[TenTec] OT: Question to the group

[Paul Christensen]

>"Why the need for a rotating turret? "

Shortest lead lengths.  This concept closely approximates a single coil plug-in jack bar.  B&W once made a similar device for PA output networks in the pre-WWII era when just about every stage from oscillator to antenna used link coupling and push-pull output stages.  Images here:

http://amfone.net/Amforum/index.php?topic=28394.0

>"Wouldn't switching taps accomplish the same thing? Cliplead taps on the coil have been a staple of link coupled systems since the early days of ham radio, and it seems to me that one could locate the optimum taps for each band and then use relays to switch them." 

Cliplead taps and rotary switches have been the staple as a matter of convenience and cost.  If a relay matrix can be created with short lead lengths that do not introduce substantial loss across a wide matching range, then yes, that may be a viable alternative.  Physical layout is critically important to minimize loss.

Paul, W9AC