C5 Antenna & reception
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 351
Likes: 13
From: Payson AZ
C5 Antenna & reception
Does anyone else have problems with reception in their C5?
Leaving Phoenix (which has many strong FM stations) today once I get about 30-40 miles outside the city I lose reception.
I have never had a vehicle with worse radio reception.
Is this a common issue? I didn't find anything with a search so I thought maybe it isn't.
Can an after market antenna be installed? A power one in a rear quarter panel or something? It sucks not having a decent radio.
Couldn't get a strong AM station to come in either at the same distance.
Leaving Phoenix (which has many strong FM stations) today once I get about 30-40 miles outside the city I lose reception.
I have never had a vehicle with worse radio reception.
Is this a common issue? I didn't find anything with a search so I thought maybe it isn't.
Can an after market antenna be installed? A power one in a rear quarter panel or something? It sucks not having a decent radio.
Couldn't get a strong AM station to come in either at the same distance.
Last edited by C5 Newb; Feb 28, 2017 at 02:29 AM. Reason: added content
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Before adding anything, I suggest checking the antenna coax connections, at the antenna and at the head unit. Might just be a bit loose.
Hopefully the coax has not been damaged as I would not like to have to try to re-thread a new coax from head unit to antenna.
Hopefully the coax has not been damaged as I would not like to have to try to re-thread a new coax from head unit to antenna.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2016
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,411
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From: Horseshoe Bend ID
You might try searching the audio forum. There are lots of posts about antennas, boosters and the like. The coupe has a different system than the vert (and I think the Z06 might have a different setup too)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 351
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From: Payson AZ
I always stopped at the c5 section.
I will check it out, thanks again
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The reception in my C5 coupe is actually pretty decent, but I tend to believe that some radio stations broadcast in a directional mode and if you fall outside that area, obviously reception would be degraded.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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FM radio reception can depend on the location of the transmitter as well as any obstruction that may be within the broadcast area. Not all FM stations have the same transmitting power; maybe the stations you listen to are not very powerful?
Here in my area, there is one FM Station in town that I listen to but reception is only about 20-30 miles. Yet there are other FM stations that are 60-90 miles away, and they are loud and clear.
The C5 coupe has two FM antennas; one in the upper part of the windshield (like a lot of other cars) and a second one in the forward part of the rear hatch window. The convertibles and the Z06 have mast-type antennas with the 'vert antenna being retractable and the Z06 has a fixed-mast.
Here in my area, there is one FM Station in town that I listen to but reception is only about 20-30 miles. Yet there are other FM stations that are 60-90 miles away, and they are loud and clear.
The C5 coupe has two FM antennas; one in the upper part of the windshield (like a lot of other cars) and a second one in the forward part of the rear hatch window. The convertibles and the Z06 have mast-type antennas with the 'vert antenna being retractable and the Z06 has a fixed-mast.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
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From: Springfield Ohio
FM is line of sight transmission. If you drive over the horizon or into a valley you'll lose the signal. 30 miles is about the max on FM. That said, antennas in the glass haven't ever been the best for signal reception.
Also there is an antenna module in the panel behind the drivers seat, right about where the seatbelt mounts to the floor. Cleaning the connection on the module can greatly improve the signal quality.
See Post #8 in the link below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...reception.html
Also there is an antenna module in the panel behind the drivers seat, right about where the seatbelt mounts to the floor. Cleaning the connection on the module can greatly improve the signal quality.
See Post #8 in the link below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...reception.html
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Scottsdale Az
When I'm driving out of town I just Bluetooth my phone and listen to downloaded tunes. This goes for any of my vehicles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Kensington MD
FM is line of sight transmission. If you drive over the horizon or into a valley you'll lose the signal. 30 miles is about the max on FM. That said, antennas in the glass haven't ever been the best for signal reception.
Also there is an antenna module in the panel behind the drivers seat, right about where the seatbelt mounts to the floor. Cleaning the connection on the module can greatly improve the signal quality.
See Post #8 in the link below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...reception.html
Also there is an antenna module in the panel behind the drivers seat, right about where the seatbelt mounts to the floor. Cleaning the connection on the module can greatly improve the signal quality.
See Post #8 in the link below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...reception.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,470
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
Pro
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 563
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From: Montgomery City, MO
I'll have to look into the antenna module - my assumptions on the coupe were that the one on the windshield is for FM and the grid on the rear hatch glass is tuned for AM.
Whatever the case, just to add a bit to the discussion - when I bought mine the windshield was tinted (a serious no-no here in Missouri). While removing the glue from the tint I accidentally hit the conductive stripe and cut it just a few inches from the center on one side. Reception has sucked ***** since then.
Whatever the case, just to add a bit to the discussion - when I bought mine the windshield was tinted (a serious no-no here in Missouri). While removing the glue from the tint I accidentally hit the conductive stripe and cut it just a few inches from the center on one side. Reception has sucked ***** since then.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,470
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
I'll have to look into the antenna module - my assumptions on the coupe were that the one on the windshield is for FM and the grid on the rear hatch glass is tuned for AM.
Whatever the case, just to add a bit to the discussion - when I bought mine the windshield was tinted (a serious no-no here in Missouri). While removing the glue from the tint I accidentally hit the conductive stripe and cut it just a few inches from the center on one side. Reception has sucked ***** since then.
Whatever the case, just to add a bit to the discussion - when I bought mine the windshield was tinted (a serious no-no here in Missouri). While removing the glue from the tint I accidentally hit the conductive stripe and cut it just a few inches from the center on one side. Reception has sucked ***** since then.
