fendervg 33 Posted July 19, 2012 Does anyone know if the voltage for the roof aerial should be 5V or 12V ? I tested the aerial output on my friend's radio, and this is showing 5V and his reception is very bad. I've done some research on the forum and know that the aerial base amps often go due to water ingress, and can be bypassed, but I'd like to troubleshoot it a bit first. Also, would anyone have a part # for an early aerial - 1993 ? I think this is the old co-ax connector. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 1 Posted July 19, 2012 I just fitted a new one yesterday, and I was getting a full 12v at the antenna connection plug. I got an O.E amplified aerial base from this company in the States: http://www.antennamastsrus.com/VW/VW%20Corrado%201990-1994.htm Cost $39 (£25) + $10 (£6.35) delivery, and arrived 4 days after I had put in the order! Highly recommended! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fendervg 33 Posted July 19, 2012 That's a great link Dec - thank you. A lot cheaper than the stealer's - assuming they can even find the right one! What year is your car and did you have tom change any of the connectors to get it to work ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 1 Posted July 19, 2012 Yeah, I was quite surprised at the price too! Usually they will sting you for massive postage prices....but $10 is very reasonable! Mine is a 1989 ex 16v and the connectors fitted perfectly! The cable on the base was slightly different than shown on the photo on that site though.....the end plugs are the exact same as shown (screw in plug for the aerial, and single pin plug for the power supply). But, the aerial cable itself is longer than shown in the photo and there is a standard DIN Male+Female connection half way along. This means that the aerial base can also be used with a Male DIN plug at the end of the cable! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ray_vr6 1 Posted July 19, 2012 Great link - just ordered one - many thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fendervg 33 Posted July 23, 2012 Ordered one of these as well - looking forward to fitting it soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ray_vr6 1 Posted July 29, 2012 Just a heads up to anyone thinking of buying from the US - I had to pay £13 in duty!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fendervg 33 Posted July 31, 2012 Yep - still probably cheaper than the dealers though. Over here in Ireland it's pot luck if they catch it or not at customs - always worth taking the chance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dec 1 Posted July 31, 2012 It's well below the Duty threshold, so you definitely shouldn't have to pay any duty. In theory you could be liable for UK/Irish VAT (and therefore also a sales tax refund from the US), but mine arrived without having to pay anything...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ray_vr6 1 Posted August 2, 2012 Turns out the duty was only £5 for vat - bloody royal mail wanted £8 "handling charge" - *******s! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fendervg 33 Posted September 18, 2012 Mine arrived last week - no customs duty asked for - looking forward to some decent reception soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites