grounding problem

[echocluster]

i have a 71 240z. the am reception has been rotten from the day i bought it. i have tried grounding the antenna various ways thet dont seem to work. the only time when it comes in clear is when i grab the antenna myself. then it comes in real nice. any ideas? this is driving me nuts.:stupid: :tapemouth :mad:

[EScanlon]

Is this the original antenna? If so, and you are operating it up and down by the original switch, then it isn't the antenna that needs grounding. It may be the radio that needs an improved ground.

As far as your touching it and getting better reception, that's not a problem with grounding, that's your body acting as a better radio wave receiver and then enhancing the antenna's current operation.

In the older AM/FM radios there was an adjustment that had to be made to the RADIO to best utilize the antenna. In later model (75-78) radios there was a screw that was accessed from the faceplate of the cassette or 8 track player. The plain AM/FM radios were "tuned" by a screw accessed from the outside of the case. This procedure was similar to the SWR setting on CB radios.

Find the access hole to the screw. Sometimes it was marked with an arrow, other times with a symbol that resembled a ground symbol but if memory serves, the symbol is "upside down" and the "arrow" shaped portion looks more like a triple crossed T.

Turn on your radio and elevate the antenna. Find a radio station about the middle of the dial, and as distant as you would normally be to the stations you DO listen to. Then once you've tuned the DIAL to the best reception you can get, then start adjusting the antenna trim screw. You will note that as you turn the reception will get worse, then improve to the "best" then reduce again. The trim screw is actually a potentiometer that doesn't screw out and in as a regular assembly screw. This allows you to turn it either left or right.

Be advised that if you tune in a very poor reception area, whether because of reflected signals (buildings, hills, or other obstructions) or because of distance, that it will be very tricky to actually improve the reception.

Hope this helps.

Enrique

[MikeW]

In addition to Enrique's advice, keep in mind that the radio in an early Z is quite primitive by today's standards. With it's tiny single speaker and low power even when it's operating at 100% it's really not much to listen to.

[peterc]

Damn Enrique, is there anything that you don't know??

Just kidding. Great advise (as always when coming from you).

The biggest problem I have with the original radio ('72 240z) is keeping it from drifting. Every so often you have to push in the preset button to get it back on station.

I keep reminding myself that it's a 30+ year old car, but even back then they could make a radio that stayed on target.

Then again, I usually drive with the radio off, and listen to the REAL music, that wonderfull inline six .

Cheers,

Peter

[echocluster]

i have a modern deck with a removible face plate. the antenna is original but the it does not go up and down. does this make a difference?