How to test antenna?

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  • priapism
    E30 Enthusiast
    • Mar 2010
    • 1182
    #1

    How to test antenna?

    I got a new head unit & front speakers, had a shop install it since the car basically had to be completely rewired from the start and I had zero desire to mess with it.

    Antenna isn't going up. Is there a way to test if the antenna is any good? I tried yanking it (figure I'll just leave it up) but it seems to spring itself back down. If I yank it hard to keep it up, will it destroy the thing?

    thx
    sigpic
    -Sean : 91 Calypso 325i : Castro Motorsports SoCal Spec E30 #33
    Tags: None
    • StereoInstaller1
      GAS
      • Jul 2004
      • 22679
      #2
      Next time, ASK R3V BEFORE YOU YANK!

      OK, do this: grab a test light and probe the 2 wires going to the antenna, tell us what wires are doing what, with radio on and off.

      Closing SOON!
      "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

      Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

      Thanks for 10 years of fun!

        Comment

        • priapism
          E30 Enthusiast
          • Mar 2010
          • 1182
          #3
          Not seeing any current in the antenna wires or ground, but I could well be using my voltmeter wrong.
          sigpic
          -Sean : 91 Calypso 325i : Castro Motorsports SoCal Spec E30 #33

            Comment

            • StereoInstaller1
              GAS
              • Jul 2004
              • 22679
              #4
              Do NOT use a voltmeter, go get a test light.

              Low tech car = low tech tool.

              Closing SOON!
              "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

              Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

              Thanks for 10 years of fun!

                Comment

                • McGyver
                  R3V Elite
                  • Jun 2009
                  • 4457
                  #5
                  one of the wires should always be on and the other should be switched depending on if the the radio's on or not. make sure you are grounding the neg end on the factory spot.
                  sigpic
                  1987 - 325i Convertible Delphin Auto [SOLD], 325i Convertible Delphin Manual [SOLD]
                  1989 - 325i Convertible Bronzit m30b35 swapped [SCRAPPED], 325i Sedan Alpine Auto[DD]
                  1991 - 325i Coupe Laguna Manual [Project], 535i Sedan Alpine [SCRAPPED]

                    Comment

                    • priapism
                      E30 Enthusiast
                      • Mar 2010
                      • 1182
                      #6
                      Tried a couple of grounds with the test light, no life anywhere that I could see. Test light worked on the battery with the same ground.

                      Since I paid for this install I'll go harass them to fix it...when I have time. Maybe it's just not plugged in. Thanks peeps! Great forum, not even a snarky comment! ;)
                      sigpic
                      -Sean : 91 Calypso 325i : Castro Motorsports SoCal Spec E30 #33

                        Comment

                        • KennyT
                          E30 Addict
                          • Aug 2010
                          • 542
                          #7
                          May I ask why a voltmeter won't give you the same answer?

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