Do i need a relay to wire a switch to my power antenna?
#1
Brap, Brap, Ole!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: kalamazoo, mi
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do i need a relay to wire a switch to my power antenna?
I have searched, but i am still a little confused and i want to be triple sure that i do not cause an electrical issue that could burn my car down!
I have an 84 GSL with the premium sound system. All of the original stereo has been replaced, new head unit, speakers and wiring.
With a test light i was able to locate the power antenna; it would go up when it was grounded and go down when the circuit was incomplete.
This would lead me to believe that i could wire a switch to the antenna wire and another to a ground and with a flip of a switch the antenna would go up.
The reason why i am asking is because i have heard of so many horror stories on this forum with the power antenna wired incorrectly.
So, can what i have thought of work or will i need a relay of some sort?
I have an 84 GSL with the premium sound system. All of the original stereo has been replaced, new head unit, speakers and wiring.
With a test light i was able to locate the power antenna; it would go up when it was grounded and go down when the circuit was incomplete.
This would lead me to believe that i could wire a switch to the antenna wire and another to a ground and with a flip of a switch the antenna would go up.
The reason why i am asking is because i have heard of so many horror stories on this forum with the power antenna wired incorrectly.
So, can what i have thought of work or will i need a relay of some sort?
#4
Cuz my head goes "BOOM"
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just finished doing this on my RX-7. I added a relay to ground for the antenna, and my stereo remote wire (the blue one) controls the relay coil hot side. The only draw back is that the radio has to be turned off for the antenna to go down. It will not go down with key off, but that is the way my stock radio worked too.
#7
Cuz my head goes "BOOM"
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have had no adverse affects. The switch will not get hot if you use a relay. The relay is handling the highest current or the antenna. The switch (or radio in my case) is simply powering the relay.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
streetlegal?
New Member RX-7 Technical
13
03-17-22 02:46 PM
The Shaolin
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
9
09-14-15 07:50 PM
befarrer
Microtech
3
08-22-15 05:52 PM