12v Supply for aftermarket active DAB antenna

[Brian Winn]

Hi. I have a 20 Reg Fiat Ducato (Eldiss Encore 250) with the standard fit UConnect DAB radio. I was hoping to replace the wing mirror antenna with an active T-Bar located higher in the overhead cab space BUT I cannot find a way of supplying this antenna with a radio-switched 12v supply. I was expecting the radio to have a "12v Ant" output (intended use for motorised aerials) but this being a std fit for FIAT does not seem to have one. The radio is a FIAT 250 VP1 model. Am I missing it or is there no such output?
In which case all suggestions for making a radio-controlled 12v antenna supply welcome!
(I have considered adding a switch to the middle bank on the dashboard (central locking etc), but even that seems to be 'modularised' and not possible).

 

[Lenny HB]

I would use the ACC connection to the stereo.

 

[Brian Winn]

Does that not need the ignition switch on? Don't want to do that when parked up.

 

[TheBig1]

As above there is a permanent live and ignition switched wire in the loom that feeds the radio

 

[Lenny HB]

Does that not need the ignition switch on? Don't want to do that when parked up.

Depends how it's wired.

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[TheBig1]

If you want a radio switched supply, a relay could be used

 

[Brian Winn]

As above there is a permanent live and ignition switched wire in the loom that feeds the radio

I’m not sure about that ignition switched supply with this model (but will check) - and apologies to Lenny … I have mistaken ACC with the position which has the dashboard all lit up.

 

[Brian Winn]

I think it’s doomed. This model has no “accessories “ position on the ignition switch. It’s just off/everything electrical/start.
So I have to have the whole dashboard lit up, ECU computers etc (or whole vehicle electrics) active if I use the ignition switch to give power to the antenna. Or wire it to permanent live and have a separate dedicated switch for the antenna (I just know that will be forgotten and drain the battery).