Installing the Antenna

The optimum mounting location for the magnetic antenna is on the roof of the vehicle, with a minimum unobstructed area of 12 inches by 12 inches, and exactly 6½ inches from the rear roof edge of the vehicle (the length of the rubber antenna cable cover/tail). It is important to avoid any obstructions that will block the SIRIUS signal, obstructions such as a roof rack,

a sunroof, roof mounted cargo containers, or other antennas. For convertible vehicles, the antenna should be installed on the trunk lid.

For best performance, it is recommended that the antenna be installed with the rubber antenna cable cover/tail. This rubber antenna cable cover/tail provides two benefits: first, it positions the antenna the recommended distance from the rear window, rear door/hatch, or trunk edge to give the antenna the best view of the sky. Secondly, it conceals and protects the exposed antenna cable. The rubber antenna cable cover/tail has adhesive strips that hold it securely in place.

The following illustrations show the recommended mounting locations of the antenna for several types of vehicles. (Figure 1) Follow these recommendations for best performance from the antenna.

Figure 1

Sedan/Coupe. Mount the antenna along the rear center-line of the vehicle roof, located at the rear of the roof near the rear window.

Pickup Truck. Mount the antenna along the rear center-line of the cab roof, located at the rear of the roof near the rear window.

SUV/Mini-Van. Mount the antenna along the rear center-line of the vehicle roof, located at the rear of the roof near the rear door/hatch.

Convertible. Mount the antenna along the center-line of the trunk lid, with the rubber antenna cable cover/tail directed toward the rear window.

When you have selected a suitable mounting location, clean the area where the antenna and rubber antenna cable cover/tail will be mounted with the supplied alcohol swab.

Protective

StripsStrain

Relief

Adhesive

Rubber Antenna

Cover/Tail

Cable

Figure 2

Figure 3

Connect the rubber antenna cable cover/tail to the antenna cable, making sure that the strain- relief on the antenna sits into the rubber antenna cable cover/tail groove. (Figure 2) Route the antenna cable through the wire channel in the rubber antenna cable cover/tail. Do not remove the protective strips yet.

Temporarily position the antenna and rubber antenna cable cover/tail in the selected mounting area and route the cable from the antenna to the vehicle’s interior by tucking it underneath the rubber molding around rear window, as shown in Figure 3.

Route the cable from the lowest point of the rear window into the trunk. Take advantage of any existing cable channels or wiring conduits. For SUVs, mini-vans and 5-door vehicles, bring the cable into the vehicle under the rubber molding for the tailgate, and continue under the interior trim.

From the trunk, or rear of the vehicle, route the cable around the passenger compartment and to the front of the vehicle, to the receiver. Take care not pull the cable across sharp edges that could damage it, and keep it away from areas where it might entangle feet. Coil any

32 [ Getting Started ]

[ Getting Started ] 33