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Re: [TowerTalk] Stack-matching

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Stack-matching
From: "Lux, Jim" <jim@luxfamily.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Jul 2022 18:00:17 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
On 7/19/22 5:24 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

Jim,

The question wasn't about a transfer switch ... it was about
a stacking switch that would allow the antennas to be fed to
separate rigs when not used as a stack.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


That wasn't entirely clear from the question..


Yeah, if you need Radio A connected to Antenna 1, or Antenna 2, or Both; and the same for Radio B.


I'd do it with 2 SPDT relays, because it's "foul up proof".  The common terminal goes to the antenna, the two switched ports go to the radios, with a T.

That way, no matter what state the relays are in (or if they get stuck), Radio A is never connected to Radio B.


If you do it with a pair of 1xN switch made up of SPST switches, then you have the risk of a stuck relay (or incorrect switching signals) connecting two radios.  You could probably do it with a pair of 1x3 switches, and be "one stuck relay safe", but you still have the "wrong switching configuration" failure mode - with DC coils and some diodes, and some small signal relays, you could probably work out something that is failsafe.    Another scheme for safety (used in HV circuits) is grounding relays - you may wind up transmitting into a short, but at least the receiver doesn't blow up.


The whole "how do I connect N radios to M antennas" and keep good enough isolation, be fail safe, etc. is an interesting problem, especially when you're trying to use inexpensive surplus.






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