"Mike" <mike-r@earthlink.net> wrote:
> The relay coil energizes and remains in that state as the antenna
> fully
> extends. The hot power feed passes through the relay contacts, motor,
> SPDT
> limit switch to ground. A timed rotating cam then engages the limit
> switch to off, which removes the power feed to the antenna motor after
> full extension. When the radio or ignition is turned off, the relay
> coil
> is de-energized and the re-directed hot power feed passes through the
> relay contacts, limit switch, motor and ground in a reverse polarity
> path,
> allowing the antenna mast to retract. Once again, the cam engages the
> limit switch to off, removing the power feed to the antenna motor
> after
> full retraction. That's my best diagram interpretation...

Thanks for that detailed explanation. My intention is to splice in a
SPDT On-Off-On toggle switch into the control line running from the
radio to the antenna motor that would allow me to manually override the
radio controlled antenna motor operation. The idea is to be able to
swich the line running from the motor to the lead from the radio in one
of the On positions for normal operation, applying battery voltage at
the other On position to keep the antenna extended during extreme cold
temps, and also keep it retracted in the center Off position when the
line between the radio and motor is effectively cut. I think this is
doable, don't you? I just need to find a good place for that switch.
Maybe in that empty box right under the radio.

> BTW, in regard to your other post, I was able to purchase the original
> antenna wrench from the dealer when I replaced the mast in our 92
> Accord.
> As for grease, mine had plenty of residual on the drive gears inside
> the
> antenna housing to self lube the new drive cable. Be sure to remove
> any
> broken cable inside the housing. After installation, torque antenna
> nut to
> 20lbs-in...HTH

Lucky you! I haven't been able to chase down that nut wrench yet,
though the new antenna arrived in the mail today. Bought it on eBay for
$16. Looks pretty much like the original but we'll see how long it
lasts. Considering how long the original Honda antenna lasted, I'm not
too concerned.
BTW, the torque wrench I have is a heavy duty one, used for wheel nuts
and such and I don't think I could use it for this one. Where do you get
those smaller ones for this kind of applications?

Oh, somebody suggested using lithium grease on the plastic drive cord
but I'm not sure.

Thanks again,
Rudy