When you have to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, you can not do without musical accompaniment in the cabin. So from the radio you can find out the weather, news, and not be bored with the selected music. Other car antennas allow you to watch TV even in digital quality. Such equipment is installed in taxis and taxis to monitor and adjust the work of this transport from the control room. The antenna can be attached to the glass on a suction cup or velcro. There are good clamps on the magnets that can withstand outdoor installation, but require constantly removing them, leaving the car. Others cut into the body and are fastened on the back side with a nut, becoming one with the body. To find out which antenna is best to buy in each case, below is their overview and recommendations for selection. This will help you choose the appropriate option and not overpay for unused functions.
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Car antenna which company choose
The electronics market is filled with a variety of radio wave products. Its manufacturers are well-known companies, among which there are a number of leaders:
1. Calearo
2. "Triad"
3. Bosch
4. Lemm
5. Phantom
The Italian brand Calearo is distinguished by a large assortment of similar products, which has proven to be impeccable in quality and reliability. On sale there are both very economical models, and multifunctional and expensive.
Triad is a domestic company that has been operating since 1998 and has more than 700 items of products sold, including: car chargers, converters, signal amplifiers, antennas of all ranges and shapes, including decorative ones. The company has a good reputation in Russia and abroad and is distinguished by reasonable prices.
Phantom, although it has a name in English, represents a Russian brand, part of the international holding company Stopol Gruop. The concern has existed since 1994 and specializes in car televisions, music players, and various car accessories. American engineers regularly supply their colleagues with new developments in order to cover the needs of most drivers with their equipment.
Lemm was founded in Italy, and has been a world leader for over 30 years. Its products are used by many truckers, travelers and taxi drivers. Technology development is focused on improving performance.
Best indoor car antennas
For those drivers who do not want to make holes in the body of the car, fit the internal antenna, which can be mounted on the front or rear window. For fixing the sucker or the adhesive tape which is delivered in a set are used.
Some models have a magnet that allows you to fix it on a metal rack inside the cabin. The possibilities of receiving a signal from each antenna are different, so the best equipment is presented below according to user feedback, with a description of its indicators.
Triad 55 Turbo - Radio Only
This Russian model works in the range of VHF and FM. The device is suitable for any radio and is designed to detect and hold radio waves at a distance of 150 km from the repeater. The antenna is equipped with a 30 dB signal amplifier and has a built-in filter, launched in the urban mode, which eliminates the inclusion of associated frequencies from the towers of mobile operators, electric transport and other radio signal sources.
The device is made in the form of a small rectangle with two antennae, and is attached with Velcro under the rearview mirror. The second installation option is the right side of the windshield, where the fixation of the equipment will minimally block the view to the driver.The kit includes a cable and power connection in a single winding. The length of the wire is 2.5 meters, which is convenient for powering and neatly masking the cable under the skin.
Advantages:
- compact size;
- the ability to quickly install yourself;
- two signal capture modes;
- amplifier included;
- long range reception;
- cheap.
Disadvantages:
- weak plug quickly breaks when disconnected;
- the diode is constantly on (even with the radio off;);
- the navigator and the video recorder interfere;
- cable will be short for tall cabs.
Automania Digital TV / FM - you can watch TV
With this compact antenna model, mounted on the windshield, you can not only listen to the radio station, but even watch TV in the car. It will be convenient for drivers of minibuses and intercity buses. The device has a small oval body and two "wings" with a wire-like laying of wire to increase reception. The amplifier is built into the design of 20 dB, which improves the quality of a weak signal.
The model is able to work at temperatures from -45 to +85 degrees, so direct sunlight on the glass does not harm it. At the VHF frequency, the range is captured from 174 to 250 MHz. For UHF, these figures are 470-860 MHz. The device consumes 12 V and has a 1.5 m cable. Fixing is performed on double-sided tape. The antenna does not fall away when shaken because its weight is only 99 g.
Advantages:
- compact;
- catches TV;
- easy;
- affordable price;
- quick installation;
- does not close the review.
Disadvantages:
- power cable is very short;
- weak amplifier;
- TV can only be viewed within the city.
Bosch Autofun - everything a radio amateur needs
Such a compact model will appeal to any driver who is accustomed to travel with music. German developers have supplied it with a minimum size so that it does not block the view to the driver. The round case of durable plastic is equipped with a red activity diode and an input plug through which power is supplied to 12 V. Two antennae extend from the unit - steel signal capture cables, which must be diluted at 90 degrees.
The optimal position of the antenna will be the top corner of the glass on the right, and the antennae will stretch along the stand and the top edge of the window. The thickness of the case is only 15 mm. The antenna works in the active mode, searches for and holds a clear signal, thanks to the compensation and distribution of the received data.
Advantages:
- very little;
- affordable price;
- compatible with all receivers;
- long operation;
- stylish design.
Disadvantages:
- only works in the city;
- standard mounting template is not suitable for everyone;
- installation difficulties
Phantom TV Impulse - discreet and functional
Such an antenna is capable of capturing radio waves and a television signal, including digital. The device has a triangular case with a status indicator and a company logo. All wires are concentrated on one side. Antennae antennae stretch along the glass and have a built-in mount with double-sided tape on the tips and in the middle. This allows you to catch VHF-L CH 1-5, UHF 13-69, VHF-H 6-12.
The power cable is combined with access to the TV. The latter has a jack jack of 3.5 mm mono. It is suitable for all modern TVs. The power supply has a free end and can be connected directly to the battery, through the terminals. The length of this cable is 4 m. The resistance of the device is 75 Ohms. The device already has an amplifier, and the type of antenna belongs to the active one.
Advantages:
- reception in different bands;
- compact placement;
- active work;
- detailed instructions on the packaging;
- low price;
- long cable
Disadvantages:
- Jack 3.5 plug does not fit all TV models;
- installation is a one-time, and not subject to change of fixation (adhesive tape is not glued a second time);
- rather weak reception (without an amplifier does not work at all).
Best outdoor car antennas
Such radio devices are usually more sensitive and can receive a signal from more distant transponders. But their installation is connected either with the permanent removal of the magnet and its transfer to the salon, or with cutting through the body and reliable fixation.Here are the best models for reviews using their drivers.
Triad BA Euro 65 - instead of a regular antenna for any car
Such a model is the easiest and most accessible in the section of mortise models. The body has a conical shape with the location of a single rigid antenna below 60 degrees relative to the plane. Have such a device on the roof. To do this, a hole is drilled in the upper part of the body where the cylindrical protrusion of the antenna is inserted, and the clamp on the thread fixes it from below.
The wide edges of the outer part reliably isolate the cabin from moisture. A power cable that hides under the casing leaves the inner case. The reception range reaches 90 km. The bar on the roof does not exceed 200 mm in length, and its thickness is 15 mm. It is compact and hard to break. The internal spring returns it to the correct position when it is deflected by a branch or other obstruction. The antenna is a passive device and only picks up a radio.
Advantages:
- compact;
- durable;
- return spring;
- cable 3 m;
- detailed instructions;
- suitable for mounting instead of "native" on most brands of cars;
- looks stylish.
Disadvantages:
- passive reception;
- the signal disappears on the highway;
- difficult to install yourself.
Lemm Turbo AT-2001 - the best for a taxi
This Italian product is perfect for transmitting radio signals in order to maintain communication. The antenna is made of stainless steel (body) and silumin (bar). In the central part there is an extension for fasteners and rubber seal. To fix it on the body, it is necessary to drill a 4 mm hole. The height of the rod 200 cm, which provides a good reception, but will touch the crossbar in the garage or branch.
The device is capable of capturing and transmitting at a frequency of 26-28.5 MHz. The device has an impressive capacity of 2000W. Wave resistance within 50 Ohms. The kit comes with a cable length of 4 m. The weight of all elements in the collection of 800 g, which requires careful fastening. An alternative to mortise fixation is to mount on the drain or trunk. There is an adapter under the magnet. The gain of the device is 6.5 dB.
Advantages:
- several colors of performance;
- high power;
- a variety of mounting options;
- good reception;
- stainless materials;
- possibility to use for a walkie-talkie;
- long cable
Disadvantages:
- heavy;
- expensive;
- high sail;
- long departure bar.
FM Calearo ANT 77 27 085 - rich in features and stylish
Italian developers have created a compact device that combines three functions: receiving radio, capturing television signals, and capturing GPS from satellites.
This is one of the most expensive antennas. The body is molded from hard plastic in the form of a shark fin. Mortise installation is done on the roof. Small sizes do not cause problems when traveling under low gate frames or automatic barriers.
The kit comes with two cables of 5 meters each, for connecting TV and GPS. The device picks up both analog broadcast and digital signals. The model has a stable reception. There are three color options: black, red and white. The antenna will look beautiful on all types of machines.
Advantages:
- a variety of colors;
- universality;
- good reception of TV and FM;
- two cables in the composition;
- works with GPS;
- attractive design;
- does not cling to the branches;
- easy to wash the car without fear of breaking the antenna.
Disadvantages:
- very expensive;
- in the package there is no cable for the radio;
- To connect the tuner and TV, you will need to buy an adapter.
What car antenna to buy
To choose a suitable version of a car antenna, it is necessary to consider the operating conditions (only in the city or often outside of it), the expected functionality and the preferred type of attachment. Therefore, the choice can be made as follows:
1. If you need a minimum from the antenna, listen to the radio and news on the road, then simple and affordable Triad 55 Turbo or Bosch Autofun models will do. The first will be effective outside the city.
2. Drivers of city buses and minibuses, as well as those who spend time waiting in the car, will need an antenna compatible with the TV, such as Phantom TV Impulse or Automania Digital TV / FM.
3. If it is required to replace the “native” mortise model, which has become unusable, then the Triad BA Euro 65 will be universal.
4. Taxi drivers will be useful Lemm Turbo AT-2001, which not only consistently catches the radio even outside the city, but also well transmits the signal on the radio.
5. If you need a super functional antenna that combines a number of features, including GPS, then the best option would be FM Calearo ANT 77 27 085.
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