What would you do, install a Switch for the factory Powered Antenna, or replace the powered antenna itself with the Tacoma whip antenna modification?
power antenna switch or Tacoma whip antenna?
- Thread starter hrt4me
- Start date
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scrap metal
official vendor
I plan on doing a switch to the relay.
I was able to pull the relay from under the radio without removing anything so as of right now it is always down.
but I have small skinny hands hahaha.
I believe the switch will serve a better purpose. If I need the antennae I can switch it on, and if I want to keep from harms way while wheeling I'll switch it off.
x2 on the switch being easier than getting on the fender and replacing it.
I was able to pull the relay from under the radio without removing anything so as of right now it is always down.
but I have small skinny hands hahaha.
I believe the switch will serve a better purpose. If I need the antennae I can switch it on, and if I want to keep from harms way while wheeling I'll switch it off.
x2 on the switch being easier than getting on the fender and replacing it.
shootmymime
New member
Switch. I broke my antenna and am in the market for a replacement mast. But I'm going to install a inline switch that I'm going to cut the signal wire behind my head unit so that I can turn it on or off when ever. I usually listen to my iPod so no reason for my antenna to be up.
the great him
Elite Member
Tacoma whip, easy low (-read none) maintenance, cheap one time fix. And its so much more durable
Thanks for pointing that out!
I currently still have the factory oem double DIN in-dash CD changer installed in my '96 SR5, but my new Alpine head unit actually just arrived this past Friday, so I'll have to read its instructions to determine whether it also only puts up the powered antenna when using the radio.... in which case I then won't necessarily need to worry about installing an on-off switch anyway...
in case I still opt to install the switch now, can you share which rocker switch you used, where you got it, and where on your dash or console you installed it? happen to have any photos?
afg10000
New member
It is an $8 LED rocker switch I bought at O'reilly's. I don't have the package anymore but I'll get a photo up here for ya later today -
Crashnrondo
New member
Switch. I also have an Alpine that only powers the antenna with the radio, I installed the antenna Y adapter so I still keep it down 90% when listening to the radio. It's just nice to control it and put it up for the distant stations when I need it or keep it down during a snow/ice storm while still getting reception. I put my switch in the back of the little cubby under the radio so it is out of site and out of the way but still easy to use.
paddlenbike
Member
Switch. Here's mine below the cigarette lighter.
Doc2012
Senior Member
Go with this. It's 20 bucks, Power ampd, and easy as hell to install. Keeps the factory one down, and people don't even notice it about the mirror. Sticks directly to the windshield.
20 bucks from Crutchfield, but you can get them at Autozone, or just about any Car Audio place.
Universal Window-mount Antenna AM/FM replacement antenna at Crutchfield.com
20 bucks from Crutchfield, but you can get them at Autozone, or just about any Car Audio place.
Universal Window-mount Antenna AM/FM replacement antenna at Crutchfield.com
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afg10000
New member
here's my rocker switch. Little dremel action and grounded to the metal bracket just below the fuse box. My head unit has the antenna up all the time, regardless of radio, CD or USB. I just wanted to be able to use the thumb drive whilst not risking losing the antenna on the trail -
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Grrr...wish I would have researched this before buying and installing a nice JVC deck.
It came in last Monday, I installed it late on Tuesday before going on a ~900mile road trip. I didn't have time to troubleshoot the antenna going up with the stereo's power so just left it.
From the sounds of this thread only Alpine decks will send the antenna up ONLY when the radio is in use? Is there anyway to fix this other than installing a switch? I just replaced my antenna mask so don't really want to buy a whole new antenna already...
It came in last Monday, I installed it late on Tuesday before going on a ~900mile road trip. I didn't have time to troubleshoot the antenna going up with the stereo's power so just left it.
From the sounds of this thread only Alpine decks will send the antenna up ONLY when the radio is in use? Is there anyway to fix this other than installing a switch? I just replaced my antenna mask so don't really want to buy a whole new antenna already...
4Runner4TW
New member
My cheap Sony one would put the antenna up when the radio is on and down when off. My mast bring and after replacing that my motor went so I went with a universal antenna. Much better IMO.
