Antenna Booster Wiring

[944Toon]

Hi - I have an 88 2.5 8V with a window mounted antenna. Reception to radio has never been great but recently failed altogether. On taking out the radio I noticed that there's a loose black wire strapped to the antenna wire - both of which seem to route back to the antenna booster.

Question is - what should the small loose wire connect to? - I'm guessing that it's a live feed for the booster.

Gavin

[Gawernator]

I was wondering how this all goes together also. My radio has been pretty weak since I got the car, the windshield was replaced and I assume it's the correct type but maybe no antenna? I get one station pretty strong so the windshield would have to have an antenna right? But besides that one station I get signal in and out or just static depending on frequency. Long ago somebody suggested a disconnected antenna booster but I forgot about it.

[944Toon]

Just been looking at other after market boosters and would appear that the loose wire does need to be connected to a live 12V feed so I'll give that a go and see if it solves the problem.

[Techno Duck]

The black wire from the antenna booster should goto the 'power antenna' lead on your radio harness.

[zedsn]

I ran a small powered antenna that stuck right next to my 3rd brake light. I am very happy with it and with the reception. It is only powered up when the radio is on. I had to buy an antenna wire extension with some extra 12 gauge wire and was able to hide the cable/power wire completely so no one could see them at all.

[Gawernator]

Originally Posted by Techno Duck

The black wire from the antenna booster should goto the 'power antenna' lead on your radio harness.

Would it be likely that the PO didn't install the Sony aftermarket radio correctly then?

[944Toon]

Tried connecting the black wire to the power antenna lead but only succeeded in creating a lot of interference.

Suspect the problem is at the amplifier / window end but cant see any breaks.

Idea of a separate antenna in rear (i.e. where 3rd brake light would be if I had one) sounds good. Will give that a go.

Thanks

[zedsn]

You can put the powered anntenna about anywhere. It is black and about 5 inches long and about 1 inch wide. It has sticky tape for holding it on the glass. I just wanted it out of the way and put it by the 3rd brake light. I got mine on ebay and it was pretty reasonable. I got tired of the window antenna amplifer working only some of the time so went this route and have had nice reception ever since.

[944Toon]

Thanks for the suggestion. Going to take a look at that option.

[JetCity944]

Right, the black wire that is mated with the antenna cable needs 12v. It powers the Antenna Amplefier.

There should be two power antenna leads off the radio. One is for Power Antenna and the other is Antenna Control that powers the antenna motor. Mine said P. Cont for Power Control for the Antenna, that is the one you want. Only one is 12v.

The black wire with the antenna was connected to the Power antenna lead, but that did not work. Connected to the other one, now it works.

Also, check the ground on the antenna amplefier behind the glovebox. I think it just grounds to structure.

[944Toon]

Thanks. Tried both radio leads but no joy. Will have a look at the earth on the amplifier as you suggest.

[89-944NA]

amplifier may also be bad, they do fail from time to time

[mytrplseven]

I have a small antenna base next to the 3rd brake light. I think it was for a early cell phone. I'm thinking that if I can find an antenna stalk that will thread onto it and wire it into the radio I'll get better reception. Anyone have any ideas on this idea???