[UK-CONTEST] FW: 2x6 Antenna Switch

[Cooper, Stewart]

Re-sent as original bounced...

I have put two graphics on my website showing the SO2R antenna switch and also general SO2R shack arrangement for anyone interested. Go to www.gm4aff.net and click on the SO2R Antenna Switching link. I need to add more text and maybe photos, but I'll need to get inspired again!
73
Stewart
GM4AFF

Stewart Cooper
Maintenance Systems Engineer

ODL
Buchanan House  Summer Street  Aberdeen  UK  AB10 1SJ

Tel (Direct) +44 (0)1224 628039
Tel (S'board) +44 (0)1224 628000
Fax +44 (0)1224 643325




From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com on behalf of Cooper, Stewart
Sent: Tue 06/06/2006 09:19
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] 2x6 Antenna Switch




Hi Jim,
I made my own antenna switcher. It handles 2 radios, 6 antennas, auto switches, and prevents simultaneous operation on the same band. I used Maplin relays which cost me about £5 each. My design only required 12 relays. I use it for SO2R, but I have used it in a Multi-2 operation. I still have some cross-talk between 20, 15 and 10 in some combinations, but I live with it - 20m breakthru on 10m is worst. I run an Alpha 91b on the left and a Collins 30S1 on the right, and the arrangement has handled the power without a problem for about 4 years.
I use two http://www.unifiedmicro.com/decoder.html band decoders. I use ICE auto-switching band-pass filters and also stubs on some bands. I can over-ride the auto band switching, with a 2 x 6 way push button switch bank (that cost me a fiver at a rally). The relay unit is built into an old metal chassis/box, which could be made water-proof and put outside I suppose.
All in all I am very happy with the whole arrangement and ignoring the ICE filters, it hasn't cost much. You need the filters though, and the stubs really do help too. This would apply even if you purchse a Six-Pak. It was not a challenge to build.
I would be happy to put the relay switching arrangement down on paper if you want a copy. In fact, I might get inspired and put the whole thing on my website of there's any demand. I've never actually drawn out the circuit, but it is quite clever (thanks to GM4ZUK, not me), and could be expanded to more antennas and radios very easily, as it works on a matrix arrangement.
73
Stewart
GM4AFF


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jim Martin
Sent: 05 June 2006 20:22
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] 2x6 Antenna Switch

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