Power Antenna Override Switch

[jeffnhiscars]

I doubt I'm the first one to do this but I don't recall reading it either.

I am so tired of my antenna going up and down every time I turn my key on....say to just raise and lower my windows...so I spliced a spare window circuit breaker in to the white antenna lead that connects to the blue/white feed from my Kenwood and installed the switch where my fader used to be

Now the antenna only functions when I want it to....which is not often plus I got rid of that useless idiot fader switch.

[reelizmpro]

That's not supposed to happen unless you always keep your radio on. Considering I don't listen to AM/FM radio much, I do think a switched antenna is a good idea. Easy to do too.

[KIRIEIW]

I thought about doing this about two years ago, but ended up taking the "half ass" route and disconnected the antenna power cable in the trunk. Funny enough, I also was going to use a window breaker switch so it would have a OEM appearance in the car. I haven't listened to the radio in two year's anyway so I guess everything worked out in my case.

[jeffnhiscars]

That's not supposed to happen unless you always keep your radio on. Considering I don't listen to AM/FM radio much, I do think a switched antenna is a good idea. Easy to do too.

You are correct in that the power control wire from the radio goes to the amp and antenna. The fact is that even though this the second kenwood I've installed I still can't figure out how to turn the radio on and off using the face plate lol

Clearly I have a mental block or there is no on/off function. I prefer to think the latter :)

[AndrewBird]

Some stereos have a separate wire for the antenna and only turn it "on" when the stereo is in radio mode. That way if you are listening to a CD, the antenna stays down.

Honestly, other than out in the middle of nowhere, you probably wouldn't notice a difference in reception with the antenna down vs up. Modern radio stations put out a lot of power.

Who listens to the radio anyway?

[reelizmpro]

You are correct in that the power control wire from the radio goes to the amp and antenna. The fact is that even though this the second kenwood I've installed I still can't figure out how to turn the radio on and off using the face plate lol

Clearly I have a mental block or there is no on/off function. I prefer to think the latter :)

Typically, you just hold down the SOURCE button to turn ON/OFF.

[jeffnhiscars]

Some stereos have a separate wire for the antenna and only turn it "on" when the stereo is in radio mode. That way if you are listening to a CD, the antenna stays down.

Honestly, other than out in the middle of nowhere, you probably wouldn't notice a difference in reception with the antenna down vs up. Modern radio stations put out a lot of power.

Who listens to the radio anyway?

I think mine does that but I do listen to the radio by default so that doesn't help.

I played with it today and the antenna actually does make quite a difference in how may stations I can pick up and Im 3 minutes from Uptown Charlotte (no idea why they don't call it downtown like every other city on the planet).

Based on your habits this may or may not be of any use but with me lowering and raising Windows all the time in the driveway I find it to be a great convenience.

I'll try holding that button down but it won't change the fact that I simply prefer being able to manage my antenna manually.

[august125]

I would recommend using a US spec fog light button. It works the same way except it has a normal button feel instead of the "click" action of the circuit breaker.

[Johnnyboy101]

Fog light idea is a good one... Better then what a PO put in mine

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