Radio And Antenna - Cadillac 60 Series 1963 Shop Manual

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12-61
RADIO AND ANTENNA
Two radios are available as optional equip-
ment for 1963 cars - - an AM/FM Radio and a
signal seeking AM Radio. Both radios consist
of an all-transistor receiver unit and separate
speaker units. An auxiliary rear speaker is
standard equipment on all body styles. The re-
ceiver unit is located in the center of the in-
strument panel.
The front speaker is mounted in the center of
the upper instrument panel cover. The rear
speaker is located in the trunk compartment
and is attached to the rear parcel shelf, except
on convertible styles, where it is located in a
recessed section of the rear seat back.
Both the AM/FM receiver and the signal seek-
ing AM receiver are equipped with five push
buttons. The push button feature provides the
owner with a choice of five favorite stations.
Any one of these five stations is tuned in by de-
pressing one of the five push-pull, lockup type
push bottons, located directly below the dial.
The AM/FM receiver allows any combination
of AM and FM stations. Of course, only one
station, either AM or FM, may be set on a button.
The same antenna, of the extendable rod type,
is provided for both radios. It is electrically
operated from the interior of the car by the
manual selector control knob. Pushing in on
this control knob will raise the antenna; pulling
it out will lower the antenna.
AM/FM Radio (Fig. 12-84)
The AM/FM Radio has advantages and limit-
ations that must be explained to purchasers who
are not familiar with the operation of FM units.
The frequencies (88-108MC) at which FM sta-
tions operate create much shorter radio wave-
lengths than those produced in AM broadcasting.
Unlike AM signals, FM signals do not bend around
the horizon. This limits the distance at which
FM signals can be received. The dependable
range of FM transmission is a radius of ap-
proximately twenty miles from the transmitting
antenna. However, the shorter FM signals are
easily reflected and scattered by surrounding
objects. This scattering of the waves causes a
strong FM signal to be picked up in areas where
AM signals are weak such as in tunnels and
underpasses.
When the FM receiver moves out of range of
the FM transmitter it enters what is referred
to as the fringe area. In the fringe area, the
strength of the FM signal may vary rapidly,
causing a flutter or a series of noise bursts
as the car moves between high and low level
signal points.
A second effect found in the fringe area is the
presence of ignition interference from adjacent
vehicles. In both instances, it may be possible
to improve reception by retuning; however, it
may be necessary to change to a different station.
The antenna is operated by a reversible elec-
tric motor. The motor drives a gear and pulley
assembly that extends or retracts a nylon cable
fastened to the smallest of three antenna sections.
The action of the nylon cable, as it is extended,
forces the smallest antenna rod upward. When
the first rod reaches the end of its travel, it
pushes the second section of the rod upward.
The third section of the rod is extended in turn
when the second section has reached the end of
its travel.
In lowering the antenna, the nylon cable is
retracted. This pulls the three sections of the
antenna rod downward in reverse order of their
extension.
CAUTION: Do not raise or lower the antenna
by hand. Always use the antenna control knob
to prevent damage to the operating mechanism.
On cars equipped with AM/FM receivers, the
antenna tip should be approximately thirty inches
above the fender to obtain the best FM reception.
Properly used, the AM/FM Radio offers sev-
eral distinct advantages over the AM radio. The
FM receiving circuit is relatively free from
static, whether caused by nature, as in thunder-
storms, or by mechanisms such as power lines,
viaducts, and neon lights. Unless the receiver
is tuned to a very weak signal, reception should
be virtually noise free.
AM Tell-Tale FM Frequency AM Frequency FM Tell-Tale
Light Band Band Light
Frequency Band
Switch
Push Buttons
Fig. 12-84 AM-FM Receiver Dial