[Kenwood] Slightly OT: Motorized Mobile Antenna Mount

[WBrown at e1b.org]

I recently acquired a used TM-D700A (love the radio), and I'm working on
installing it in my truck.  I have a Diamond SG7500 antenna that I would
like to use with it, but I have a slight dilemma.

I tow a fifth wheel trailer, so I can't mount it on the side of the bed in
back because the trailer would knock it off when turning.  So I thought I
could mount it on the hood using a trunk lip mount.  But I park in a ramp
with 6'3" clearance, so I would need to lower the antenna each time I went
to work.  I have been looking into the Diamond K9000 motorized mount which
would be perfect. I could pull up to the parking ramp, press a button and
the antenna would fold down out of the way.  I found the installation
manual online, and read the following statement:

"Do not operate the mount bracket if external temperature is near freezing
or below"

Well, I live near Buffalo, NY.  It snows.  It gets below freezing.

Is there anyone on this list that has this mount (or the similar Maldol
unit) that lives in a similar climate?  Is this warning accurate? Will I
have problems if I install the K9000 and use it in the winter?


KB2TOY