XM Antenna Placement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 640
Likes: 11
From: Whitehall, PA USA
XM Antenna Placement
Where's the best spot to install an XM antenna in a C5? I have a Roady mounted on a Low Boy bracket in the cup holder on the console., with the power and audio out wires going behind the flip-up lid on the ash tray. I hear people talk about behind a tail light, but others say that dosen't give you a strong signal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 8,455
Likes: 1
From: Offical CFOT MustangChick Texas
my b/f mounted ours (2001 c5 coupe) on the passenger side of the dash... an inch or so out from the a pillar against the base of the windshield. works perfect, no dropouts. lovin' teh xm. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn VA
I've heard a ton of different stories. I think a lot of it depends on where you live and the condition of the terrain you drive. I just installed the XM commander in mine last month. I have the antennae just resting on the little metal hinge in the left side of the trunk (I haven't decided where to mount it permanantly yet). I got great reception all over Tampa, but as soon as I took the Z up to PA it would fuzz out in different areas. Some mount it on the rear tailight bracket, some say it gets great reception there, some say it don't 
Some mount it on the middile of the front dash, probably one of the best places, but I don't want to see it, even if it is so small. I guess it's all a matter of personal preferance. I'm still deciding where to put mine permanantly. I'll keep listening for better ideas! 
Some mount it on the middile of the front dash, probably one of the best places, but I don't want to see it, even if it is so small. I guess it's all a matter of personal preferance. I'm still deciding where to put mine permanantly. I'll keep listening for better ideas!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 1
From: St Clair Shores MI - GO HOKIES
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I just did mine two nights ago, it is double sided tape to the front side of the rear view mirror, cannot see from outside, tuck the wire under the factory wiring to the rearview, then tuck it under the header, pull down slightly on the A pillar trim, tuck it in there, tuck it in the end panel etc until you have it under the dash, mine runs under the bolster and into the center stack and comes out the ashtray fro my roady, which I take in and out of the car, reception is always three bars and it is not visible unless you know its there, if you want a pic email me
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Jackson MS
I mounted mine in the engine compartment under the hood next to the battery. This location keeps it away from the extreme heat and any water (hopefully). No problems since the hood isnt metal!
Made an "L" bracket to make it parallel to the horizon.
Works great, no issues!!
Made an "L" bracket to make it parallel to the horizon.
Works great, no issues!!
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Laguna Niguel CA
I have a Roady also and I placed my magnetic antenna on the center console with velcro. It sits right next to the active handling ****. My Roady is simply velcroed in front of flip up door. I have the wireless fmmodulator plugged into console lighter receptacle, which is now switched with ignition instead of being always live. Antenna seems to work fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,275
Likes: 19
From: Camden County NJ
1st I tired the rear fasica but had way too many drop outs so I moved it to the passenger side of the dash. While this was an improvement, I still had more drop out issues than I felt should happen. I moved it to the top of the outside rear window of my coupe. This is the optimal location for me even though it's ulgy and I hate it. I hope a better antenna will be available in the future that will be stealth with no issues
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Rogers AR
I have experience with three installs in C5's. In my '99 Coupe, it's under the carpet on the top of the pass side rear wheeelwell. Works fine. In an '02 Vert, the same place. Works great with the top up, but sometimes drops out when it's down. (I think the frame obscures it.) In '02 Z06, it's under the right front corner of the trunk lid, outside the seal and just ahead of the hinge. Works great. We have them in our company trucks on the dash in driver's side. Just cover them with a ball cap for security in parking lots. Work fine, even in metal cabs.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Hollywood FL
I recently installed the new XM Micro Antenna for my Roady2 under the defroster vent cover in the center of the dash. The antenna is stealth and reception strong. Wires were easily routed down in the dash.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Originally Posted by Violet
my b/f mounted ours (2001 c5 coupe) on the passenger side of the dash... an inch or so out from the a pillar against the base of the windshield. works perfect, no dropouts. lovin' teh xm.
~ BA
