Antenna: Description and Operation

When the Radio is turned "ON," voltage is applied from the Radio Receiver Box (CKT 143) to the Antenna Relay coil. The relay contacts close, and battery voltage is supplied through the DK GRN wire to the Antenna Motor. The other Motor terminal is grounded through the UP Switch, the GRY wire and the relay contacts. The Motor drives the Antenna up. When the Antenna is at its full height, the UP Switch opens and the Motor stops.

When the Radio or Ignition Switch is turned "OFF," the circuit through the Antenna Relay coil is opened. The Antenna Relay contacts open to the position shown in the schematic, applying battery voltage to the WHT wire. The DK GRN wire is now grounded. Since the DOWN Switch at the Antenna is now making contact to the WHT wire, the voltage to the motor has reversed polarity. It runs in the opposite direction.

At the end of the Antenna's travel, the DOWN Switch opens and breaks the current flow. Both sets of switches are now in the places shown in the schematic, the Radio is "OFF" and the Antenna is down.

The Antenna is connected to the Radio Receiver Box by coaxial cable.

Performance from an Antenna is at its best when mounted on a large plane of metal. The larger the plane the better. On Corvettes, the ground plane is achieved using the vehicle frame.

The Antenna is grounded to the vehicle through a braided ground strap (G400). To achieve a more effective ground plane, four additional wires are attached to the antenna base. Each wire is cut to the exact length of the fully extended Antenna (31 1/2 inches) and each is draped in four different directions. They are left open on one end.