Anyone have a functional Shark Fin Antenna?

I'm holding off on installing mine until I give up on finding a small FM amplifier to go inside the fin. I'm not sure I'd want to build my own, but if anyone has info on building one I'd like to look at it.

The type of amplifier I used in the 80's that plugged into the radio and had a on/off switch was good in one car and useless in another, so I have hope but not a lot...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mikepaul @ Apr 4 2006, 02:38 AM) [snapback]234196[/snapback]</div>

My Japanese Toyota Tech Manual says there is a Radio Antenna Amplifier installed as standard.
Anyone can confirm this on the US model?

Ken@Japan

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Any body go through an automated car wash yet?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mikepaul @ Apr 3 2006, 10:38 AM) [snapback]234196[/snapback]</div>

If you're looking for an amplified antenna then why didn't you go with the one from Sigma?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(acousticbiker @ Apr 3 2006, 06:21 PM) [snapback]234386[/snapback]</div>

At least 4 times. I always use the touchless car washes, but the SF antenna is still holding up fine...as solid as the day I put it on.

 

I just had my VG Shark Fin installed today with the micro XM antenna incorporated with the installation. I was hesitant at first as to wether or not I even liked the antenna but after I see what a clean look it is, I love it. I do notice a weaker signal for both the facotry head unit as well as the XM but not enough for me to regret my decision. The information on the PC topic was most helpful. Thank you.

 

Glamour shot of the antenna out in the woods last weekend.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 14 2006, 10:38 PM) [snapback]240028[/snapback]</div>

Nice Pic. Boy I wish we could tint here in Illinois!

 

I just can't own a car that isn't tinted now. I wish I could also legally put a bit of tint on the front side windows... but that's something we can't do here in CA. The fronts are NOT tinted in that shot - but the more light you keep out of the rest of the car, the darker it all looks. This is just one of the reasons I chose the dark interior as well...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ken1784 @ Apr 3 2006, 12:16 PM) [snapback]234251[/snapback]</div>

Ken it also shows up in the US wiring diagram as well but I haven't actually looked and verified that it actually exists.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Apr 15 2006, 10:56 AM) [snapback]240218[/snapback]</div>

Interesting. I wonder where they'd hide it?

 

I also have the Shark Fin antenna. I was happy to get rid of the 1 foot long antenna that made the prius look like a remote control car. I installed the sharkfin and did not notice any reception loss.

After about a week, I came across someone that put there Satelite antenna underneath the sharkfin. I said to myself, "why didn't i think of that?" I originally put my Sirius sat antenna right behind the sharkfin, kind of an eyesore but, I didn't know what else to do, till now.

So i ended up ordering a new gasket/sticker and tucked my Sirius Satelite antenna right underneath the sharkfin. I ran the wire thru the original antenna hole and tightened everything up.

Now, nothing visible but the sharkfin.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 15 2006, 10:43 AM) [snapback]240211[/snapback]</div>

You can tint the front side windows. The law was changed in Jan 1999. It is a lower precentage than the rears but you can do it. See vehichle code
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), clear, colorless, and transparent
material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the front side windows,
located to the immediate left and right of the front seat if the following
conditions are met:

(1) The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 15 2006, 12:02 PM) [snapback]240231[/snapback]</div>

screen capture of the wiring diagram

 

From the part location from a 2006 it looks like its behind the radio or in the radio.

[attachmentid=2993]

Part number A23

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScubaX @ Apr 15 2006, 08:47 PM) [snapback]240393[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Scuba. I know about the 88% - and in most cases that means *nothing* more can be added. Factory tint is usually about 90%, so there's nothing more to legally add. That's all I meant. I'm I big VC fan myself.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScubaX @ Apr 15 2006, 08:47 PM) [snapback]240393[/snapback]</div>

The problem is that almost no tints allow for 88% light transmittance. I have V-Kool 75 and it's almost invisible. The issue is that it's metallic and can/might cause some degridation with your sat NAV receiption. I used V-Kool 75 because of the high IR rejection. Will do the rear window this summer (before it gets hot.)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Apr 16 2006, 08:16 AM) [snapback]240489[/snapback]</div>

Too bad they didn't put it near/in the antenna. The SigmaAutomotive SharkFin antennas have an amplifier located right in the housing. I'm still trying to figure out where I could get power for it without tearing the headliner out.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mehrenst @ Apr 16 2006, 02:20 PM) [snapback]240579[/snapback]</div>

Yes... that was my point. An it is especially try if you already have 90% from the factory! You can then add just 2%... though I'm still trying to figure out what is meant by the 70% comment with factory tint. :thinking:

The lightest aftermarket tint I've seen is about 70%, and as far as I know, that is illegal for the front windows in CA.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SaeGai06 @ Apr 15 2006, 07:19 PM) [snapback]240360[/snapback]</div>

Was it hard to remove the adhesive when you "reinstalled" with the sat antenna underneath? Did it leave a residue? Did Visual Garage provide the new gasket/sticker?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 16 2006, 04:18 PM) [snapback]240599[/snapback]</div>

Yup, it is. The place that installed my V-Kool 75 made me sign a waiver that absolves them of responsibility. But honestly, the V-Kool 75 can hardly be seen.

The optical characteristics are:

Typical Optical Performance on 3mm Clear Glass

• Visible Light Transmission - 77%
• Visible Light Reflectance - 9.5%
• Infra-red Transmission - 22.86%
• Ultraviolet Transmission - 0 - 2%
• Shading Coefficient - 0.63
• Total Solar Transmission - 47.3%
• Total Solar Reflectance - 22.5%
• Total Solar Absorption - 30.2%
• Total Solar Energy Rejection - 45.0%
• Emissivity Absorption - 0.61
• U-Value (Btu/h.ft2.F) - 0.96

Full Spec Sheet

I have it on both front and rear side windows. I guess if I was a bit smarter I'd have put something darker on the rear side windows so if I'm ever stopped the front ones will really look clear. But then I really didn't want the "limo" look.