1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Limp or Wimpy Antenna!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Fore, Apr 17, 2012.

  1. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    494
    107
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Has anyone tried installing a replacement screw-on stubbier antenna on their existing 2010-12 Pirus and the reception doesn’t diminish and still looks good? The reason is my existing antenna is bent or curved over and I don’t like the way it looks. I’m leery to go with the Shark Fin because too many people and not just Toyota had said their reception diminished quite a bit after installation. Recommendations please and pictures if you can.
     
  2. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2007
    868
    123
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley, CA --- Land of Fruits & Nuts
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    For AM and FM, a larger antenna will provide better reception.........

    Keith
     
  3. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I don't think the reception could get any worse. In fact I think someone removed the antenna altogether and they got the same quality reception.

    Hey Fore, did you finished the foglights?
     
  4. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    727
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If you're going to change the antenna I recommend a shark fin. A stubby antenna is not much better just because the way the technology works is that the best antenna is the longest.

    As for the loss of reception quality with the shark fin (or stubby antenna), you get used to it in less than a week. Less than half of my stations were affected and that's only around rural, hilly areas.
     
  5. TruSound

    TruSound Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2012
    246
    32
    1
    Location:
    The 818
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Not sure how you'd ever get used to bad reception...it annoys the hell out of me, actually the reception in my v3 is the worst of any radio I've ever had, I loose stations completely in areas that were solid as a rock in previous vehicles...thank god for the satellite radio.
     
  6. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2011
    494
    107
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hey Fore, did you finished the foglights?[/quote]

    Yes I did Spiderman, Sorry to report but at this time I just installed them the normal way for now. Please don't be mad I have until Jan. 2013 to fix them the way you suggested. I do thank you again for all the time you spent to figure everything out.
     
  7. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
    7,543
    1,558
    0
    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yes I did Spiderman, Sorry to report but at this time I just installed them the normal way for now. Please don't be mad I have until Jan. 2013 to fix them the way you suggested. I do thank you again for all the time you spent to figure everything out.[/QUOTE]
    No problem... glad you got the lights in though.
     
  8. d2mini

    d2mini Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2011
    519
    106
    0
    Location:
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Is satellite reception unaffected by different antenna?
    I never listen to terrestrial radio, so I don't care about that.
     
  9. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    727
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    We're talking about the same type of bad reception. The reception I've experience with my shark fin is definitely tolerable. It's just a light bit of intermittent static. Or, the station is slightly softer. I never lose stations completely. Like I said, hardly noticeable.
     
  10. ockevin

    ockevin Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2011
    493
    148
    0
    Location:
    Orange County
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Just get a shark fin antenna and be done with it. No reception loss for me.