[TowerTalk] HELP Coax Phase Line Shield Switching

[RCARIELLO]

COAX PHASE LINE SHIELD SWITCHING

Hello to all,
I am in the process of constructing a two element phased vertical system for
forty meters. I would like to be able to switch the antenna pattern
direction remotely from inside the station.

At first glance the information given in the antenna books seems simple
enough. A single-pole double-throw relay to the center conductors of the
Coax lines at a junction box and I am all set.

Taking a second look it seems to me that the Coax shields should also be
switched the same way. This would require mounting the Coax fittings
(SO-239) on a plastic box connecting the shield side of the Coax fittings
through a second single-pole double-throw relay.

I will be using Jennings RJ1A vacuum relays for the switching.

I am shore there will be some degrade in the overall system performance as
compared to a fixed direction system with no pattern direction switching.

Any comments or suggestions please.

Rich AA2MF