Camaro Convertible Radio Antenna Is Hidden in the... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

JoeP@TeamBeckyD · 12-17-2010, 10:15 AM

Reported on HOMEPAGE.

DETROIT – When spy shots surfaced of the pre-production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, an outcry went up among Camaro enthusiasts over the AM/FM whip antenna positioned on the rear deck lid.

Quite simply, they hated it.

Chevrolet was quick to respond, commissioning a self-described antenna freak named Don Hibbard to find a way to fix it. “Antennas are a beautiful thing to me,” says Hibbard, an antenna test performance engineer.

Engineers working on Camaro are passionate to drive perfection into every aspect of the vehicle. Hibbard and colleague Gregg Kittinger had to do what some thought was impossible: conceal the AM/FM antenna without sacrificing radio reception, while not putting it inside the Camaro's windows. The two, who share three other patents, happily accepted the challenge.

“We weren’t sure that it would be possible,” said Kittinger. “Typically antennas are hidden in a vehicle’s rear window, but with a retractable soft-top roof, that’s not an option.”

So they came up with a novel approach – hide the antenna inside the rear spoiler. No one had tried that on a Chevrolet before because of the hit to radio reception.

“We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” said Kittinger.

While the shark fin antenna that transmits XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and cellular signals is still present on the car's deck lid, the built-in spoiler antenna eliminates the need for a longer, separate whip antenna to receive AM and FM radio signals.

Hibbard, a lifelong Ham radio enthusiast, says the unorthodox placement of the antenna within the body of the vehicle created a number of technical challenges, such as balancing form by preserving the car’s styling and function of unimpeded audio reception.

“Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” said Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.”

The 2011 Camaro Convertible arrives in dealer showrooms this February.

CamaroCowboy · 12-17-2010, 10:28 AM

Just one question? what happens if said buyer want to change to an aftermarket spoiler?

CamaroSkooter · 12-17-2010, 10:29 AM

Unless said aftermarket spoiler has an antenna built in, you're SOL I guess...

Sandor · 12-17-2010, 11:43 AM

From the GM Media site, the Camaro convertible antenna solution....

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us.../121710_camaro

Chevy Turns to Ham Radio Geek for Antenna Solution

Camaro Convertible is on his wavelength

2010-12-17

DETROIT – When spy shots surfaced of the pre-production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, an outcry went up among Camaro enthusiasts over the AM/FM whip antenna positioned on the rear deck lid.
Quite simply, they hated it.

Chevrolet was quick to respond, commissioning a self-described antenna freak named Don Hibbard to find a way to fix it. “Antennas are a beautiful thing to me,” says Hibbard, an antenna test performance engineer.
Engineers working on Camaro are passionate to drive perfection into every aspect of the vehicle. Hibbard and colleague Gregg Kittinger had to do what some thought was impossible: conceal the AM/FM antenna without sacrificing radio reception, while not putting it inside the Camaro's windows. The two, who share three other patents, happily accepted the challenge.

“We weren’t sure that it would be possible,” said Kittinger. “Typically antennas are hidden in a vehicle’s rear window, but with a retractable soft-top roof, that’s not an option.”

So they came up with a novel approach – hide the antenna inside the rear spoiler. No one had tried that on a Chevrolet before because of the hit to radio reception.

“We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” said Kittinger.

While the shark fin antenna that transmits XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and cellular signals is still present on the car's deck lid, the built-in spoiler antenna eliminates the need for a longer, separate whip antenna to receive AM and FM radio signals.

Hibbard, a lifelong Ham radio enthusiast, says the unorthodox placement of the antenna within the body of the vehicle created a number of technical challenges, such as balancing form by preserving the car’s styling and function of unimpeded audio reception.

“Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” said Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.”

The 2011 Camaro Convertible arrives in dealer showrooms this February.

Kilo-9 · 12-17-2010, 11:48 AM

Cool! Thinking outside the box is one of the reasons that makes me confident that the "new GM" will succeed.

SSN8R · 12-17-2010, 11:55 AM

Normally I fight for those that repost but...

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120435

Aboout two threads below yours...

Sandor · 12-17-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSN8R

Normally I fight for those that repost but...

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120435

Aboout two threads below yours...

Sorry about that, I looked and must have missed it! Just trying to spread good Camaro news, hopefully that's not a facepalm offense.

2010 Bumblebee · 12-17-2010, 01:12 PM

Why not just put it in the windshield like they use to do ?

INTIMIDAT3R · 12-17-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010 Bumblebee

Why not just put it in the windshield like they use to do ?

Sure, then they could listen to everyone B***H about it being in the windshield.

2010victoryredss_ron · 12-17-2010, 07:17 PM

very interesting story

MikeL · 12-17-2010, 07:20 PM

A.) People still use the radio?

B.) I hope they truly did preserve the reception. Reception is bad enough for me with normal antennas.
C.) GOOD WORK!

I love innovation, it leads to bigger and better things.

camaro2lt · 12-17-2010, 07:21 PM

what about when you build it on chevy.com and that long antena come up on the rear trunk lid is that real or is it just the website?

Allanski · 12-17-2010, 07:24 PM

JoeP@TeamBeckyD · 12-17-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allanski

The work in progress....

Name: antenna image.jpg
Views: 8216
Size: 14.7 KB

12-17-2010, 10:15 AM	#1
JoeP@TeamBeckyD Drives: SS,PaceCar,ZL1,1LE,C7Z51,Z06,17-ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit, Mich Posts: 68,623	Camaro Convertible Radio Antenna Is Hidden in the... Reported on HOMEPAGE. DETROIT – When spy shots surfaced of the pre-production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, an outcry went up among Camaro enthusiasts over the AM/FM whip antenna positioned on the rear deck lid. Quite simply, they hated it. Chevrolet was quick to respond, commissioning a self-described antenna freak named Don Hibbard to find a way to fix it. “Antennas are a beautiful thing to me,” says Hibbard, an antenna test performance engineer. Engineers working on Camaro are passionate to drive perfection into every aspect of the vehicle. Hibbard and colleague Gregg Kittinger had to do what some thought was impossible: conceal the AM/FM antenna without sacrificing radio reception, while not putting it inside the Camaro's windows. The two, who share three other patents, happily accepted the challenge. “We weren’t sure that it would be possible,” said Kittinger. “Typically antennas are hidden in a vehicle’s rear window, but with a retractable soft-top roof, that’s not an option.” So they came up with a novel approach – hide the antenna inside the rear spoiler. No one had tried that on a Chevrolet before because of the hit to radio reception. “We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” said Kittinger. While the shark fin antenna that transmits XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and cellular signals is still present on the car's deck lid, the built-in spoiler antenna eliminates the need for a longer, separate whip antenna to receive AM and FM radio signals. Hibbard, a lifelong Ham radio enthusiast, says the unorthodox placement of the antenna within the body of the vehicle created a number of technical challenges, such as balancing form by preserving the car’s styling and function of unimpeded audio reception. “Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” said Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.” The 2011 Camaro Convertible arrives in dealer showrooms this February.

12-17-2010, 10:28 AM	#2
CamaroCowboy Drives: 2013 Chevy Truck Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Copperas Cove, Texas Posts: 1,782 View My Garage	Just one question? what happens if said buyer want to change to an aftermarket spoiler? __________________ Texas speed LT Headers and High Flow Cats, Magnaflow 3 inch cat-back Exhaust, SNL V2 Comp CAM, Texas Speed Underdrive Pully, G5CR CAI, Hurst Short Throw Shifter, JetFlo Mass Air Sensor, Custom Grill, Amber AAC Headlight and Fog Light Halo, Amber footwell Lighting, Amber under hood lighting, RK Sport Ram Air /Heat Extractor Hood and ADM Racing Scoop. 447.9 RWHP 428 TQ My car is exactly that, No one has to like it but me!

12-17-2010, 10:29 AM	#3
CamaroSkooter Retarded One-Legged Owl Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 9,745	Unless said aftermarket spoiler has an antenna built in, you're SOL I guess... __________________ My VIN = 2G1FK1EJ9A9105017 Build Date: 04-23-2009 according to: http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

12-17-2010, 11:43 AM	#4
Sandor Chevrolet Performance Drives: Camaro Chroma Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: The Motor City Posts: 409	GM Media story: Camaro convertible antenna solution From the GM Media site, the Camaro convertible antenna solution.... http://media.gm.com/content/media/us.../121710_camaro Chevy Turns to Ham Radio Geek for Antenna Solution Camaro Convertible is on his wavelength 2010-12-17 DETROIT – When spy shots surfaced of the pre-production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, an outcry went up among Camaro enthusiasts over the AM/FM whip antenna positioned on the rear deck lid. Quite simply, they hated it. Chevrolet was quick to respond, commissioning a self-described antenna freak named Don Hibbard to find a way to fix it. “Antennas are a beautiful thing to me,” says Hibbard, an antenna test performance engineer. Engineers working on Camaro are passionate to drive perfection into every aspect of the vehicle. Hibbard and colleague Gregg Kittinger had to do what some thought was impossible: conceal the AM/FM antenna without sacrificing radio reception, while not putting it inside the Camaro's windows. The two, who share three other patents, happily accepted the challenge. “We weren’t sure that it would be possible,” said Kittinger. “Typically antennas are hidden in a vehicle’s rear window, but with a retractable soft-top roof, that’s not an option.” So they came up with a novel approach – hide the antenna inside the rear spoiler. No one had tried that on a Chevrolet before because of the hit to radio reception. “We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” said Kittinger. While the shark fin antenna that transmits XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and cellular signals is still present on the car's deck lid, the built-in spoiler antenna eliminates the need for a longer, separate whip antenna to receive AM and FM radio signals. Hibbard, a lifelong Ham radio enthusiast, says the unorthodox placement of the antenna within the body of the vehicle created a number of technical challenges, such as balancing form by preserving the car’s styling and function of unimpeded audio reception. “Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” said Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.” The 2011 Camaro Convertible arrives in dealer showrooms this February.

12-17-2010, 11:48 AM	#5
Kilo-9 Dog Is My Copilot Drives: 2011 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,394	Cool! Thinking outside the box is one of the reasons that makes me confident that the "new GM" will succeed. __________________

12-17-2010, 11:55 AM	#6
SSN8R Addicted to G's Drives: 2011 IBM 2SSRS / 2002 Camaro SS NBM Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Annapolis, MD (fmrly Lansing, MI) Posts: 101	Normally I fight for those that repost but... http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120435 Aboout two threads below yours...

12-17-2010, 01:12 PM	#8
2010 Bumblebee Drives: Transformers Edition Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mass Posts: 1,048 View My Garage	Why not just put it in the windshield like they use to do ? __________________ The Yellow Camaro Club http://www.camaro5.com/forums/group.php?groupid=128 Northern Massachusetts & Southern New Hampshire Camaro Club http://www.camaro5.com/forums/group.php?groupid=127 The mother of all supercharger questions thread http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77958 My 2010 Camaro Review http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2025442#post2025442 2010 Transformer Edition Camaro L99 Auto

12-17-2010, 07:17 PM	#10
2010victoryredss_ron Born: August 27, 2009 Drives: 10CAMARO SS,12CRUZE RS,07 YAM R6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Posts: 866 View My Garage	very interesting story __________________ Victory Red 2SS/RS Vin# A9130145

12-17-2010, 07:21 PM	#12
camaro2lt Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT VR/RS CGM Rally's Join Date: May 2009 Location: Palmyra, PA Posts: 5,675 View My Garage	what about when you build it on chevy.com and that long antena come up on the rear trunk lid is that real or is it just the website? __________________ Email: rdurso1@yahoo.com

12-17-2010, 07:24 PM	#13
Allanski Drives: Car Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Burlington Ontario Canada Posts: 750 View My Garage

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