FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the ANTENNA EZ LIFTER OPERATE?   

The EZ LIFTER operates with a remote control and  the simple operation of a 3 position toggle switch and an on/off power switch.  When you want to move your antenna up to the operating position, simply turn the power switch on,  move the three position toggle  switch so  it is pointing upward.  The EZ LIFTER will move your antenna to the top of your rig, automatically stop, turn on a red LED and place the antenna at the ideal operating position.  When your ready to travel, simply move the toggle switch so that it is pointing down.Your antenna travels to the bottom of the lifter,  automatically stops and turns on a green LED.  The center position of the switch of OFF and can also stop your lifter between the top and bottom.


CAN I INSTALL THE EZ LIFTER MYSELF?

I believe the installation instructions are easy to follow but how easy it is for you depends on several factors,  such as how much skill you have with tools, what tools you have available, where you wish to install the lifter and the configuration of your RV.   You will need  the assistance of at least one other person.

There are two mounting kits available.  The ladder mount and the diredt mount.

The ladder mount mounts your lifter to brackets on the ladder.   A RF ground wire is attached from your lifter to the RV frame at the bottom  and one at the top.   Usually to a roof frame at the top.

The easiest direct mount  is on an RV that has a bumper.  The lower end of the lifter is attached to the bumper and the upper end is attached to the RV roof with self-tapping screws.   Since the bottom and top is mounted to the rig frame, no grounding wires are required.

The more difficult mounting is when your RV does not have a bumper.  This would require attaching an additional piece of metal from your RV frame that would  extend far enough out to mount the lower end of the EZ LIFTER too.  This most likely would require a welder or some drilling skills.

You will also be required to provide a fused 12VDC from a power source to the location of the EZ LIFTER via a pair of #16 wires,  install the coaxial cable from your radio to your antenna and if you are using a motor driven (screwdriver type) antenna,  run these control wires, and run the control wires from the EZ Lifter control box to the base of the lifter.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL THE EZ LIFTER?

That also depends on your skills etc, but the average times reported to me are about 4 hours.

CAN I HAVE THE EZ LIFTER INSTALLED BY A LOCAL BUSINESS?

I have checked one of my local RV dealer shops and they did not turn me down but said they would have to see what the job entailed before they would commit.  Another possible source  is a local communications company or a fellow ham.

I HAVE A MOTOR HOME AND WOULD LIKE TO PUT THE UP/DOWN CONTROL UP FRONT SO I CAN OPERATE WHILE TRAVELING. CAN I DO THAT?

The EZ LIFTER is designed to operate remotely.  The remote control box would most likely be placed at you RV radio station.  It contains an on/off switch, an up/down/stop switch and a red/greed LED to indicate position.  The antenna can be stoped between the top and bottom positions and still maintain a good RF ground.  A word of caution:  If you plan to operate while traveling, it would be wise to know how high the whip on your antenna is.  13"6" is regulated highway maximun.  If you hit an overpass or tree, it could destroy your antenna, EZ lifter and possibly cause an accident.

I HAVE A NEW RV AND DON'T WANT TO PUT ANY HOLES IN IT.   CAN I MOUNT THE EZ LIFTER ONTO THE LADDER?

The answer is  YES.  I now have a proven ladder mount for the Antenna-EZ-Lifter.  If functions very well and does not require any holes in the roof to mount the lifter.  However you will still have to find a good RF  ground for your antenna.   I grounded mine to the ladder mount screws and then grounded the bottom of the ladder to the frame of the rig and to the roof frame at the top.  This system works very well..  

WHAT KIND OF ANTENNA CAN BE MOUNTED TO THE EZ LIFTER?

Virtually any kind of mobile antenna can be mounted to the lifter.  It is designed to lift up to 25 pounds which covers about all the mobile antennas I'm aware of.  It is primarily designed around the motor driven antenna,  as these types of antennas seem to be one of the better HF antennas for mobile use. Most  motor driven antennas that come with their own mounts are more easily mounted, others may take an adapter.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE ANTENNA EZ LIFTER?

The standard length of the lifters are 93".  The reason for this is that the average RV has an 8 foot length from the top of the roof to the bumper.  If there is a use for a shorter or longer lifter, we can make them to any lenght by special order. 

CAN THE ANTENNA-EZ-LIFTER BE SHIPPED

Yes, we ship the lifter via UPS. It ships as an oversize 2 shipping cost.  The cost ranges from around $55. to $140. depending where you live and whether you want the lifter with a mounting kit.