Shark Fin Antenna Arrived / Installed
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Here's the link to CT200hchat
Specify the color (comes prepainted) $68 plus shipping
Shark Fin Antenna 2011 CT200h | CT200h Chat
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Was very close to ordering this but one thing has stopped me for now, DAB radio reception? I have asked John at CT200chat.com and he has told me that he has supplied many of these to the folks in Europe. Any of you guys this side of the pond got any experiences you can share, specifically around radio, DAB and sat nav reception. Would like to read your comments.Here's the link to CT200hchat
Specify the color (comes prepainted) $68 plus shipping
Shark Fin Antenna 2011 CT200h | CT200h Chat
My DAB gets fitted on Monday at last so will be asking Lexus dealer if the module uses the arial.
Let me know, thanks.
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The antenna the shark fin replaces is the am/fm antenna. I have seen some reports which state am/fm reception is not as good as the stock antenna when replaced with the SF.
The shark fin is not used for satellite radio or NAV GPS - so no negative effect.
My wife only listens to satellite so I haven't even tried am/fm.
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Thanks for your reply, I understand it does not replace the GPS antenna, this is built into the base of the unit, but with the SF covering this I am concerned it will affect this. Also (TBC) I think the DAB will use this, so am going to ask Lexus dealer some leading questions, obviuosly I will not be able to mention the SF as I am sure they will give me a million reasons why I shouldn't fit it!!
Anyone in good old Europe using the SF with DAB?
Seeing as I don't use FM or AM at all, just Sat Radio, has anyone discovered a simple "nub" or cover that can screw into the hole on the roof for the standard antenna and just make it a little cleaner looking...? Reception might be degraded, but if I'm Sat only, i don't care.... Thoughts/Suggestions?
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Get these on ebay
You can get even shorter stub antennas
Black, Carbon Fiber or Aluminum finish
Installed on a previous Z4, current Z4 and 3 Audi TT's
I find myself on the fence with respect to the shark fin antenna. My initial reaction to it was negative to be honest. I was expecting a slimmer, sleeker look. I think it is growing on me though.
I have noticed other vehicles in my parking garage with these type of antennas, but they appear to have a much more narrow taper from top to bottom. In other words the base of the antenna is not as thick as the ones I'm seeing posted here. I like that look better. Its a more narrow fin without the thick base. Anyone know anything about alternative shark fin antenna manufacturers? I imagine there are (or will be) a variety of styles for these. Thanks.
I have noticed other vehicles in my parking garage with these type of antennas, but they appear to have a much more narrow taper from top to bottom. In other words the base of the antenna is not as thick as the ones I'm seeing posted here. I like that look better. Its a more narrow fin without the thick base. Anyone know anything about alternative shark fin antenna manufacturers? I imagine there are (or will be) a variety of styles for these. Thanks.
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I would guess the ones you have seen have been complete replacements for the original arial. The SF being sold by ct200hchat.com is just a cover that uses all of the electronics in the base of the unit, this is why it sits higher and is slightly larger than expected.
I am on the fence like you right now. My conern is reception and DAB (Europe).
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Essentially the SF is replacing the whip antenna with the printed circuit plane antenna shown below.
The ground plain is the base that the whip screws in to.
The instructions are clear that you should not let the SF touch the original base since this will short out the antenna and ground plain and you will have no reception.
The loss in signal is probably due the the printed circuit antenna shown in the picture is not as efficient as the whip. Also any metallic paint will tend to shield the signal and prevent optimum reception by the antenna.
This Shark Fin is a compromise. To get optimum reception with a sleeker design would require major roof surgery and paint job.
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The ground plain is the base that the whip screws in to.
The instructions are clear that you should not let the SF touch the original base since this will short out the antenna and ground plain and you will have no reception.
The loss in signal is probably due the the printed circuit antenna shown in the picture is not as efficient as the whip. Also any metallic paint will tend to shield the signal and prevent optimum reception by the antenna.
This Shark Fin is a compromise. To get optimum reception with a sleeker design would require major roof surgery and paint job.
The Shark Fin has been on my CT for three weeks now and I haven't noticed any difference in reception at all. If there is a signal loss when compared to the stock whip antenna, I would wager that it would be so minimal that it could only be determined using an electronic device that measures signal intensity.
As for the Shark Fin's shape and size, it took me all of 48 hours and several glances at Bimmers and other European rides to get used to it.
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Okay, DAB fitted, found out that the DAB does not use the black arial at all, it has in internal powered / amplified unit. Off to order the SF!!
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All ordered from John at Ct200hchat so can't wait for it to turn up now, hopefully only a couple of weeks.........
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Well went ahead and ordered it, turmed up today and took about 30 minutes to install, see the pictures...........
https://picasaweb.google.com/104237...authkey=Gv1sRgCPfY_JiJ5a-7ywE&feat=directlink
Must admit I am very pleased with the look, hope you agree.
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