Guide to Select the New Car Antenna in 2024

ByHenrik Straubel Blog
guide to select the new car antenna

Selecting the right antenna for your vehicle is crucial for ensuring optimal connectivity. Modern cars rely on antennas for various functions, including radio, GPS, cellular, and Wi-Fi. This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing a new car antenna, ensuring you make an informed decision that meets your needs.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specifics, it’s essential to assess your unique requirements:

  • Travel Areas: Do you primarily drive in urban, suburban, or rural areas?
  • Purpose: Are you looking for an antenna to improve voice calls, data connectivity, or both?
  • Installation Preference: Do you want a permanent or portable, temporary installation?

Types of Car Antennas

Car antennas can be broadly categorized into two types: external and internal. Each type serves different purposes and has its own set of advantages.

External Antennas

External antennas are typically mounted on the roof or trunk of the vehicle to minimize interference and maximize signal reception. Here are the common types:

  • Shark Fin Antennas are sleek, aerodynamic and can house multiple antennas for various functions like GPS, cellular, and radio.
  • Magnetic Mount Antennas can be easily attached and removed without permanent modifications to the vehicle.
  • Puck Style Antennas are robust and suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Internal Antennas

Internal antennas are usually mounted inside the vehicle, either on a printed circuit board or as a separate component with a self-adhesive pad.

  • PCB Antennas are compact and efficient and Integrated into the vehicle’s electronics.
  • Patch Antennas are used for GPS and provide good performance in a compact form factor.

Key Parameters for Selecting an Antenna

When selecting a car antenna, several key parameters must be considered to ensure optimal performance.

Frequency Range

The antenna must support the frequency bands used by your vehicle’s systems and mobile carrier. Common frequency ranges include:

  • FM Radio: 80 to 108 MHz
  • DAB Radio: 175 to 240 MHz
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: 2.4 GHz
  • GNSS (GPS, Galileo): 1.1 to 1.6 GHz
  • Cellular: 700, 850, 1700-2100 MHz, and 5G at 6 GHz
  • V2X Communication: 5.9 GHz

Gain

Antenna gain, measured in dBi, indicates the ability of the antenna to amplify signals. Higher gain provides stronger signal amplification but narrows the coverage area. Choose an appropriate gain based on your environment:

  • Urban Areas: 2-5 dBi
  • Rural Areas: 8-12 dBi

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)

VSWR measures the efficiency of signal transmission from the antenna to the receiver. A lower VSWR indicates better efficiency:

  • Ideal VSWR: 1:1 (perfect match)
  • Acceptable VSWR: Up to 2:1

Installation Considerations

Mounting Location

The antenna’s placement significantly impacts its performance. The roof is typically the best location for an unobstructed line of sight in all directions.

Cable Length

Ensure the cable length is sufficient to connect the antenna to your device without excess slack, which can cause signal loss.

Durability

Select antennas designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds, to ensure long-term reliability.

Examples of Popular Car Antennas

Taoglas Raptor 3

  • Type: External, shark fin
  • Features: Combines GNSS, 4G/5G cellular, dual-band Wi-Fi, AM/FM, and TETRA antennas
  • Rating: IP67 for high durability

Taoglas GPDF357

  • Type: Internal, patch
  • Features: Supports all GPS and Galileo bands, excellent gain, and omnidirectional capabilities
  • Applications: High-precision positioning in smart agriculture and public safety

PulseLarsen IceFin

  • Type: External, multiband
  • Features: Frequency range from 698 to 6000 MHz, suitable for a variety of applications
  • Rating: IP67

Additional Features to Consider

  • Built-in Amplifiers: Some antennas include amplifiers to boost weak signals further.
  • Multiple Device Support: Ensure the antenna can handle connections from multiple devices simultaneously.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Research reputable brands and read customer reviews to ensure you’re purchasing a reliable product. Brands with a good track record are more likely to offer durable and high-performance antennas.

How to Choose a Car Antenna?

Choosing a car antenna involves understanding your specific needs and matching them with the right product features:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Think about where you drive most often. If you spend a lot of time in rural areas, you’ll need an antenna that can pick up weak signals from far away. If you mostly drive in cities, an omnidirectional antenna that picks up signals from all directions might be more suitable.
  2. Installation Preferences: Decide whether you prefer a permanent or temporary installation. Permanent antennas are more robust but require more effort to install. Temporary, magnetic-mount antennas are easy to install and remove but might not offer the same level of performance.
  3. Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for antennas with good reviews and high ratings from other users. This can give you an idea of the product’s reliability and performance in real-world conditions.

How Do I Choose a Radio Antenna?

Choosing a radio antenna is a bit different from choosing other types of antennas. Here’s what to consider:

  1. Frequency Band: Ensure the antenna supports the AM and FM bands if you listen to both types of radio. Most car radios operate on these frequencies, so compatibility is essential.
  2. Reception Quality: Look for antennas that offer good reception quality. This is particularly important if you live in an area with lots of radio stations, as you’ll want clear and consistent reception.
  3. Aesthetic and Placement: The appearance of the antenna and where it will be mounted on your car also matter. Some people prefer a sleek, unobtrusive design that blends in with the vehicle’s look.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Car Antenna?

Several signs indicate it might be time for a new car antenna:

  1. Poor Reception: If you notice that your radio or GPS signal is consistently weak or dropping out, it could be a sign that your antenna is damaged or not working correctly.
  2. Visible Damage: Check your antenna for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bends, or corrosion. Physical damage can significantly affect performance.
  3. Age: Antennas can degrade over time. If your antenna is several years old, it might not perform as well as it used to, and replacing it could improve your connectivity.

Does Car Antenna Size Matter?

Yes, the size of your car antenna can matter, depending on what you need:

  1. Signal Strength: Generally, longer antennas can pick up signals better than shorter ones, which is why you often see tall antennas on older vehicles.
  2. Frequency Range: Different frequencies require different antenna lengths for optimal performance. For example, AM radio signals require longer antennas than FM signals.
  3. Aesthetic Considerations: A longer antenna might not be as visually appealing or practical for modern cars with sleek designs. However, manufacturers often design antennas to balance aesthetics with performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car antenna is essential for ensuring robust and reliable connectivity on the road. By understanding your specific needs, considering the type of antenna, and paying attention to key features like frequency range, gain, and installation requirements, you can make an informed decision that enhances your vehicle’s communication capabilities. Stay connected and enjoy your journeys with the right antenna in 2024!