Does anyone remember when automobiles had the antenna installed in the windshield? The first time I experienced this was with my dad's chocolate brown 1972 Chevy Biscayne. I don't recall whether the antenna was better than the one in the 1967 Biscayne. I could still get WLS, WCFL and WABC loud and clear at night. That's all that mattered to me back then.

My dad's 1974 Cutlass had one and it worked just fine.
You could even see the wire going through the glass of the windshield.
 

Question since were on the topic of cars,  why does reception get better when im on the highway vs off the highway.   This can happen even outside of the city.  Is it because its more elevated perhaps and "open space"?  FM im talking for here.

markow202 wrote:

Question since were on the topic of cars,  why does reception get better when im on the highway vs off the highway.   This can happen even outside of the city.  Is it because its more elevated perhaps and "open space"?  FM im talking for here.

Broadly speaking, due to the frequency 88 - 108 mhz FM broadcast signals are typically 'line of sight'. This means once they leave the transmitting antenna they flow toward the horizon. Now factor in the curvature of the earth and eventually the signal will meet the horizon and carry no further. In the city even strong signals can bounce off hard objects like structures and arrive at the receiver's antenna sort of slightly delayed. This can cause 'picket fencing' or drop outs, fluttering, snorts, and noise. Out on the highway there are fewer obstacles that cause this. Generally the height of the transmitting antenna as well as the radiated power will dictate the station's range. 
 

darcyh wrote:

markow202 wrote:

Question since were on the topic of cars,  why does reception get better when im on the highway vs off the highway.   This can happen even outside of the city.  Is it because its more elevated perhaps and "open space"?  FM im talking for here.

Broadly speaking, due to the frequency 88 - 108 mhz FM broadcast signals are typically 'line of sight'. This means once they leave the transmitting antenna they flow toward the horizon. Now factor in the curvature of the earth and eventually the signal will meet the horizon and carry no further. In the city even strong signals can bounce off hard objects like structures and arrive at the receiver's antenna sort of slightly delayed. This can cause 'picket fencing' or drop outs, fluttering, snorts, and noise. Out on the highway there are fewer obstacles that cause this. Generally the height of the transmitting antenna as well as the radiated power will dictate the station's range. 
 

I experience this the most up north with 103.3 FM Moose FM Parry Sound.  Now while im listening still at a decent distance away from the transmitter (Port Severn) the minute I get off the highway and onto the sideroad the signal gets pretty crummy.  Fading in and out.  Unable to receive under any bridges.   This doesnt get much better until your almost to Parry Sound area close to their transmitter and its not weak eitheir.  Highway, perfectly fine.