A mounting suggestion for the STI-R

Well after intense research, I finally found a new STI-R for sale.

So now the question is where I mount the antenna. My grill is plastic (M3 coupe), so I figured that was the best spot. Then I read on a 9500ci thread that the optimal spot is higher up on the inside on top of the windshield. It gave much better reception as opposed to behind the grille. Being that the car is new, I'd rather not cut the (lower) grille. Plus if I do that, the mount will be even lower than behind the upper grille perhaps compromising performance?

One setup I am seriously considering is between the rear passenger head rests. Just lay it on the deck above the center arm rest. It's not as high as the windshield, but higher than the front grille. I would cover it with some sort of mesh cover they use for speakers for stealth apperance.

Any thoughts on this? I attached a pic to give you an idea.

FYI. As far as laser reception, I will also be purchasing a set LI's and perhaps the Cheetah wireless bypass system. So as long as the LI is picking up laser, it's not that imperative on the STI-R. It's mainly for radar reception.

You mount the antenna in the front (outside of the cabin) of your vehicle. I have mine mounted in the front slits of my grill.

Remember to mount the head "tits" up. I mounted mine upside down 1st pass. Mine is in the grill on the driver side midway up.

So I'm gathering the height of the radar receiver does not matter as much?

Option A: I can mount it ABOVE the plate BEHIND the grille. The grille is plastic with thin pleats seperated about 1 centimeter between pleats.

OR

Options B: I can mount it BELOW the plate in FRONT of the mesh grille below.

I would prefer Option A (Actually my original option above the rear headrest), over Option B. Would that be feasible or is Obtion B a must?

You can mount it how you want on the outside, as long as no metal is in front of it.

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Originally Posted by comebackid

So I'm gathering the height of the radar receiver does not matter as much?

Option A: I can mount it ABOVE the plate BEHIND the grille. The grille is plastic with thin pleats seperated about 1 centimeter between pleats.

OR

Options B: I can mount it BELOW the plate in FRONT of the mesh grille below.

I would prefer Option A (Actually my original option above the rear headrest), over Option B. Would that be feasible or is Obtion B a must?

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Ok first off don't mount it behind any kind of pleated plastic. If you mount it outside of the car it must have a clear view of the road and higher is better. If you mount it inside of the car on that back rest thing, you will still get decent performance but your off axis detection will be diminished.

Its really a personal preference thing. I have mine mounted low outside and I still get real good range, but if it were higher I would have slightly better range and do better with hill shots.

also remember low isn't that bad. the antenna will be able to see underneath the cars in front.

It would be nice to found one of those for sale. Maybe I need to start checking feabay.

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Originally Posted by spartcus

It would be nice to found one of those for sale. Maybe I need to start checking feabay.

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I found it from a retailer new in the box. Unfortunately I paid (gulp) $990 shipped. Kinda bumming knowing that these were selling for $550 at the end of its run. I paid a premium I guess cause I wanted this over the 9500ci. But I checked with Beltronics, and I still get my one year warranty from purchase date. Worth peace of mind knowing I saw one on Ebay a year old (Not used) with receipt missing sold for $800+ shipped.

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Originally Posted by Riptide

Quote:

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Originally Posted by comebackid

So I'm gathering the height of the radar receiver does not matter as much?

Option A: I can mount it ABOVE the plate BEHIND the grille. The grille is plastic with thin pleats seperated about 1 centimeter between pleats.

OR

Options B: I can mount it BELOW the plate in FRONT of the mesh grille below.

I would prefer Option A (Actually my original option above the rear headrest), over Option B. Would that be feasible or is Obtion B a must?

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Ok first off don't mount it behind any kind of pleated plastic. If you mount it outside of the car it must have a clear view of the road and higher is better. If you mount it inside of the car on that back rest thing, you will still get decent performance but your off axis detection will be diminished.

Its really a personal preference thing. I have mine mounted low outside and I still get real good range, but if it were higher I would have slightly better range and do better with hill shots.

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So then back to the mounting on the rear deck between the headrests. Are you saying that hill shots will be better there as opposed to mounting outside below the license plate?