Antenna mast broke for the last time! Recommendations?

[t_g_farrell]

Originally Posted by rx7 vinnie

iPhone and aux cable has the best radio reception.

Ditto! Ipod with homemade aux cable to stock 80 head unit on my SA. Rocks
Rammstein!

Sometimes its just the internal plastic mast that needs replaced, as they
break at the point of max externsion and then refuse to retract unless you
push it down. Also, having it automatically go up and down with the radio
power on/off wears them out a lot quicker.

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

Sometimes its just the internal plastic mast that needs replaced, as they
break at the point of max externsion and then refuse to retract unless you
push it down.

Sounds easy enough but even if I wanted to deal with this again the mast is no longer available.

[Pete_89T2]

Been there, done that

Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to:

1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal.

2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models.

3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield)

4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Been there, done that

Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to:

Originally Posted by djmtsu

Zach has the S4 duckbill spoiler. Maybe look into something like you have pictured Zach, and recontour the base so it fits the body?

Yep, I have the duckbill.

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal.

Checked, not in stock

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models.

Honestly, I'm over a power antenna. . I've had nothing but trouble with one in this car.

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield)

This was an option and what I had to do I my Celica but unfortunately can't be done in the RX7

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

Yep, same here. . I don't want to drill into the body especially when there is already a hole for that. .

Originally Posted by chibikougan

Remove Mast Plug Hole Wire in...


http://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-elec...FUOewAod9C8L4g

I do like these but I'm not fond of plugging the hole.

[FC Zach]

I stopped by a local audio store and picked up an inexpensive universal antenna kit with intentions of using the base only. . where I'll eventually add a short stubby antenna. That's the idea so far.





This is the style shorty I have in mind. . what do y'all think?

[Pete_89T2]

It looks good, and it will work. The real question is will it get you the kind of radio reception quality you're used to as compared to the old mast antenna? Only way to find out for sure is to try it.