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mid_life_crisis · 10-30-2014, 11:27 AM

The "wire" wrapped around the antenna has nothing to do with reception.

From http://www.theautochannel.com/mania/industry/Transcripts/2000/118.htm
[Why'd They Do That? - Car Antennas]
John McElroy, American Driver
"And, finally tonight, in a segment we like to call “Why’d they do that, I’m going to attempt to explain why all car antennas are not alike. While many antennas are smooth, have you ever noticed how some others look like they have a wire wrapped around them, or have a spiral groove in them? You know what that’s for? It’s to cut down on wind noise and vibration. That spiral shape actually helps the antenna slice through the wind more easily, so it’s quieter. When an antenna is mounted on the front fender, as the wind comes off it, that noise is actually directed right at the driver. These spiral-type antennas direct the noise off to the side of the car. And you know how automotive engineers test these antennas to see how quiet they are? They go outside and swish them around like swords!"

10-30-2014, 11:27 AM	#51
mid_life_crisis Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Drives: FR-S 10 #103 AT Location: NC Posts: 1,519 Thanks: 101 Thanked 599 Times in 347 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	The "wire" wrapped around the antenna has nothing to do with reception. From http://www.theautochannel.com/mania/industry/Transcripts/2000/118.htm [Why'd They Do That? - Car Antennas] John McElroy, American Driver "And, finally tonight, in a segment we like to call “Why’d they do that, I’m going to attempt to explain why all car antennas are not alike. While many antennas are smooth, have you ever noticed how some others look like they have a wire wrapped around them, or have a spiral groove in them? You know what that’s for? It’s to cut down on wind noise and vibration. That spiral shape actually helps the antenna slice through the wind more easily, so it’s quieter. When an antenna is mounted on the front fender, as the wind comes off it, that noise is actually directed right at the driver. These spiral-type antennas direct the noise off to the side of the car. And you know how automotive engineers test these antennas to see how quiet they are? They go outside and swish them around like swords!" __________________ Necessity may be the mother of Invention but Desperation is quite often the father. “Sex is like Bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand.” - Mae West Papa said, "son there's a lot of evil temptations out there. Best to try 'em all so you know which ones to avoid."