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What is this device? (see picture)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by CJ33, Jan 26, 2009.

  1. CJ33

    CJ33 New Member

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    I just bought a 2006 Prius from a Honda dealer, so they really weren't that knowledgable on the car itself and it didn't come with an owner's manual.
    Does anyone know what exactly is this "device" that's attached to my windshield by the rear view mirror - it's a triangular device, black, looks kind of like a stealth bomber! I have no idea what it's for and since I'm new to this forum, it won't let me include a link to a picture of it until I've made "5 posts or more"...


    Any help identifying it would be great!
    Thank you!
     
    #1 CJ33, Jan 26, 2009
  2. CJ33

    CJ33 New Member

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    I posted a picture of it at:

    priuschat dotcom / forums / members / cj33-albums-cj33-picture1052-photo.jpg
     
    #2 CJ33, Jan 26, 2009
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Is it a smart pass transponder? I don't know what they look like, so it's just a guess.

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Jan 26, 2009
  4. CJ33

    CJ33 New Member

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    It's not the fastrak... I was thinking it's a satellite radio antenna? It's just so odd looking.
     
    #4 CJ33, Jan 26, 2009
  5. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Definitely not original equipment...
     
    #5 firepa63, Jan 26, 2009
  6. CJ33

    CJ33 New Member

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    well then I definitely would like to know what it is then... i don't want some sort of government spy tracking device in my car :)
     
    #6 CJ33, Jan 26, 2009
  7. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Oh no! It's a thought control transponder. You need a tinfoil hat. :D

    Tom
     
    #7 qbee42, Jan 26, 2009
  8. petteri

    petteri New Member

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    A quick google search turned up this:

    [​IMG]


    I do recall something about a SIRIUS antenna like this being developed, and promptly forgot all about it. I'm guessing that is what it is.
     
    #8 petteri, Jan 26, 2009
  9. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Weird. Most def not OEM.

    What does the side against the glass look like?

    Any wires leading to/from it?

    Maybe it's an updated "tinfoil hat." :D
     
    #9 Rokeby, Jan 26, 2009
  10. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Ooohhh (said with a squeal of excitement), what a great idea: an active thought control jammer. You would still need to wear your hat when leaving the safe cocoon of the car.

    Tom
     
    #10 qbee42, Jan 26, 2009
  11. CJ33

    CJ33 New Member

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    petteri,
    Thanks! That's exactly the same device as what's mounted to my windshield. Since I don't have (or want) satellite radio, all I have to do now is figure out how to remove it (it's ugly as all get-out).
    Thanks again!
     
    #11 CJ33, Jan 26, 2009
  12. petteri

    petteri New Member

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    If you ever do decide to go the satellite radio route, avoid this type of antenna. The reception isn't all that good. The externally mounted ones do a much better job!
     
    #12 petteri, Jan 26, 2009
  13. sdtundra

    sdtundra Senior Member

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    Why not call the dealer you bought it from and ask them to remove it?
     
    #13 sdtundra, Jan 26, 2009
  14. Bear68

    Bear68 Member

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    That is most definitely an old design Sirius satellite radio antenna. Pressing the AM button multiple times will normally cycle through the AM, SAT1, and SAT2 settings. (SAT1 and SAT2 are basicly the same as FM1 and FM2 giving you multiple preset stations). It can be easily removed and the wiring should lead you to the passenger side rear seat where you should find the Sirius receiver. (Unless someone removed the receiver unit, leaving you with only an ugly antenna and some extra wiring)
     
    #14 Bear68, Jan 29, 2009
  15. Freedom

    Freedom Active Member

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    Talk with a Toyota dealer, see if you can get hold of an owner's manual. You will be glad you did!
     
    #15 Freedom, Jan 30, 2009
  16. KTPhil

    KTPhil Active Member

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    That is the antenna that comes with the Toyota Solara Sirius installation kit.
     
    #16 KTPhil, Feb 2, 2009
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