[TowerTalk] Remote antenna switch

[Dan Schaaf]

Clint

There were two different PCBoards in the RCS-4. The older version is open 
frame relay. The newer version is small enclosed relays just like those 
used in the DXE unit.
You may only need to clean the realy contacts if they are open frame type. 
If newer version, just replace the relay.

Also, maybe your Bias T circuit in either the control box or the relay box 
has fried.
Most likely component is a burned RF Choke. I replaced mine with 250 uHy 
chokes after I accidentally tried to load a very short antenna on 160 
meters. The high RF voltage cooked the choke.
Ameritron uses 100 uHy but 100 uHy is self resonant on 160 as I have been 
told.

Best Regards
Dan Schaaf
K3ZXL www.k3zxl.com
NOBSKA www.nobska.net
Cape Cod Instruments www.gnm-inc.com
Tel: 941-766-0706
Fax: 941-766-0707


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clint Talmadge" <clinttalmadge at gmail.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2011 11:07 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Remote antenna switch


I have used my RCS-4 for many years and the other night while switching from
20M to 40M, I flipped the switch from my LPDA to the trapped dipole and
heard very little difference.  I have decided that I have “listened to all
my antennas” long enough, as the RCS-4 has very poor isolation.   While the
DXEngineering & WX0B switches seem to have much better specs, they are a
little rich for my budget.  I wonder if anyone has checked the other
Ameritron offerings, the RCS-8 & 10.

Is the isolation any better or should I bite the bullet and go with the WX0B
(the less expensive of the high end ones)? Or are there any more I should
consider?

And it if the Ameritrons are acceptable, is the L version worth the extra?
They do not post the manuals for the L version so I cannot tell what they
are adding to give “Lightning Protection”.

Clint – W5CPT -
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