[TowerTalk] Ameritron remote coax switch ?

[Jim Thomson]

Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016 06:40:04 -0500
From: 'DGB' <ns9i2016 at Bayland.net>
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Ameritron remote coax switch ?

I have three RCS-4. Thru the coax switching, never a failure in 4 yrs 
with legal limit. Really nice not having to run control cables. one is 
250 ft. from the shack.

73 Dwight NS9I

##  IF you  DON’T  require a  2 x 6 switch, like the array solutions 6 pack,
and only require something like a 1 in and 4-10  out switch, this can easily be done
via relays...and by using a SPDT type, will ensure that all the un-used ants are grounded. 

##  To make them a lot more reliable, use DPDT relays, with  contacts in parallel. 
That will double the current rating, quadruple the power rating, and provide for 
redundant contacts.   Ok, now you can safely install the remote switch box at the top
of the tower.....and save on coax. 

##  another option is to use ceramic vac relays.  If its just 2  x ants  you want to toggle between,
say 2 x yagis...a  single  SPDT  will work just fine...but will not allow for the unused ants to be grounded.

##  To do that, a SPDT vac relay could be used, one for each port.   Vac relays  work great for this application.
You never have issues with contacts going open etc,  extremely reliable.   

Jim  VE7RF