

Jun 30, 2003 | 06:28 PM

ceboyd

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 4

From: Illinois

and one more view:

Attached Thumbnails

Kenwood SIRIUS H2A Ashtray install (WORK IN PROGRESS)-h2a-far-away.jpg

Jun 30, 2003 | 06:29 PM

ceboyd

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 4

From: Illinois

..and one more..

I'll post more photos the next time I get more done

Attached Thumbnails

Kenwood SIRIUS H2A Ashtray install (WORK IN PROGRESS)-h2a-2.jpg

Jun 30, 2003 | 06:47 PM

Phu

Pole Position

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 261

Likes: 0

From: Utah

Very clean install CE.

Jul 1, 2003 | 07:16 AM

dseag2

Lead Lap

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 4,664

Likes: 18

From: TX

Very nice.

I still need to do that with my XM.

Jul 1, 2003 | 08:17 AM

Robbo

Rookie

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 61

Likes: 0

From: CT

I'm very interested in hearing how you get the antenna on the trunk. My installer was completely stymied by the dual hinge trunk and the "fishing reel" cable channels.

Jul 1, 2003 | 08:30 AM

ceboyd

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 4

From: Illinois

I'll post the photos when it is done.. but my installer (a 12+ year master tech who works for Infiniti) said he sees how it can work by routing it next to the 3rd brake light wiring. Since the antenna wire is so thin, it should work out well.

..he did mention that it will be a big job and chunks of the car (including the trunk skin) will have to be taken off (and put back on of course) to make it a 100% clean and functional install.

Since I plan on taking a big out west (Chicago - California - Washington - Yellowstone Park - BadLands - Chicago) roadtrip, I wanted to make sure I get the best possible signal strength.

I've been told repeatedly the 'tail' is necessary as well as a metal ground plane of at least 12" round for proper signal strength (and no drop outs) in rural areas where there are no repeaters.

Since my big road trip will entail lots of 'middle of nowhere' driving, It will be a good test of a proper install

Last edited by ceboyd; Jul 1, 2003 at 08:38 AM.

Jul 1, 2003 | 09:17 AM

ceboyd

Thread Starter

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 4

From: Illinois

not bad... but even though the standard antenna is on the side fender, I'm a stickler for centering and want it right in the middle of the trunk to get maximum (ground plane) as well as looking good being centered with the third brake light.

I intend to use the magnetic (non permanent) mount (of course) to make it easiest for washing and Zaino applicaiton

I did verify that the trunk is magnetic... apparently, just he folding panels are aluminum but not the trunk.

Last edited by ceboyd; Jul 1, 2003 at 09:18 AM.