motorized car antenna

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=127461
Printed Date: May 14, 2025 at 1:37 PM

Topic: motorized car antenna

Posted By: leahmc28
Subject: motorized car antenna
Date Posted: May 26, 2011 at 1:08 PM

I have a few questions,

How do these devices work?

How much weight can they handle?

What I really need to use is a linear actuator, however cost is an issue so I am trying to think of a way to make a home made cost effective version. Any ideas?

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: May 26, 2011 at 4:37 PM

What are you trying to lift?

Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 31, 2011 at 4:41 AM

I hate to awaken, but assuming you (leahmc28) want to make your own motorised antenna, I'd suggest forget it - you won't make cheaper than the mass-produced versions (flex-drives, torque clutches, water & dust coping etc).
Regarding a linear actuator - as in straight line? Too many problems and issues - a round motor and flex drive is the best.

However, last I looked (about 10-20 years ago) I could see great scope for auto controls, though many cars now have that - eg, auto down after a delay after radio or IGN off etc.

I doesn't sound like you are using a motorised antenna as a linear actuator....(?)

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: May 31, 2011 at 9:46 PM

I think he is wanting to use an automatic ariel as a linear actuator.

Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: May 31, 2011 at 10:36 PM

In that case it's a good choice - subject to the clutch torque and having rails or similar for the thing being moved unless using the antenna tip itself to do the moving. IMO a good idea, and probably cheap too.

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: May 31, 2011 at 10:58 PM

I am trying to find out how much weight he is trying to lift.

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: June 01, 2011 at 11:25 AM

Well if it's a tailgate, he can bloody well forget using an auto antenna, wouldn't even use one to scratch my back.
I'm guessing anything over 10lbs (4+ kilos) forget it.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

Posted By: leahmc28
Date Posted: June 02, 2011 at 1:19 PM

Yes, I was trying to use a car antenna as a linear actuator, but I am lifting 1'of 4" exhaust from the inside of a 5" exhaust and realized its definitely too heavy. I went with a lead screw idea from a company called MacMaster Carr (cheapest I could find by far) and am waiting on it to be shipped.

P.S. I'm a she not a he posted_image

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: June 02, 2011 at 1:30 PM

You had to say she didn't you. Now my mind is boggling and I'm biting my tongue over silly jokes, still what you're trying to do is very Freudian
Hell they will sensor this won't they posted_image

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: June 02, 2011 at 1:32 PM

By the way, all joking aside, apologies for calling you a he, "leahmc" should have been a clue posted_image

Posted By: leahmc28
Date Posted: June 02, 2011 at 1:35 PM

It's understandable, I get it a lot in this type of stuff. I likely make up 25% of the female population on here.

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: June 02, 2011 at 1:43 PM

Reminds me of the time I popped into our very sprauncy local Porsche dealer's workshop to see a lovely looking 20ish lady walking around in overalls, as they were telling me to shut my mouth before I caught a fly they also told me she was the foreman (forewoman?).
It's amazing in this day what a male oriented trade/hobby this is.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

Posted By: leahmc28
Date Posted: July 05, 2011 at 11:29 AM

Haha.

Thought I would keep you posted, I ended up going with a Lead Screw type system. Now its just figuring out motor reversing through the controller... A switch would be so much easier! posted_image

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: July 05, 2011 at 12:05 PM

DPCO, momentary, centre off. A.K.A power window switch from Spal etc.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.