Antenna adaptor required for fitting aftermarket radio? (BH5 Legacy)

[suubyduuby]

Currently looking at replacing the factory (non-MacIntosh) headdeck in the Leggy with an aftermarket unit.

Last time I pulled it out to fit a band expander, I remember the antenna plug was non-standard and had a hard time finding an expander to fit.

What exactly is the factory antenna plug type? From memory, it was a square-looking connector - definately not going to fit in the std round hole! ;D

Is there a standard plug on the harness tucked back into the dash? Or alternatively - where can you source an adaptor? Have had a look in a few stores, and they only have the std-Euro and vice versa types.

Can always chop and solder a new std RF connector on, but would prefer to leave on so can refit the factory stereo if I ever sell the car. Any ideas?

[subieboy]

Its the normal round plug one you see in most cars of that era

[Timmah]

 subieboy said:

Its the normal round plug one you see in most cars of that era

+1 And you won't need a band expander for an after market headunit. Just need a Subaru wiring harness from Repco/Supercheap and then another harness to suit the headunit. But I always find this harness wrong, but use it's ends and solder the one that comes with the new headunit up.

Unless the WRX and Leggy one's are totally different..

[Scoobydoo]

If you can't readily see the standard round connection, have a look under the carpet on the passenger side... it may have been tucked away under there somewhere.

[spark_38]

That square antenna connection is more common on the newer BL/BP models. Those are about $30 each from Eds Auto.

[bobbyjimmy]

You need one that looks like this;

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/260669982278?hlp=false

[ryn]

I just did this recently, had two antenna plugs.. One female, with the band expander in it, and male into the head deck. I just cut it off, and used the wiring hardness like someone else mentioned from Repco. Works fine, no issue.

[subieboy]

On a BH/BE legacy no adapter is required...

[spark_38]

Yeah I always wondered about the 2 plug system...

Is it a diversity Antenna? Like the Nissan's?

[Peg]

Not sure why some of you are saying "no adapter", unless there's some variation through the model years?

I recently replaced the standard head-unit in my BH with a double din JVC from Repco, and had to buy one of these adapters http://tinyurl.com/3v2z4k3 from Trademe... They're commonly known as "Nissan adapters" like bobbyjimmy linked you to on Ebay, or "Diversity antennas" as spark_38 mentioned.

I'm currently gathering all the bits I need to change the head-unit in the BP, and the kit includes an adapter like you pictured. It won't work for your BH.

[suubyduuby]

Peg you are right on.

A diversity antenna adaptor ("Nissan" type) was the one.

Should of checked before I bought the square BL/BP variant lol.

Have a spare one which I'm going to flick onto Trademe.

[subieboy]

I think form memory that there are two plugs one is male the other female...

[spark_38]

 subieboy said:

I think form memory that there are two plugs one is male the other female...

Yip, although aftermarket headunits can fit on the male plug - with extension and still obtain satisfactory reception, unless you're in hilly terrain like Welli, for example. In which case it's terrible, regardless.

[suubyduuby]

Well, all installed now.

BUT...factory trim doesn't fit nicely when headdeck is in place. Width of the deck is just slightly too wide for the factory pop-in/out trim to fit back in. I can get it in place, but not a nice fit as tends to bow slightly to fit.

Thinking of taking a dremel and cutting some small inserts so will pop over the headdeck nicely.

This is with a Sony headdeck - anyone else run into this trouble?

[Scoobydoo]

Should fit in fine. Only thing that would cause an issue is if there is a surround around the front of the deck. This should pop off, then you should be fine.

[spark_38]

what sort of headunit was used?

[Scoobydoo]

A Sony

[subieboy]

My JVC fits ok enough