C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Antenna Booster Ground Plane Kit

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Old Sep 16, 2005 | 11:19 PM
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Default Antenna Booster Ground Plane Kit

Although from initial searches on the usual parts supply lines I cannot find any of these in stock (So I also do not know what one looks like or the configuration) Does any one know if this was only an option for '92 - '96 models as my initial search indicates.

OR, does anyone have a diagram/Picture of what this looked like?
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Old Sep 17, 2005 | 09:53 PM
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Default ground plane

My 92 has this wire set. It consists of four black wires, two each connected to a ring terminal. The ring terminals connect to one of two "tabs" protruding from the top of the antenna housing assembly by a screw that threads into the "tab". A frame ground strap is connected by a screw to the other tab. I found out about this when replacing my antenna mast on my 92 convertible. The ground plane kit substitutes wire for the metal frame found on most cars, to "counterbalance" the antenna system. Most antenna systems of this type require a "counterpoise" to operate efficiently. Same as the ground plane elements of your typical home CB or scanner antenna. Mine was not attached and just hanging on the frame...I didnt know what it was until i found it in the service manual.
HE
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Old Sep 17, 2005 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by LT1FORFUN
My 92 has this wire set. It consists of four black wires, two each connected to a ring terminal. The ring terminals connect to one of two "tabs" protruding from the top of the antenna housing assembly by a screw that threads into the "tab". A frame ground strap is connected by a screw to the other tab. I found out about this when replacing my antenna mast on my 92 convertible. The ground plane kit substitutes wire for the metal frame found on most cars, to "counterbalance" the antenna system. Most antenna systems of this type require a "counterpoise" to operate efficiently. Same as the ground plane elements of your typical home CB or scanner antenna. Mine was not attached and just hanging on the frame...I didnt know what it was until i found it in the service manual.
HE
Yes, I'm familiar with antenna systems; I once used to build them. Was unsure however what the corvette 'kit' set up looked like (Any chance of a picture?). So, basically, theres no plate as such, just a loop of wire, correct?
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Old Sep 18, 2005 | 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by smacko
So, basically, theres no plate as such, just a loop of wire, correct?
I guess to try and refine my question & to envisage what you're describing; IF room was no obsticle (As in if antenna was ON your house roof) - Do these 4 black wires you describe, protrude out from the centre like a PLUS (+) sign, OR are they like two pairs of loops, thus; (8) coming from the centre?
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Old Sep 18, 2005 | 09:10 PM
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Four wires attached at a common point on the top of the antenna housing near the underside of the deck. The wires are not looped but have loose ends that are oriented behind the left rear wheel. I have a service manual picture but need an email address.
HE
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Old Sep 18, 2005 | 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by LT1FORFUN
I have a service manual picture but need an email address.
HE
Cheers - as per my reply email, I look forward to seeing the picture, thanks again mate!
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Old Sep 19, 2005 | 12:01 AM
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I believe they are paired, on set goes towards the lr wheel well & the other pair towards the gas cap.

When my gas tank was replaced the tech left them hanging. I repositioned them as best I could to the fsm picture.

My radio worked about the same b4 and after so I don't think it's very critical where they go. Just spread em out a bit.
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Old Sep 19, 2005 | 04:15 AM
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Default Ammendment to calculation method

[QUOTE=froggy47]I believe they are paired, on set goes towards the lr wheel well & the other pair towards the gas cap....QUOTE]

Cheers, am awaiting a picture or diagram from LT1for fun (Or anyone else). I think I have the picture in my mind tho and going by THAT; I see no reason that I can't make one (May have to calculate the electrical length by dividing the 'main elements' x 30,000 - If antenna making memories serve correct) : THIS should give me the 1/4 wavelength of the frequency (Mid dial)

ALSO, (& I'll post this as a separate thread I think) I've just spent TWO DAYS looking for the 'missing' male-male plug I ASSUMED to be there to join the female end of the antenna coaxial cable, to the female end of the coax coming from the antenna - GUESS WHAT?! I pushed one female end INTO the other female end; and it CLIPS INSIDE each other!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

hehe...Would also help to be able to REMEMBER when one takes apart the damned plugs! Trust Chev to come up with something totally WEIRD!!!!!

*NOTE; After not being able to RELIABLY recall the old math mentioned above; I found a different means of calculating the dimentions needed, thus (For anyone interested):

One Wavelength, in feet = 984 / Frequency in Megahertz (MHz)
example:
CB Channel 40 uses the frequency 27.405MHz.
One Wavelength for 27.405, 35.906 Feet = 984 / 27.405

Incidentally, If I can work out how to post a pic here, I'll do so showing the weird looking ground plane that I made, using 4 x 1/8th wavelength reflectors...

Last edited by smacko; Sep 20, 2005 at 08:37 AM. Reason: Ammendment to calculation method
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Old Sep 20, 2005 | 09:10 PM
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OK, IF I do it right - HERE is (hopefully) the pic of my home made ground plane, based on what I saw in my mind as being somewhat like the 'booster kit' that was available for the electric antennas...




Last edited by smacko; Oct 2, 2005 at 02:04 AM. Reason: Changed URL for photo link
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Old Sep 20, 2005 | 11:36 PM
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yeah, that's about what my stock one looks like, not sure on the connect to the antenna. Play with it.
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Old Sep 20, 2005 | 11:50 PM
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Originally Posted by froggy47
yeah, that's about what my stock one looks like, not sure on the connect to the antenna. Play with it.
LT1ForFun kindly emailed me a pic scanned from Service manual; shows that as he describes earlier; 4 wires are connected to the 'mast' (Below the mudguard of course). I have drooped down the 4 'elements' at as roughly as possible, given the lack of room under there - 45 degrees from the verticle (Downwards). Will be able to give a or on any performance gains, when I finally get my car back on the road (Has been 'offline' for months awaiting new injectors and because I STUPIDLY chose to polish everything alloy, myself!) ehhe
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