Antenna's

[poyta]

Has anyone replaced their standard antenna with something a bit shorter, perhaps one of those Shark Fin units I've seen going around?

Just wondering if there's any issues with this like perhaps the Australian connector not fitting with an aftermarket plug? Most of the shark fins are either European or US. Also do you loose reception with these?

I've also heard that you need to remove the headlining to get to the old antenna and you need to remove the airbag tags to do this and once these are off you can't replace the tags unless you get new ones?

[Nathan_B]

replaced mine with below, $30 and a whole 2.2 seconds to unscrew old and scew on new!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/05/IMG00054200904021028-1.jpg

[mrx]

I put a shark fin on mine, bought it for US$1 off Ebay (user name: vagteam2). It has a MkIV connector on it so I had to attach one suitable for a mkV. The particular one I bought has an amplifier in it, and I noticed no difference in reception from the bee sting. Still, it only costs you $25 (once postage is paid) to experiment for yourself.

The airbag tags can be used as many times as you like, provided you remove them carefully.

http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/19/2009688/SharkFinVW004.jpg

[Greg Roles]

I have one of the first style stubbie ones sitting in a box. The reception in my car depreciated considerably in the areas I drive, so I'd suggest the one with the amp. I went back to the fishing pole, depends on your locality to the radio towers i guess.

[poyta]

I have one of the first style stubbie ones sitting in a box. The reception in my car depreciated considerably in the areas I drive, so I'd suggest the one with the amp. I went back to the fishing pole, depends on your locality to the radio towers i guess.

If you're not using the stubbie do you think you could find it in your heart to post it to me to have a go? I would be your new best friend and eternally grateful.

[hienous]

I don't know if MY car is different or my particular model is different but I don't seem to have an antenna on my roof at all. I have an August build 2005 Golf V. Does anyone have the same issue? My radio reception is fine though, I guess they must have hid the antenna somewhere :???:
Just out of interest, would it be worthwhile connecting an external antenna at all?

[Maverick]

I don't know if MY car is different or my particular model is different but I don't seem to have an antenna on my roof at all. I have an August build 2005 Golf V. Does anyone have the same issue? My radio reception is fine though, I guess they must have hid the antenna somewhere :???:
Just out of interest, would it be worthwhile connecting an external antenna at all?

First models had antennas integrated into the windows. It's not worthwhile changing the system if you're not having any problems as they only changed later models for cost reasons.

[maca]

First models had antennas integrated into the windows. It's not worthwhile changing the system if you're not having any problems as they only changed later models for cost reasons.
Hey Mav why is this? You'd think they would've stuck with that design or introduced it to later models...

[Greg Roles]

If you're not using the stubbie do you think you could find it in your heart to post it to me to have a go? I would be your new best friend and eternally grateful.

Sure. PM me. :biggrin:

[Satanstoenail]

replaced mine with below, $30 and a whole 2.2 seconds to unscrew old and scew on new!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/05/IMG00054200904021028-1.jpg

Where did you purchase this? Looks much tidier imo.

[multi97]

You can get the Sharan replica antenna with Amplifier (the short one pictured) from www.parts4euro.com. They post to Australia free of charge for this antenna.. However, do a google search and find a link in GolfMKV forums to get it for $29 bucks instead of $35.

[multi97]

I don't know if MY car is different or my particular model is different but I don't seem to have an antenna on my roof at all. I have an August build 2005 Golf V. Does anyone have the same issue? My radio reception is fine though, I guess they must have hid the antenna somewhere :???:
Just out of interest, would it be worthwhile connecting an external antenna at all?

You already have an external antenna... You're one of the lucky ones that have the antenna on the rear hatch Window. They turned it into the beesting in '06. If you ever tint your car - make sure you use Carbon Tinting and not Metallic - otherwise it'll affect your reception.

[Tim]

You can get the Sharan replica antenna with Amplifier (the short one pictured) from www.parts4euro.com. They post to Australia free of charge for this antenna.. However, do a google search and find a link in GolfMKV forums to get it for $29 bucks instead of $35.

ahem :)

http://www.dubaddiction.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21&zenid=hncb2bvfjmettqvs7uhoef9l27

[multi97]

ahem :)

http://www.dubaddiction.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21&zenid=hncb2bvfjmettqvs7uhoef9l27

Nice... $29.99... do they include postage?

[Paul_OH]

Nice... $29.99... do they include postage?

I found this a waste of money with poor reception. I've swapped between antennas several times to confirm reception and once when removing it the rubber boot came off and all it is, is a short length of stainless steel rigging wire (1x19 strand I think). Ever since sticking with the OEM unit the reception has been faultless.

IMO it looks better but that's all

[Tim]

I found this a waste of money with poor reception. I've swapped between antennas several times to confirm reception and once when removing it the rubber boot came off and all it is, is a short length of stainless steel rigging wire (1x19 strand I think). Ever since sticking with the OEM unit the reception has been faultless.

IMO it looks better but that's all


I have had quite a few people from perth say that the reception is much worse there. A couple of people from South Australia have commented as well. Ive tested it in melbourne and sydney and the reception seems fine.

We offer a generous return policy on these so if anyone is unhappy they are welcome to send it back.

[Paul_OH]

I have had quite a few people from perth say that the reception is much worse there. A couple of people from South Australia have commented as well. Ive tested it in melbourne and sydney and the reception seems fine.

We offer a generous return policy on these so if anyone is unhappy they are welcome to send it back.

And that's appreciated, good service. I purchased it in August last year so won't bother asking to return it however it's interesting re: WA's reception issues.

[maca]

And that's appreciated, good service. I purchased it in August last year so won't bother asking to return it however it's interesting re: WA's reception issues.

When you find a solution regarding WA's reception issues, let me know!

I can't even get a clear signal in metro Brisbane!

[Maverick]

When you find a solution regarding WA's reception issues, let me know!

I can't even get a clear signal in metro Brisbane!

No problems here with the stubby around Brisbane, reception is fine where ever I test it (not that I use the radio that often).

[multi97]

I bought mine from Parts4Euro and the Radio quality is on par with the original. Maybe the dubaddiction one and the Parts4Euro one are of different manufacturers?

Anyway I'm in Melbourne so it could be we get better radio signals here, but haven't had any problems and had it on for around 3 years now.

[mikinoz]

Hey Mav why is this? You'd think they would've stuck with that design or introduced it to later models...

I think that it is a much better look to have the antenna on rather than not.

[Tim]

I bought mine from Parts4Euro and the Radio quality is on par with the original. Maybe the dubaddiction one and the Parts4Euro one are of different manufacturers?


They are exactly the same unit from the same manufacturer. Just at a cheaper price because we buy in bulk and run with lower margins.

As I mentioned above. It appears to be location specific that reception seems to be of a lesser quality than the standard antenna.
If you check the US forums it seems to be the case there too. Most people seem to love it but then you get the odd person saying they are having a problem.

So far Dub Addiction has sold over 100 of these and I have only heard from a couple of people with the problem. At the end of the day also as mentioned above. Anyone who has purchased one and is not happy with the reception send me an email and im happy to refund the full purchase price if you want to return it.

[cbx750p]

Same issue here in Singapore. Several members have tried the Shark fin antennae only to report that certain stations reception is very poor until they changed back to the original whip antennae. Even the stubbier antennae had the same effect.

A couple have tried the shorter JDM antennae from Honda and it worked perfectly !

CBX

[Maverick]

I bought mine from Parts4Euro and the Radio quality is on par with the original. Maybe the dubaddiction one and the Parts4Euro one are of different manufacturers?

Anyway I'm in Melbourne so it could be we get better radio signals here, but haven't had any problems and had it on for around 3 years now.

They're identical as Tim pointed out, I ordered one from parts4euro before someone pointed out dubaddication and I've seen a few that were ordered from there and they're the same as mine.

[Satanstoenail]

Anyway I'm in Melbourne so it could be we get better radio signals here

I think so. My mk2 has had a broken antenna for ages and I still get all the stations no probs.

[vw poster]

First models had antennas integrated into the windows. It's not worthwhile changing the system if you're not having any problems as they only changed later models for cost reasons.

Not true my friend.

They were changed because the glass antennas had poor AM reception and no fix was available. Hence the upgrade later in 2005.

[Brew]

Have recently bought this unit from DubAdiction - and can say that I have not found any difference from the OE "whip" antenna. So in that sense very happy with the unit and the timely service from DubAdiction. :)

My problem is that the AM/FM performance of the headunit (RCD300) in terms of radio reception is simply unacceptable compared with OE headunits in my previous (very old and cheap) cars. :brutal:

The AM reception is bordering on "unlistenable" - is it just me or do European headunits just not cater for AM? Having said that - the FM performance is also poor compared to the OE head units in my previous cars.

Anyone else feel this way or do you think I have a faulty OE head unit?

Would appreciate any views.

Brew

[Maverick]

Anyone else feel this way or do you think I have a faulty OE head unit?

Would appreciate any views.

Brew

The two antenna cables could be swapped around causing the bad performance.

[Nathan_B]

replaced mine with below, $30 and a whole 2.2 seconds to unscrew old and scew on new!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/05/IMG00054200904021028-1.jpg


Where did you purchase this? Looks much tidier imo.


ahem :)

http://www.dubaddiction.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21&zenid=hncb2bvfjmettqvs7uhoef9l27

Thanks Tim *thumbs up*

No issues whats-so-eva in Melb :)

[Greg Roles]

The two antenna cables could be swapped around causing the bad performance.

I for once agree with Mav, as there are indeed two antenna cables, and if the one that isn't linkled to the antenna is accidently hooked into the back of the radio, well you only have the length of wire inside the roof for an antenna.

I reckon it's the reason why some people get good reception regardless, whilst others struggle. I think it's the case with my car.

[kaoticice]

replaced mine with below, $30 and a whole 2.2 seconds to unscrew old and scew on new!

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/05/IMG00054200904021028-1.jpg

I have these ones.. and it suffers during weaker signal areas.. ><

[mark4323]

I for once agree with Mav, as there are indeed two antenna cables, and if the one that isn't linkled to the antenna is accidently hooked into the back of the radio, well you only have the length of wire inside the roof for an antenna.

I reckon it's the reason why some people get good reception regardless, whilst others struggle. I think it's the case with my car.

i won't even ask why there are 2 antenna cables :idea:

I can't get AM at all. Do you get AM? I might ask my dealer to look at this.

[Maverick]

i won't even ask why there are 2 antenna cables :idea:

I can't get AM at all. Do you get AM? I might ask my dealer to look at this.

For different types of signals! From memory one does AM and FM and the other does FM with poor AM.

[mrx]

^ It's actually a diversity setup, both antennas receive AM & FM, although the rooftop one generally provides a better FM signal. The smarts internal to the headunit looks at the signal coming in on both antennas and only lets through the signal that it sees on both, thus cutting out the majority of noise/interference (that will generally be different between antennas) - quite clever really.

[G-rig]

I have these ones.. and it suffers during weaker signal areas.. ><

Maybe use the stock whip if you need better reception.

The stubby is good if you're taking photos, but mine works fine around town.