RetroSound HPA1 - User Manual

Installation Guide
HPA1
Amplied AM/FM
Hide-away Antenna
HPA1 Antenna
Installation
The HPA1 antenna is designed to mount inside your vehicle when you are not using a
traditional fender-mounted antenna.
1. Place the main body of the HPA1 as high in the dash as possible. Avoid placing it
near any high-current wiring.
2. Ground the HPA1 to a clean metal point close to its body with the small braided
cable and eyelet.
3. Route the antenna cable with the thin black power wire to your radio location.
Connect the thin black wire to a 12-volt ignition source or the blue power antenna
output wire of your RetroSound® radio.
4. Connect the male antenna plug into the female antenna receptacle of your radio.
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Summary

HPA1 Antenna Overview

HPA1 Antenna Installation

Positioning the Antenna Body

Place the HPA1 as high in the dash as possible, avoiding high-current wiring.

Grounding the Antenna

Ground the HPA1 to a clean metal point using the small braided cable and eyelet.

Routing and Connecting Power Wire

Route the antenna cable and black power wire to the radio location for connection.

Connecting the Antenna Plug

Connect the male antenna plug into the radio's female antenna receptacle.

Product Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage and Period

Details the manufacturer's warranty for defects, repair/replacement options, and the warranty period.

Limited Warranty Exclusions

Outlines specific exclusions from warranty, including normal wear, misuse, and consequential damages.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Retro Antenna HPA1 is an amplified AM/FM hide-away antenna designed for internal vehicle mounting, offering an alternative to traditional fender-mounted antennas. This device is specifically engineered for situations where a visible external antenna is not desired or feasible.

Function Description:

The primary function of the HPA1 is to receive AM/FM radio signals and amplify them for improved reception by a car radio. Unlike conventional antennas that are exposed to the elements and visible on the vehicle's exterior, the HPA1 is intended to be discreetly installed inside the vehicle's dashboard. This hide-away design contributes to a cleaner aesthetic and can be particularly beneficial for classic cars or custom builds where maintaining an original or minimalist look is important. The amplification feature helps to overcome potential signal degradation that might occur due to its internal mounting location and the vehicle's structure. It is designed to work seamlessly with RetroSound® radios, but its standard male antenna plug suggests compatibility with other car radios that have a female antenna receptacle. The inclusion of a 12-volt ignition source or power antenna output wire connection indicates that the antenna requires power for its amplification circuitry to function correctly.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific technical specifications such as gain, frequency range, or current draw are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual, the core technical aspect is its amplified nature for AM/FM reception. The power requirement is a 12-volt ignition source or a blue power antenna output wire, which is a common standard in automotive electrical systems. The antenna connects to the radio via a standard male antenna plug. The physical design emphasizes a compact form factor suitable for hidden installation within the dashboard.

Usage Features:

The HPA1 offers several key usage features:

• Hide-away Design: This is the most prominent feature, allowing for an invisible installation within the vehicle's interior, typically behind the dashboard. This is ideal for users who prefer a clean exterior look or for vehicles where a traditional antenna might detract from the aesthetic.
• Amplified Signal: The antenna includes an amplifier to boost AM/FM signals, which is crucial for maintaining good reception quality when the antenna is mounted internally, away from direct line-of-sight to broadcast towers.
• Easy Integration: The antenna is designed for straightforward integration into a vehicle's existing audio system. It connects to the radio via a standard antenna plug and requires a simple 12-volt power connection.
• Compatibility: While marketed by RetroSound®, the use of standard connections suggests broad compatibility with various car radios that have a female antenna input.
• Discreet Placement: The installation instructions emphasize placing the main body of the HPA1 as high in the dash as possible, away from high-current wiring, to optimize performance and minimize interference. This strategic placement is a key aspect of its usage.

Maintenance Features:

The manual does not explicitly detail ongoing maintenance features for the HPA1 antenna, which is typical for passive or semi-passive electronic components like antennas once installed. However, based on the installation and warranty information, the following can be inferred regarding maintenance and care:

• Proper Installation for Longevity: The most critical "maintenance" aspect is ensuring correct initial installation. This includes:
  • Optimal Placement: Placing the antenna high in the dash and away from high-current wiring helps prevent electromagnetic interference and ensures optimal signal reception, reducing the likelihood of performance issues.
  • Secure Grounding: Grounding the HPA1 to a clean metal point close to its body with the braided cable and eyelet is essential for proper operation and to prevent electrical issues or noise. A poor ground connection can lead to degraded performance or intermittent operation.
  • Correct Power Connection: Connecting the thin black power wire to a reliable 12-volt ignition source or the radio's power antenna output ensures the amplifier receives consistent power. Incorrect power connections can lead to non-functionality or damage.
• Durability and Design: As an internally mounted component, the HPA1 is protected from external environmental factors such as weather, car washes, and physical damage that traditional external antennas are exposed to. This inherent protection reduces the need for external cleaning or inspection.
• Warranty Support: The product comes with a one (1) year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This means that in the event of a manufacturing defect within the warranty period, the unit can be repaired or replaced. This serves as a form of "maintenance" by ensuring the product's functional integrity is upheld by the manufacturer. Users are advised to contact Retro Manufacturing for a Return Authorization (RA) number for any warranty claims.
• Exclusions from Warranty: The warranty explicitly excludes damages due to normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage, shipping damage, misuse, abuse, neglect, faulty installation, improper maintenance, inadequate signal reception (if not due to a product defect), power surges, lightning, and service by unauthorized parties. These exclusions highlight the importance of careful handling, professional installation (or adherence to instructions), and protection from external factors to ensure the antenna's longevity and maintain warranty coverage.
• No User-Serviceable Parts: The manual does not suggest any user-serviceable parts or routine maintenance tasks like cleaning contacts or replacing components. This implies that if the unit malfunctions outside of installation issues, it likely requires professional diagnosis or replacement rather than user-level repair.

In summary, the Retro Antenna HPA1 is a practical solution for vehicle owners seeking an invisible, amplified AM/FM antenna. Its design prioritizes aesthetics and performance through internal mounting and signal amplification. While requiring careful initial installation, its hide-away nature largely eliminates the need for ongoing user maintenance, relying instead on its inherent durability and manufacturer warranty for long-term reliability.

RetroSound HPA1 Specifications

General

Brand	RetroSound
Model	HPA1
Category	Antenna
Language	English