Covert Antenna Question

[biggusjmanus]

Can anyone recommend good performing, reasonably priced covert antennae? I need them for a 2009 Camry and a 2010 Altima? They are for UHF (450-460 MHz) 35 to 50 watt mobiles.


I have done some homework already. Internal antennae are definitely out. I have not heard anything positive about glass mounts. I am curious about license plate antennae, but have heard mixed reviews. Neither car has an external antenna, so the types that convert or split between AM/FM/UHF are not feasible either. Does anyone have experience with the OEM look-alikes?


Thanks

 

[Shawn L]

I would just get a antenna that looks as stock ( I know your car is not equipped) as any other later model import car and mount it in a similar location I bet the general public wont pick it off .. another option is to mount an antenna inside the car on the back package tray, with the antenna protruding through the upholstery

 

[shues]

You could try this Sti-Co antenna that mounts above the headliner.


If you're willing to do some drilling, have a look at some of these stock-looking rooftop antennas.

 

[unlisted]

+ 1 on the "stock look" antenna. Personally, I don't care how "safe" antenna manufacturers say those "interior" or "interior sticker" antennas are- I prefer all my RF outside of the vehicle cabin as much as possible.


My opinion.

 

[biggusjmanus]

Thanks for the input

 

[MPD 818]

We have used a lot of what I always called the "shark fin" antenna which can be seen on this page


http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_192_196_218


To the naked eye they look like a stock XM or GPS antenna,

 

[fcicars]

U.S. Communications makes some really good factory look-a-like and covert antennas, give them a look.


http://www.licenseplateantenna.com/

 

[joe p]

We have used a lot of what I always called the "shark fin" antenna which can be seen on this page
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_192_196_218


To the naked eye they look like a stock XM or GPS antenna,

I have one of those on my car, you cant even see it unless you look at the car from the side.

 

[medic550]

Larsen makes a UHF antenna thats a flat disc on a 3/4 mount. Like a hockey puck.


Frank

 

[unlisted]

Larsen makes a UHF antenna thats a flat disc on a 3/4 mount. Like a hockey puck.

Frank

IMO, that is NOT covert, thats low profile. Covert = OEM looking, or not noticeable.

 

[medic550]

Could do that on a rear deck?

 

[unlisted]

Ya, you could toss it on the rear deck, but than you got the RF all in the cabin again.. I'm pretty wary of that..

 

[biggusjmanus]

Does anyone have any experience with the license plate antennae?

 

[dcb]

We have used a lot of what I always called the "shark fin" antenna which can be seen on this page
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_192_196_218


To the naked eye they look like a stock XM or GPS antenna,

+1, the "shark fin" models are easy to install and blend in well... most folks probably wouldn't give it a second thought.


IIRC, some of the models have a +3b gain


/dcb

 

[PJD642]

I knew some folks who used to put a 1/4 wave UHF antenna on the back deck, and then just put a baseball cap over it to conceal it. Worked fine, but there's the whole "RF inside the cabin" issue if you're concerned.


Personally, I'd go with one of the AM/FM/UHF antennas mounted on the fender. You'd seriously have to be paying attention to realize that the other cars of the same model you see driving every day didn't have one.