Great - I also agree with Joe, W4TV.
I have also replaced / upgraded many "open-frame" relays within transceivers /
amplifiers / antenna switches over the years with appropriate sealed relays.
The "open relays" I have replaced - exhibited the same failure type as
described below.
My HF tower switch is home-brew.
It features "N" connectors, computer controlled from station, with lock-out and
feedback protection.
Including integral lightning protection.
Insertion loss <0.05db @ 50MHz., >60db isolation between ports (4).
About 10 years ago, I got fed up with pre-manufactured remote antenna switches.
Problems, one lightning hit - toast, high insertion loss, with questionable
isolation between ports.
Thanks n 73,
James
ki5dq
--------------------------------------------
On Tue, 4/12/16, Bob K6UJ <k6uj@pacbell.net> wrote:
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] remote ant switch decision
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 11:45 AM
thanks Joe,
Bob
K6UJ
On 4/12/16 7:47 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
> Stick with the switch that uses enclosed relays with higher impedance
> coils. The "open frame" relays (even with a carbonate cover) with
> low impedance coils (higher current) are more sensitive to corrosion
> *and* resistance in control leads. The "open frame" relays *will*
> become unreliable over a relatively short period of time.
>
> The better switches use enclosed relays, and at least in one case,
> cast, moisture resistant enclosures rather than bent sheet metal
> that is susceptible to moisture intrusion.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>> To: towertalk@contesting.com
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] remote ant switch decision
>> From: Bob K6UJ <k6uj@pacbell.net>
>> Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016 00:56:48 -0700
>>
>>
>> I am considering getting either the Array Solutions RatPak or a DX
>> Engineering remote antenna switch. Any feedback on either of these,
>> positive or negative ?
>>
>> thanks,
>> Bob
>> K6UJ
>>
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>
>
>
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