Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[jag240]

I have just had a motorola radio fitted in my Jag 240. When the aerial is held in hand the radio works fine but when it touches the body the radio goes off. Do I need a special aerial or some sort of special fitting? I don't want to have the body drilled until I know that it will all work properly. Does anyone have experience of this who can give me some answers/advice please?

[47p2]

Is your radio positive earth or negative earth and been isolated from the chassis?
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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

[jag240]

Positive earthed radio I was told.

[47p2]

If the radio is earthed correctly and the aerial earthed correctly there should not be a mismatch and it should in theory work perfectly. I wonder if there is a crossed coax wire on the antenna side at either the plug or aerial itself
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ROVER
One of Britain's Fine Cars

[victor 101]

If it's a non electric aerial it wont make any difference wether it pos or neg earth, but it will need a good earth to the car body. which you should get when you fix it to your wing.

[Nic Jarman]

Victor is correct, an aerial is a pasive component so it is not directional (electricaly). The earth forms part of the circuit and can be fashioned through your body, thats why it works when you hold it and the large water content of ones body helps etc etc.
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1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush