CB trailer trash antenna ?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
CB trailer trash antenna ?
I am an aviator as well as VHF/UHF amateur radio operator. In my pick up, attaching an additional dual band antenna to handle the mobile radio was a piece of cake. But on the Benz, I want it to be near invisible, showing nothing more than the appearance of stock antennas eg cellular, GPS, AM/FM. That would allow me to keep in touch with aviation traffic or to keep in contact w/friend in HI (etc) while sitting in traffic here in Seattle. Currently, I carry the handheld aviation unit but the built in antenna suxxx.
Q: Anyone else here have experience or recommendation on antenna placement/design for this application in a low profile manner? I figured I would be able to hide the radio in the glovebox, trunk, or the cubbyhole beneath the radio. Prefer to keep the interior plainly pristine and German.
Q: Anyone else here have experience or recommendation on antenna placement/design for this application in a low profile manner? I figured I would be able to hide the radio in the glovebox, trunk, or the cubbyhole beneath the radio. Prefer to keep the interior plainly pristine and German.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 10
From: In the shadow of D.C. (No.Va.)
'05 E320CDI, 1987 300E, Vanagon Syncro, Turbo Arrow III
Originally Posted by raymond g-
I am an aviator as well as VHF/UHF amateur radio operator. In my pick up, attaching an additional dual band antenna to handle the mobile radio was a piece of cake. But on the Benz, I want it to be near invisible, showing nothing more than the appearance of stock antennas eg cellular, GPS, AM/FM. That would allow me to keep in touch with aviation traffic or to keep in contact w/friend in HI (etc) while sitting in traffic here in Seattle. Currently, I carry the handheld aviation unit but the built in antenna suxxx.
Q: Anyone else here have experience or recommendation on antenna placement/design for this application in a low profile manner? I figured I would be able to hide the radio in the glovebox, trunk, or the cubbyhole beneath the radio. Prefer to keep the interior plainly pristine and German.
Q: Anyone else here have experience or recommendation on antenna placement/design for this application in a low profile manner? I figured I would be able to hide the radio in the glovebox, trunk, or the cubbyhole beneath the radio. Prefer to keep the interior plainly pristine and German.
I just ordered an E320 and am a kindred spirit (Technician Plus/Turbo Arrow III). I am in the same antenna selection process. I have heard that there are some mobile duck antennas that aren't too ugly, but as you might expect, the performance is fair. I would definitely like to compare notes if you find something. I have been driving a 300E with a huge Globalstar dome for about 6 years and want to move to a more sane and non descript appearance.
Be forewarned, Mercedes-Benz is one of the automakers more sensitive to stray EMI/RFI in their vehicles. They have basically decided that any microwatt they didn't generate is bound to turn your car into a smoking heap. You'd think with all of the fiber in there that the issue would soon be moot. My dealer just informed me of a service bulletin ordering techs not to install Sirius antennas under the rear tray due to interference with wiring harnesses. I find that to be a bit unlikely.
In the 300E there was a great spot for control heads just at the head of the shifter console right under the ash tray. I'm thinking the glove box will be the best place in the newer E-class.
Last edited by pa28pilot; Oct 3, 2004 at 11:47 AM.
