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a while back, StevesMax (the guy who posted some awesome pictures of his NZ spec 3rd gen with a Silhouette lip) posted a picture of an "antenna switch" located in the center console (next to the ebrake) of his parents old JDMspec 3rd gen. It was a facelift model (92+) and he said this wasnt something that could be found in the older grey import JDM models.

Keep in mind, a half-mast antenna switch is nothing new, 80s Z cars and I think even 1st gen Maximas were equipped with them. I did a little google research and kept finding Honda forums...apparently this is a big thing in their world. Honda guys import jdm half mast antenna switches AND jdm power antenna assemblies; all for an assembly with a built in relay and maybe an extra wire or two. I also believe some of them have just wired up a USDM assembly with an extra relay but im pretty sure most of the guys just import both components.

I did some tinkering in the trunk of my VE and found this little bit of information. the plug that connects at the power antenna assembly (power antenna timer) has 7 wires coming from the car. However, the connector on the power antenna timer has 8 pins! Whats this "extra" pin for? could it be the key to unlock uber JDM possibilities?? IF it is then that means all the power antenna assemblies are the same between US/JDM models..possibly worldwide? the 3rd gen has already been found to have the circuitry for: an 'auto-up' window switch, power folding mirrors, etc. the USDM hazard switch has a light bulb in it which is why you can pop a UK hazard switch right in. So this wouldnt be the most surprising thing if it worked...but imagine the happy 3G owners no longer having to check the clearance sign at the drive-thru to see if the antenna will clear.

I found a picture of an a32 cefiro (4th gen) antenna switch and luckily it had the wires still in it. 2 wires. same color. the same wire just interrupted. I looked in the FSM for that vehicle and the wire it was interrupting was the wire coming from the radio for the power antenna source.. im guessing the 3rd gen was wired in a similar fashion. the only reason I mention it is because trying to figure out the wiring based off the Honda stuff I looked at was somewhat complicated; although they were using illuminated switches.

so "IN THEORY" if you connect the wire from your radio to the power antenna like it should...then connect that same wire to the extra pin in the antenna plug...your antenna would never exceed half mast. if you put an on/off switch in line with the wire you added, you could have your choice of half mast or full mast.

theres only ONE PROBLEM

i have 2 3rd gens at the moment

and neither have a working power antenna

anyone car to test my theories ?

 

Sounds great. But gl with finding someone whose antenna still operates correctly. I'm in the process of replacing mine now.

 

My antenna operates just like it did when it was new.

It is also hooked up correctly to my Alpine, so it only goes up or down when you use the tuner. I never use it, though. I just listen to CDs.

Not really interested in having it go up halfway on mine, though.

Can't you find one at U-Pull-It?

 

Negatory. The 8 spot is just a dummy and isn't connected to anything on the PCB. That's not to say you can't add a switch between the timer and motor, but it might confuse the timer unit. Flipping the switch would definitely seize the motor, but the question is what happens when you flip it back. I assume if the 12v signal is high (on), it would continue to go up, if it was low (off), it would go down, but probably only within a certain time frame of shutting off the head unit.

You have an antenna specific output, which only goes high when the AM/FM tuner is selected. Any system where the antenna is always up when on, is wired that way because it lacks the specific output. Either that, or the installer isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

 

I just mentioned that because it seems like half of the 90s Nissans I see (almost all have power antennas) with aftermarket radios have the antenna up all the time. That's probably why most of them are busted. Plus, the power antennas are not very sturdy.

 

*SIGH*

looks like ill have to find one of the older nissan half mast antennas. Although, the 3G power antenna assembly has the antenna timer right on it, and I dont think its the same case with the older ones...

the only difference is the half mast antennas have an extra wire for the half mast part


I think if I had one of these antennas I could run it off the stock power antenna timer; with a relay on the "A" wire that would switch to the "B" wire when the relay was triggered (antenna switch)...

thanks Hectic, at least now I wont bother hooking it all up and wonder why it doesnt work, Lol.

 

My antenna still goes up and down just fine. Ive had 3 aftermarket radios and all 3 would raise the antenna when am/fm stations were switched on and itll go back down once the radio is either switched off or i switch to CD or connect my iphone to it. I rarely listen to the radio anyway.

 

I have an aftermarket HU and it raises my antenna the same as yours. But mine had a broken cord so it would have a hard time retracting. Thats why I got a new mast. I enjoy bumping the radio on & off. While doing that enjoying ppls faces and responses, "Wow! I haven't seen one of those in a while. And it still works!!!!" LOL