Interior winch control by re-using existing antenna switch?

[AdventureBuddies]

Just wondering what will happen if I disconnect my antenna switch and use it for interior winch control. I never use the manual raise and lower so it's kind of a wasted button. I'd rather use if for winch control rather than buy a new switch.Not sure if this is relevant, but it's a 97 Collector's Edition. The antenna goes up automatically when I turn on the radio and retracts automatically if I turn off the head unit or switch to CD. Why is the manual up/down button even there?Thanks

[FirstToy]

Originally Posted by AdventureBuddies

Just wondering what will happen if I disconnect my antenna switch and use it for interior winch control. I never use the manual raise and lower so it's kind of a wasted button. I'd rather use if for winch control rather than buy a new switch.Not sure if this is relevant, but it's a 97 Collector's Edition. The antenna goes up automatically when I turn on the radio and retracts automatically if I turn off the head unit or switch to CD. Why is the manual up/down button even there?Thanks

the LC button can have both buttons pressed at once. If you use it as a winch, follow Slee's tech writeup and install dpdt relays.

the antenna button is to lower antenna manually for wheeling, so you don't bend it. Typical LC engineering. Old school b/c nowadays they all use glass imbedded antennas.

[NLXTACY]

I've seen several on here doing just that. When I EVENTUALLY get a winch, this will be the way I go.

[AdventureBuddies]

Originally Posted by FirstToy

the LC button can have both buttons pressed at once. If you use it as a winch, follow Slee's tech writeup and install dpdt relays.

the antenna button is to lower antenna manually for wheeling, so you don't bend it. Typical LC engineering. Old school b/c nowadays they all use glass imbedded antennas.

I thought it might be for something like that - but I don't get reception if it's down, so I'd never be listening to the radio with the antenna down.

I just finished wiring my front offroad lights to switch on with the highbeams so now it's on to winch wiring...

[FirstToy]

you can use an old 4runner antenna switch which is a rocker switch and skip the dpdt relays too.

funny, i never have the antenna up but get good reception

[chitown40]

Not to mention it is nice when using an iPod RF modulator to be able to put the antenna all the way down to lessen any interference. In Chicago most of our FM band is filled up end to end so there are not a lot of dead frequencies to broadcast the iPod through without things bleeding over.

I am using a momentary toggle switch bought from Grainger... cost about $8 and
I think I like it better than my original 4runner winch switch.

[trojan_knight]

This is how I did mine.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/co-wy-horset...80-series.html