Topic: What's the best hidden antenna? (Read 29133 times)

FLHXSE2 · « **on:** November 30, 2010, 09:29:13 AM »

Just wondering what is the best inner fairing mount hidden antenna reception wise?

lastdegree · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2010, 09:59:27 AM »

Personally, I used the dakota following several people here highly regarding the eqpt.

Nice piece of kit, easy install and great instructions, but due to insulating foam from J&M kit the ideal location could not be achieved and therefore signal is not great. That said, I dont use radio at all.

mjb765 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2010, 10:00:46 AM »

Had good results with the Tune Trapper--not too expensive also

Grizzly · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2010, 10:51:11 AM »

I put a Tune Trapper on my '05 SEEG last summer and not very impressed... I tend to lose the signal much sooner than with an external antenna.

Looking for a good replacement and have been told that the Dakota Digital is much better at holding the signal for greater distances.

VRODDAVE · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2010, 11:34:18 AM »

I have installed separate J&M hidden fairing antennas for both CB and Radio am/fm/wb.

CONS:
My observations are that signal strength is greatly reduced for both antennas. CB ok for communication in a close pack. Radio antenna ok when riding in town / close to signals, but get out in the hills or forested ruel areas and you might as well turn it off.

PROS:
both antennas have connectors so you have easily retain your original external antennas and your range is restored.

bottom line, fairing antennas from J&M are not replacements for OEM.

Dave

Twolanerider · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2010, 11:50:10 AM »

Quote from: Grizzly on November 30, 2010, 10:51:11 AM

I put a Tune Trapper on my '05 SEEG last summer and not very impressed... I tend to lose the signal much sooner than with an external antenna.

Looking for a good replacement and have been told that the Dakota Digital is much better at holding the signal for greater distances.

Having had some hands on experience with both my impression has been the opposite. On a couple of bikes have used one then the other back to back and got better results with the Tune Trapper product each time.

Neither is as good as a full sized external antenna. Between the two, however, I've seen noticeably better results with the Tune Trapper. Enough so it is what's in my bike.

Grizzly · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2010, 01:52:08 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 30, 2010, 11:50:10 AM

Having had some hands on experience with both my impression has been the opposite. On a couple of bikes have used one then the other back to back and got better results with the Tune Trapper product each time.

Neither is as good as a full sized external antenna. Between the two, however, I've seen noticeably better results with the Tune Trapper. Enough so it is what's in my bike.

Thanks Twolane for the comparison... I guess I'm getting the best reception I can hope for without wanting an external one.

FLHXSE2 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2010, 06:47:11 PM »

Ok, so nothing sounds great so far has anyone tried a J&M FLEXPOWER™ AM/FM/WB In-Fairing Antenna?

VRODDAVE · « **Reply #8 on:** November 30, 2010, 07:06:06 PM »

Quote from: VRODDAVE on November 30, 2010, 11:34:18 AM

I have installed separate J&M hidden fairing antennas for both CB and Radio am/fm/wb.

CONS:
My observations are that signal strength is greatly reduced for both antennas. CB ok for communication in a close pack. Radio antenna ok when riding in town / close to signals, but get out in the hills or forested ruel areas and you might as well turn it off.

PROS:
both antennas have connectors so you have easily retain your original external antennas and your range is restored.

bottom line, fairing antennas from J&M are not replacements for OEM.

Dave

yes

CVOTequila · « **Reply #9 on:** November 30, 2010, 07:08:18 PM »

Quote from: mjb765 on November 30, 2010, 10:00:46 AM

Had good results with the Tune Trapper--not too expensive also

+1 Tune Trapper is the way to go

DOC.COFFIN · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2011, 06:14:37 AM »

I have had both the J&M CB and Radio In-Fairing antennas installed, but haven't had the opportunity to test them yet as I'm currently forward deployed.

FLHXSE2 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2011, 11:09:27 AM »

Quote from: DOC.COFFIN on January 09, 2011, 06:14:37 AM

I have had both the J&M CB and Radio In-Fairing antennas installed, but haven't had the opportunity to test them yet as I'm currently forward deployed.

Thanks for serving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you in sandland?

Puzzled · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2011, 11:42:43 AM »

IMO they all suck.

Sure they work marginally but nearly good enough for me to give up a traditional antenna.

Maybe those who live in a more city like environment have better luck. My region is not kind to hidden type antennas (I have a post here on the 4-5 brands I've tried).

I ended up with a shorter type whip with a fliexible base, I believe from a Ford Focus.

DOC.COFFIN · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2011, 01:52:33 AM »

@ FLHXSE2...You're most welcome! and yes, currently on my 6th deployment 3rd to the Sandbox...

Badger Mike · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2011, 03:10:23 PM »

The best hidden antenna is the one you can't see

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

spydglide · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2011, 03:41:37 PM »

Nothing beats the 'whip'.

har. spyder

HD Kid · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2011, 11:50:57 PM »

HD has a new supplement catalog out that has an in fairing antenna for $49.95. says its comparable to their shorty antenna Might b worth a shot, but im guessin its probly no better than the others out there.

Fireguy · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2011, 12:14:49 AM »

I tried an hidden antenna and hated it. Replaced my am/fm antenna with a sierra all-in-one(am/fm/cb/wb) antenna with a splitter. Works great.

spydglide · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2011, 04:13:20 AM »

Quote from: HD Kid on February 03, 2011, 11:50:57 PM

HD has a new supplement catalog out that has an in fairing antenna for $49.95. says its comparable to their shorty antenna Might b worth a shot, but im guessin its probly no better than the others out there.

surely you don't think they'd put out a product without the proper testing and effectiveness that we could trust & believe in....."truth in advertising".

har. spyder

skreminegul07 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2011, 06:39:42 AM »

I also liked the TuneTrapper until I installed the HID lights from ExtraLight, which caused a buzz. I went back to the external shortie. The TuneTrapper is available for sale.

Tom149 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:24:48 AM »

This one looks interesting: http://antennaconcept.com/link3.php

Tom

spydglide · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:33:53 AM »

Quote from: Tom149 on February 04, 2011, 11:24:48 AM

This one looks interesting: http://antennaconcept.com/link3.php

Tom

It sure does...........Tom, go ahead and be the official testor for this one & report back. The 'claims' are there for sure. spyder

Tom149 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:52:08 AM »

Quote from: spydglide on February 04, 2011, 11:33:53 AM

It sure does...........Tom, go ahead and be the official testor for this one & report back. The 'claims' are there for sure. spyder

Spyder,

I did a detachable tour pak and HW "four in the face" audio on my 06' FLHTCUSE awhile back and at that time I installed the Dakota Digital Hidden Antenna (model ANT-2000). The Dakota Digital works well for me, but if I were to replace it I would probably try the Antenna Concepts model based on their lofty claims.

Tom

FLHXSE2 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2011, 05:39:28 PM »

Quote from: HD Kid on February 03, 2011, 11:50:57 PM

HD has a new supplement catalog out that has an in fairing antenna for $49.95. says its comparable to their shorty antenna Might b worth a shot, but im guessin its probly no better than the others out there.

I ordered it yesterday so I'll be the test pilot on this one, the down side is the riding season won't start here for around 2 months. UGH

mjb765 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2011, 08:22:21 PM »

Quote from: Tom149 on February 04, 2011, 11:24:48 AM

This one looks interesting: http://antennaconcept.com/link3.php

Tom

I had that one already....got better results with the Tune Trapper......

Big C. · « **Reply #25 on:** March 23, 2011, 03:09:10 PM »

Quote from: Tom149 on February 04, 2011, 11:52:08 AM

I did a detachable tour pak and HW "four in the face" audio on my 06' FLHTCUSE awhile back and at that time I installed the Dakota Digital Hidden Antenna (model ANT-2000). The Dakota Digital works well for me, but if I were to replace it I would probably try the Antenna Concepts model based on their lofty claims.

Tom

Was wondering if had installed your hidden Antenna Concepts yet?

DICKW · « **Reply #26 on:** March 23, 2011, 04:07:46 PM »

Quote from: Tom149 on February 04, 2011, 11:24:48 AM

This one looks interesting: http://antennaconcept.com/link3.php

Tom

I currently use this one......it's ok but as said before nothing beats a whip!!

jcd520 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 23, 2011, 05:36:27 PM »

If you are gonna listen to FM radio(or AM) you just can't beat the whip. Shortys are prettier but lose some range. Hiddens are prettier still but lose more range. That's just the way it is. So you can either look cool or listen a long ways away. Your choice.

streetglider96 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2014, 01:04:20 PM »

I have put a removable trunk on my electra glide std. and have tried the shorty antenna with disappointing results. Now am going to install the J&M hidden antenna (which I have heard is same issues as a shorty, poor reception) With the J&M hidden antenna you can however use in tandem with the stubby antenna as well. I am hoping the combination of the two gives good results. Will let everyone know once all this effing snow melts!

spydglide · « **Reply #29 on:** February 21, 2014, 04:53:20 PM »

Quote from: jcd520 on March 23, 2011, 05:36:27 PM

If you are gonna listen to FM radio(or AM) you just can't beat the whip. Shortys are prettier but lose some range. Hiddens are prettier still but lose more range. That's just the way it is. So you can either look cool or listen a long ways away. Your choice.

Enuff said.

har! spyder

grc · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2014, 05:04:42 PM »

Quote from: spydglide on February 04, 2011, 11:33:53 AM

It sure does...........Tom, go ahead and be the official testor for this one & report back. The 'claims' are there for sure. spyder

Unsubstantiated claims are a dime a dozen, especially in the Harley aftermarket. The following claim is just a string of words that says nothing and proves absolutely nothing. "It has been extensively tested and benchmarked and no other product tested comes close to its performance" You could attach that statement to any ad for any product and it would carry just as much weight (none).

Let's see the actual test results, preferably from an independent testing organization and not something just cobbled up by the folks selling the product.

Jerry

SmokeyJoe · « **Reply #31 on:** February 22, 2014, 11:56:29 AM »

Just hide the one you have, thats what I did. I took the antenna of f the bracket and slid the antenna up through the frame and under the seat, one zip tie and done. Took me about 10 minutes, and reception is the same as before.

hverbakel · « **Reply #32 on:** February 22, 2014, 04:25:43 PM »

I like that idea, simple, cheap and effective.

JustDennis · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2014, 07:37:14 AM »

Quote from: SmokeyJoe on February 22, 2014, 11:56:29 AM

Just hide the one you have, thats what I did. I took the antenna of f the bracket and slid the antenna up through the frame and under the seat, one zip tie and done. Took me about 10 minutes, and reception is the same as before.

You can actually remove one of the bolts holding the bracket, tilt it toward the front and then route the antenna along the frame and zip tie it as stated above. Works well.

grc · « **Reply #34 on:** February 24, 2014, 08:58:29 AM »

Just wondering, but how many people these days actually listen to AM/FM radio on/in their vehicles? I'm guessing the percentage is falling rapidly with the availability of so many other choices like satellite or personal playlists from electronic devices. As for CB, even over-the-road truckers don't use it as much these days. If you want to talk to your riding buddies these days you can set up a simple conference call on your cell phones, and the sound quality will be better than CB. For those who hang out on the AM talk stations, even those are available on satellite. The only thing regular radio has going for it is the fact that it's free. I'm just wondering how much longer it will be before AM/FM radio's disappear from vehicles, just like cigar lighters and ashtrays and hand crank windows in cars.

Jerry

spydglide · « **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2014, 09:31:49 AM »

Quote from: grc on February 24, 2014, 08:58:29 AM

Just wondering, but how many people these days actually listen to AM/FM radio on/in their vehicles? I'm guessing the percentage is falling rapidly with the availability of so many other choices like satellite or personal playlists from electronic devices. As for CB, even over-the-road truckers don't use it as much these days. If you want to talk to your riding buddies these days you can set up a simple conference call on your cell phones, and the sound quality will be better than CB. For those who hang out on the AM talk stations, even those are available on satellite. The only thing regular radio has going for it is the fact that it's free. I'm just wondering how much longer it will be before AM/FM radio's disappear from vehicles, just like cigar lighters and ashtrays and hand crank windows in cars.

Jerry

'FREE' continues to be good.

spyder

johnchalker · « **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:12:39 PM »

Can you reverse the modification ie go back to the Ariel ?

grc · « **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:37:20 PM »

Quote from: johnchalker on February 28, 2014, 01:12:39 PM

Can you reverse the modification ie go back to the Ariel ?

Sure. As long as a person installing a hidden antenna doesn't go nuts and cut the antenna cable off and throw away the antenna mounting hardware, it's very simple to disconnect the hidden antenna and reconnect the regular antenna. And even if they did throw it all away, they can buy the parts and reinstall them.

Jerry

dartman · « **Reply #38 on:** March 02, 2014, 04:14:37 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on November 30, 2010, 11:50:10 AM

Having had some hands on experience with both my impression has been the opposite. On a couple of bikes have used one then the other back to back and got better results with the Tune Trapper product each time.

Neither is as good as a full sized external antenna. Between the two, however, I've seen noticeably better results with the Tune Trapper. Enough so it is what's in my bike.

Excellent results on my Street Glide with the tune trapper, decent reception, Good Price and simple install

Jswerve · « **Reply #39 on:** March 02, 2014, 05:51:32 PM »

Quote from: dartman on March 02, 2014, 04:14:37 PM

Excellent results on my Street Glide with the tune trapper, decent reception, Good Price and simple install

Dartman I sent you an email regarding this...

cyco1450 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 30, 2014, 04:22:09 PM »

Per Pete at Soundz, no such thing. Hidden = no FM.

Jswerve · « **Reply #41 on:** March 30, 2014, 09:27:07 PM »

Quote from: cyco1450 on March 30, 2014, 04:22:09 PM

Per Pete at Soundz, no such thing. Hidden = no FM.

He's right. I just installed a tune trapper, CRAP just like the others.

Cvostu · « **Reply #42 on:** March 30, 2014, 10:20:13 PM »

I have a tune trapper here. Had in for one ride. Piece of crap. I have the hd. Better than most. So I'm living with it. I listen to the iPod or even pandora now,,

Jswerve · « **Reply #43 on:** March 30, 2014, 10:28:39 PM »

Quote from: cvostu on March 30, 2014, 10:20:13 PM

I have a tune trapper here. Had in for one ride. Piece of crap. I have the hd. Better than most. So I'm living with it. I listen to the iPod do even pandora now,,

I'm giving up on radio from now on it's ipod/cd player/app on phone

dartman · « **Reply #44 on:** March 30, 2014, 11:07:55 PM »

Quote from: Jswerve on March 30, 2014, 09:27:07 PM

He's right. I just installed a tune trapper, CRAP just like the others.

Sorry Guys, My FM reception with tune trapper is fine, not sure what the problem might be, I don't think its geographic Twolane is in Mo and im in Mi and we both have had decent results.

Jswerve · « **Reply #45 on:** March 31, 2014, 05:55:48 AM »

Quote from: dartman on March 30, 2014, 11:07:55 PM

Sorry Guys, My FM reception with tune trapper is fine, not sure what the problem might be, I don't think its geographic Twolane is in Mo and im in Mi and we both have had decent results.

Sounds like you got lucky. Mines about as good as having the antenna unplugged. Going in the garbage like the other hidden antenna I bought lol.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #46 on:** March 31, 2014, 08:36:00 AM »

I installed the HD hidden on Ginger a few months ago as I figured for $60 bucks, it was worth trying. As I installed it, I made it easy to switch back (didn't cut any wires). Rode with it for about 100 miles and went back to the "normal" antenna. My regular/stock whip pulls in stations that are fringe for me out in the country. The hidden wouldn't even pull these in when I was in the middle of town close to the stations. Not a waste of money as I did want to try it but glad I didn't pay more. I still have it under the faring, just disconnected the power supply and plugged my whip in again.

spydglide · « **Reply #47 on:** March 31, 2014, 09:23:50 AM »

Quote from: Haird on March 31, 2014, 08:36:00 AM

I installed the HD hidden on Ginger a few months ago as I figured for $60 bucks, it was worth trying. As I installed it, I made it easy to switch back (didn't cut any wires). Rode with it for about 100 miles and went back to the "normal" antenna. My regular/stock whip pulls in stations that are fringe for me out in the country. The hidden wouldn't even pull these in when I was in the middle of town close to the stations. Not a waste of money as I did want to try it but glad I didn't pay more. I still have it under the faring, just disconnected the power supply and plugged my whip in again.

Can't beat the whip!

har. spyder

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #48 on:** March 31, 2014, 10:20:08 AM »

Quote from: spydglide on March 31, 2014, 09:23:50 AM

Can't beat the whip! har. spyder

amen, brother

dartman · « **Reply #49 on:** March 31, 2014, 11:28:45 AM »

Quote from: Jswerve on March 31, 2014, 05:55:48 AM

Sounds like you got lucky. Mines about as good as having the antenna unplugged. Going in the garbage like the other hidden antenna I bought lol.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

I would contact the Co they are supposed to be tuned for FM I and a number of others have had good luck with them you may have received a defective one.

Jswerve · « **Reply #50 on:** March 31, 2014, 12:30:21 PM »

Quote from: dartman on March 31, 2014, 11:28:45 AM

I would contact the Co they are supposed to be tuned for FM I and a number of others have had good luck with them you may have received a defective one.

It's OK. I'm done with hidden antennas. I would settle for some good riding weather.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

dartman · « **Reply #51 on:** March 31, 2014, 01:05:25 PM »

Quote from: Jswerve on March 31, 2014, 12:30:21 PM

It's OK. I'm done with hidden antennas. I would settle for some good riding weather.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

Amen to that, My antenna has been on the last three bikes maybe they have made some changes I wont offer any more recommendations, sorry it didn't work for you

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #52 on:** March 31, 2014, 02:25:11 PM »

Quote from: Jswerve on March 31, 2014, 12:30:21 PM

It's OK. I'm done with hidden antennas. I would settle for some good riding weather.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

Just gotta move a bit further South, Jesse.....

Jswerve · « **Reply #53 on:** March 31, 2014, 03:31:47 PM »

Quote from: dartman on March 31, 2014, 01:05:25 PM

Amen to that, My antenna has been on the last three bikes maybe they have made some changes I wont offer any more recommendations, sorry it didn't work for you

it's not your fault

Haird got any extra room? ;-)

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

UAV Pilot · « **Reply #54 on:** March 31, 2014, 05:09:29 PM »

Everyone who has had good or bad results should keep several things in mind. First, a hidden antenna will NEVER be able to reproduce the -db gain of an whip antenna without some type of built in amplifier or antenna booster. Secondly, the amp will also amplify noise equally well. Also keep in mind that even though you live in "XXXX" city and listen to their FM station, the actual antenna may be miles away from your location. My local Corpus Christi radio station's control center is less than 6 miles away from my house. The antenna from which they broadcast is over 30 miles away from my house. So when I use my Antenna Specialists hidden antenna at my home, I get bad reception. When I am 30 miles away in a town called Sinton, Tx, the signal is rock solid. Not because it works well, but because I am less than a mile from the actual 100,000 watt transmitter.

Every hidden antenna will be a compromise. It's just up to us to decide what we WANT to compromise........Looks or Signal.

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #55 on:** April 01, 2014, 07:57:51 AM »

Quote from: Jswerve on March 31, 2014, 03:31:47 PM

Haird got any extra room? ;-)

Come on down, Jesse. Y'all are welcome anytime, brother. We'll find you a spot somewhere....

Jswerve · « **Reply #56 on:** April 01, 2014, 07:59:09 AM »

Quote from: Haird on April 01, 2014, 07:57:51 AM

Come on down, Jesse. Y'all are welcome anytime, brother. We'll find you a spot somewhere....

I'll be in North Carolina last week of June

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

ultrarider123 · « **Reply #57 on:** April 01, 2014, 08:02:57 AM »

PM sent...

Author Topic: What's the best hidden antenna? (Read 29133 times)

jcd520

ultrarider123

ultrarider123

ultrarider123

ultrarider123

ultrarider123