'97 antenna seems... poor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 456
Likes: 144
From: Frederick Colorado
'97 antenna seems... poor
My new '97 C5's antenna seems to suck... It appears to be in the windshield. Is it true that the later models had a power antenna in the rear fender of the car?
What can I do to improve radio reception on this stupid windshield antenna?
What can I do to improve radio reception on this stupid windshield antenna?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Bad connections to the reception processing module can cause problems, or aftermarket headunits failing to properly power this module.
Is your headunit OEM, or aftermarket?
Is your headunit OEM, or aftermarket?
Last edited by GCG; Mar 31, 2018 at 10:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 456
Likes: 144
From: Frederick Colorado
It's the OEM cassette deck with a 12 disc changer in the storage area. AM reception is rubbish. FM is only "OK."
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
As mentioned above, bad connections to the reception processing module or a failing module could be causing problems. It could also be that the antenna connector in the back of the headunit is not properly seated.
The C5 Corvette coupe features a diversity antenna system designed to deliver the best radio signal reception possible.
Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna is attached to the rear lift window similar to a defogger grid. This antenna is used to receive both AM and FM signals. The secondary antenna is attached to the windshield in the same manner as the primary antenna. This antenna is used to receive only FM (diversity) signals. The antenna reception signals are sorted by a reception processing module. The module then sends the clearest, strongest signal to the radio control.
Multipath or signal flutter is the quickly fading in and out of FM radio signal reception. Multipath or signal flutter most often occurs in down-town areas or wherever large obstructions are present. A radio signal reflects off of buildings at various angles. When one signal crosses paths with a same signal (at a different angle) they will cancel each other out. The signal will be received and then not received very rapidly by a vehicle audio system. This causes a fluttering effect to be heard through a vehicle's speakers. With the Corvette diversity antenna system one of the two antennas will virtually always receive a strong signal and widely limit multipath.
Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna is attached to the rear lift window similar to a defogger grid. This antenna is used to receive both AM and FM signals. The secondary antenna is attached to the windshield in the same manner as the primary antenna. This antenna is used to receive only FM (diversity) signals. The antenna reception signals are sorted by a reception processing module. The module then sends the clearest, strongest signal to the radio control.
Multipath or signal flutter is the quickly fading in and out of FM radio signal reception. Multipath or signal flutter most often occurs in down-town areas or wherever large obstructions are present. A radio signal reflects off of buildings at various angles. When one signal crosses paths with a same signal (at a different angle) they will cancel each other out. The signal will be received and then not received very rapidly by a vehicle audio system. This causes a fluttering effect to be heard through a vehicle's speakers. With the Corvette diversity antenna system one of the two antennas will virtually always receive a strong signal and widely limit multipath.
Last edited by GCG; Apr 2, 2018 at 01:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 456
Likes: 144
From: Frederick Colorado
I live perhaps 15 miles outside the metro area in a small and electromagnetically quiet area of the state. The interference appears to be engine--caused. Something high-voltage is leaking out of the motor or there is an open connection on the antenna - maybe a connector is loose.
