View Single Post
  #6   Report Post  
Old September 7th 05, 12:44 AM
Frank
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks to all who replied

yes I should have been more precise: HU = Head unit (or radio)

Sorry


"Richard Crowley" wrote in message
...
Frank wrote:
2) Should a "in-glass" rear winshield antenna be grounded to
the car's body? If so, from which end of the coax cable? (see
Q 3)


Grounding an antenna completely defeats its purpose.
Is this also part of a defrosting heating element or such?

3) Does the expression "grounding the antena" (in the case of
a glass mounted antenna) be as simple as soldering a grounding
wire from the outside coax lead end that plugs into the HU to
a metal ground of the car? Or should it be done closer to the
actual antena? SUch as at the junction of the end of the coax
and where the antenna starts...


The expression "grounding the antenna" is nonsense
in the absense of better colatteral information. If it is
just an antenna (and not part of a heater or something)
then "grounding the antenna" sounds stupid.

What/who/why is "HU"? If this is a part of the circuit
you are working on, you need to reveal the entire situation.
Otherwise, you will get misleading responses based on
guessing from thousands of miles away.

Here is more detail on my problem if this helps: inconsistent
FM reception ( static) with in-glass antenna where I use to
get crystal clear reception with old car.


In-glass antennas have never been noted for their good
performance. They are only popular because they are
easier for the auto manufacturers (and car washes). Many
people add a proper antenna after-market when they are
stuck with these things.

However, there is a twist to my problem: I noticed that the
coax cable (inner cable) from the HU is not truly connected to
the antenna even if it looks like it is. I tested it with a
continuity tester and it is not.


If "HU" means Heating Unit or something, it seems likely
that the antenna lead is connected via a capacitor. The cap
would conduct RF voltage while appearing to be an open
circuit at DC (which is what your meter is using.)