[Stutz]

A previous owner installed a kenwood stereo system in my sec and I am curious how the power routes to the antennae. It will not go up d I checked the fuses, and the unit does work if you supply current to it directly. So my question is with the original equipment does the radio trigger the mast or is it simply operated by the switch on the console? If its simply the switch, then I look at the switch or the wiring. If the radio triggers it too then its more complex.

 

[mclare]

It is triggered by a lead to the radio itself. The ANT SW only controls mast height. Do you have the manuals? I just updated my threads on manual downloads and rebuilt thread.

 

[Stutz]

Yes I have the manual and I do see where it indicates that. Maybe the better question then is can I disable that feature and just use the switch? If so how? The replacement radio did not use any of the existing leads and someone simply cut into the power and speaker leads. Or should I look for a drop in replacement that might have that control?

 

[John350]

The radio almost certainly has a power lead to control things like power antennas and separate amps. You just have to find it and connect it to the correct lead in the harness. Note that the "auto" position on the switch will not work as only the factory radio has the smarts to adjust the antenna height.

(It was there to prevent the radio RF section from getting overloaded by strong signals. Most modern radios don't have this issue.)

 

[mclare]

Agreed with John350.