I have a 1991 w124 diesel that I’d like to be able to command the antenna down when I’m not using the radio. This is particularly useful when running Bluetooth via fm modulator. No point in having the antenna go up.

I believe on the Becker stereos, the amp is turned on by the same signal wire as the antenna. Is it constant +12v?

One option would be a double throw switch that in one direction would divert the +12v to a Bluetooth dongle and fm modulator, while the other direction would provide signal to the antenna. But is the +12v signal wire useable for something like that?

Thanks!

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The antena has a control module attached to it. When it has a 12v signal the antena goes up and then when it reaches the top it turns off. The 12v power is still on to the control module. When the signal stops, the control module retracts the antena to the closed position. By interupting the 12v, it will close the antena. On my wagon, the amp is next to the antena so the only way to accomish what you want to do is run a wire from the antena back to the dash and tthen back to the antena. Locate your amp and you can decide from there.

I understand your comment to indicate the antenna gets its 12v control signal from the amplifier rather than directly from the head unit. Is this a correct statement? If it gets the 12v signal from the head unit, either directly or by a passive pass-through in the amplifier harness, seems one could interrupt that wire with a switch somewhere near the head unit.


Thanks for any assistance.