Topband: Engineering ?? @ relays

[K9AY]

>> Theory 2: My gut tells me that a robust design would include a self
>> cleaning wiping action on the contacts, like on a band switch.  I will 
>> not
>> get reliable switching using traditional relays.

As others have pointed out, RX switching relays can be more troublesome than 
TX switching due to contact oxidation.  I used sealed relays in my K9AY 
loops, preamps and RAS-8x2 RX antenna switch that have pretty good wiping 
action. Several companies make the same basic relay -- OEG OMI series, Omron 
G2R series, and I think the Magnecraft 976 series is the same. Higher 
current members of this family have been mentioned by W8JI (Schrack's 
version in particular) and are used in newer MFJ and DX Engineering remote 
antenna switches.

For TX, relays used in the Ameritron RCS-8 and the Comtek boxes are also 
fine. Array Solutions sells the relays they use in their products, which are 
probably the best power switching relays readily available to hams.

73, Gary
K9AY