Hi Frank,
My antenna is under my luggage rack as well. I haven't stowed things on top
of it so I can't answer your question about that. I can say that while
camped directly next to a 500' tall sandstone face that I experienced no
interference. While out in the middle of Canyonlands, perched on top of a
plateau, I got some interference during a very heavy downpour and I'm
presuming that was about both clouds and electrically-charged atmospheric
interference.
The small LED window stays lit when the power button is "off" and that's the
electrical drain. I'm content to use the lighter plug so I can "turn it off"
while not in use and engine off. You could likely install a switchable
connection between the unit and power source.
I do really enjoy all the variety of music, talk, etc. stations and the
clarity, truly digital in quality.

Bob Stevens

http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tiico

----Original Message Follows----
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Reply-To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: SIRIUS install in Vanagon Westy
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:44:44 EST

         Got my Sirius, from the offer mentioned here some time ago and
installed it Saturday.  Pretty cool and I love it already.  Couple of
questions that
some of you may know the answer to.
     Antenna, I installed it under the luggage rack.  Is the signal going to
be blocked when the luggage rack is loaded with stuff ?
     AND, has anyone hard wired the 12v plug instead of letting it dangle
from
the cig lighter ?  Is this a problem for the battery ?  The instructions
booklet says it should be unplugged to prevent battery drainage.  If so,
then I
presume it could be hard wired to operate only when the key is on or engine
running.  What have others done about this ?

Cheers

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13, 2004
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: Vanagon List, LiMBO, IWCCC & CCVWC
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers
Frank Condelli & Associates or http://frankcondelli.com

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