Antennas and Mobility

Although an automotive radio chassis will give outstanding mobile reception, it cannot provide the continuous reception of home audio components.
^ The home receiver is not limited by the vehicle operating characteristics and certain geographical effects as is the mobile unit.
^ For example, for the best automotive FM reception, the antenna system should be designed like a television antenna and pointed in the direction of the station.
^ The best AM antenna is a long piece of wire. The higher the wire, the better the reception.
^ However, because of design necessity, the automobile antenna is restricted in size, height and direction and must receive both AM and FM stations. This means that a limited amount of the station's signal reaches the vehicle radio chassis.