RonRN18 Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 I am contemplating adding a two-way radio to my 2018 Fusion Energi. There are two things I'd like some insight on and HOPE that someone here can give me some insight on. First issue... antenna. I would like to REPLACE the stock antenna on the roof with a multi-band shark fin style antenna. What I want to know is, is the current stock antenna a multi-band antenna, servicing several devices or is it just an FM antenna? The antenna I'm looking to add provides multi-band cellular, GPS, WiFi, broadcast FM (87-108 MHz), and VHF (136-178 MHz). I will need GPS and VHF for the two-way radio and curious if I'll need to route any of the antenna wires and where. Second issue: The radio I'll be installing will have a remote head unit, and my plan is to install the main unit in the trunk, on top of the batteries or bottom side of the rear deck. It appears that the battery I will plug the main power of the radio to is already in the trunk, but I need somewhere to tap an "ignition sense". As my car is a plug-in hybrid... and has a push button to put the car into "Drive Mode", I'm not sure if it makes things different or not. Is there any wire anywhere around the trunk that will provide voltage ONLY when the car has been "started"? I'm hoping it won't be too difficult to run the remote control wire (between the head unit and radio) from the trunk to the space below the screen... in the open storage area near where the USB and lighter plug are. My plan is to mount the head unit to the top of this alcove area. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eGuru Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 You could use the parking light wire in the trunk to trigger your radio. Is your replacement sharkfin antenna passive or amplified? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Javelin395 Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 Hi RonRN18, It can be done as I have done many undercover vehicles as a professional installer. So my advice is to let a pro install it with all the electronics, wiring, antenna(s) selection (you may have to use multiple) and matching the systems. I've attached some images of covert antennas that are available. One is a covert whip antenna and the other is a behind the bumper antenna. If you are a HAM operator you'll know what's involved. Cheers, 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonRN18 Posted February 25, 2019 Author Share Posted February 25, 2019 Does anyone know what is currently standard in the antenna on the roof of a 2018 Ford Fusion? Is it just an FM antenna? Does it include GPS? Does it include WiFi? Cellular? If so, what type of connectors are used? I have yet to remove the headliner to find out what I'm dealing with... I'd like to know before going through the hassle. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangster Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 2018 shows two different cables, with or without HD Radio. 2017 wiring guide shows SYNC (for satellite radio) and GPS to a splitter then to an antenna 2017 wiring guide shows 2 different antenna outputs from ACM (Coax and FM2) and not sure but probably go to the same antenna (just not sure if same as Sat and GPS, and which GPS as Sync I and III have different requirements. I don't see cellular anyplace, I am pretty sure in my 2017 Escape with FordPass it is all contained in a module in the luggage area, not connected to an antenna. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eGuru Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 7 hours ago, RonRN18 said: Does anyone know what is currently standard in the antenna on the roof of a 2018 Ford Fusion? Is it just an FM antenna? Does it include GPS? Does it include WiFi? Cellular? If so, what type of connectors are used? I have yet to remove the headliner to find out what I'm dealing with... I'd like to know before going through the hassle. The antenna module (amp) is located behind the passenger side C pillar (near the rear windscreen) so no headliner removal is required. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eGuru Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 1 hour ago, eGuru said: The antenna module (amp) is located behind the passenger side C pillar (near the rear windscreen) so no headliner removal is required. That is totally wrong. Sorry. Watch this video 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Zeke Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 That "how to" video is just what I was looking for. NOW, to find a shark fin that'll work for my car lol 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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