The tip of my Octavia's antenna is a bit damaged. A cat or a weasel might have chewed it or maybe the previous owner has used automated car wash too many times.

I started to check other Octavias in the traffic focusing on the antenna. It turned out, that there are 3 different types:

Type I. is the small rod, the same as mine. 8 out of 10 cars also has damaged tip, so I guess it's a common problem, maybe factory issue.

Type II. is longer and has a twisted inner wire. I haven't seen any damaged one on the streets. It's more common, then Type I.

Type III. is used for GSM/GPS/auxiliary heater equipped cars, but the small rod looks like the same as Type I.

 

Since I would like to replace mine for a new one, I'm curious which one has a better reception. I don't want to buy an antenna with worse gain, so the question is:

 

Has anybody compared the Type I. and II. antennas regarding radio reception quality?

My 1.6 CR FL TDi has a type one, like yours and reception is very good (aided by diversity reception from the aerial printed on the rear side screen). The radio is a Bolero without DAB.

I have always thought (guessed) that the type 2 are for radios with DAB reception and type 3 are for radios with GPS reception. Perhaps type 3 have a different (tuned) amplifier inside for DAB reception?

Have you found anyone selling the type 1 aerial rod alone. With much effort it is possible to remove the rod without damaging the base so perhaps replacements are available?

Type 1 and 2 are for AM/FM and have interchangeable antennas, I'd expect type 2 to give better reception as it's longer.

 

Type 3 is for  AM/FM, GSM, GPS, it may also include DAB or Webasto depending on it's part number, it can take both type 1 and 2 antenna.

 

You've missed out on type 4, it's similar to type 3 but without the antenna. It's used for GSM, GPS but may also include Webasto depending on it's part number.

 

Just be warned, there are both M5 and M6 fittings on the antenna so make sure you get the right size

Yes, I've forgot type 4, it's rare in Hungary :-)

 

BTW I have tested the old, type one antenna with a network analyzer, here's the result (pretty good in FM range):

 

Edited 8 November, 20178 yr by mucden