Power Car Antenna
Radio antennas introduced in 1930s, along with the first commercially fitted car radios, kept on evolving. Today, high-tech satellite dishes are used to receive radio signals. Luxury car manufacturers thought they are ugly and were considered eye sores, which marred the beauty of their car designs. Then technology found a solution to this problem, in the form of power antennas.
Types of Car Antenna
Internal Antennas
These antennas are fitted inside the car, on the dashboard, windshield or the trunk of the car. This effectiveness of the reception of this antenna is not on par with other antennas. Several internal antennas are needed to improve the quality of reception of radio signals.
External Antennas
These are, in the form of telescoping metal or fiber-glass poles, attached to the exterior of the car especially on the hood, rear or the roof of the car. The quality of radio signals received by these movable antennas, is better than those that are fitted internally. Though the main disadvantage of this antenna, is that it is prone to accidental damage.
Power Antennas
These are antennas that are designed to overcome the weakness of external car antennas. These are placed in a compartment or housing attached to the exterior of the car. When the car ignition is switched off, they don't hang in the air like how external antennas do, and hence, are not prone to damage. The mast is ejected or lowered, by an electric motor connected to it. When the car ignition is activated to 'ON' by inserting and turning the key in it, the electrical motor controlling the antenna is activated and propels the mast up, and out of its housing. The antenna when ejected, can receive radio transmissions. When the ignition switch is set to 'off', the electronic control signals the electrical motor, to lower or collapse the antenna mast. Thus, it is safely tucked inside the protective compartment, when it is not in use.
Satellite Dish
Small, round satellite dishes are used as antennas, to receive satellite signals, which are then carried to the receiver by wires from the antenna. The satellite radios receiver, are fixed to the dashboard of the car.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Navigating, using the GPS navigation system is the latest trend. Special car antennas are used to capture navigation signals from the global positioning system. Some of the antenna units can receive navigation and radio signals, from satellites. Nowadays, a computerized car audio system is available, that can handle audio signals for the phone, radio signals from satellites and navigational videos from that global positioning system.
How a Power Car Radio Antenna Works
The power car radio antenna mast has a nylon cord attached to its base. This cord is reeled in by a reversible electrical motor connected to the antenna, to lower or eject it. When the power car radio mast is fully extended or collapsed, the motor stops reeling in or out. For this purpose it is provided with two switches. Electrical power to the antenna is supplied using a wire connected to it. Another wire leading from the radio, and connected to the antenna, acts as the actuator. The whole power car radio antenna assembly is mounted firmly, so that it cannot move when it is actuated to complete the circuit. It reduces wear and tear of the electronic components that comprises a significant portion of the car parts, and prolongs the life of the system. A fuse aligned with the power transmitted to the antenna, prevents the chances of a fire occurring, due to overheating of the motor, in case it fails to stop while its reeling in or out.
Radio signals received by the antennas of power cars are fed to an amplifier, which amplifies the signal and feeds it to the speakers. Antenna boosters attached to the antenna, improves the reception of signals. Replacing a broken power antenna is not a big deal. These parts are easily available on Internet outlets and also through dealers or local retailers.
