Remote Antenna Switch

Description

Are you looking for an efficient and reliable way to switch between multiple antennas? Look no further than the VK5RS QRO Remote Antenna Switch 4-2-1. This hand-made antenna switch comprises an antenna matrix and a remote control box, which allows you to minimize and reduce costly multiple coaxes runs back to the operating position. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Antenna matrix is built on PCB. Double-sided 3.5mm RF tracks with 2 Oz copper weight ensure QRO power handling without any issues. Only one antenna is active at the time; the others are all auto-grounded (if not selected). We have tested the product using OM 4001A and can confirm that the antenna matrix can handle 3KW PEP power (at resonance). QRO Operation requires extensive testing and construction materials capable of handling QRO power. Please do not compare this design with your stock standard 1.6mm / 1 Oz PCBs listed elsewhere on eBay. The cost of 2 Oz copper is 3x more than 1 Oz (Feel Free To Check on JLCBCP). 

– LED CUTOUT – ANTENNA MATRIX – Please note that aluminium diecast housing can be customized to include LED cutouts to show the selected antenna. Please let us know if you do not want LED cutouts. This item will ship WITH LED CUTOUTS AS STANDARD IF WE DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU. 

– Relay Switching – Switching of antennas within the antenna matrix is done by relays controlled from the control box. We only use original OMRON 16A G2RL-1-E DC12 relays for our antenna switching. (Digi Key Part Z2834-ND)

– RF Shielding—All 4 antenna ports (on the back of the SO239 connectors) are shielded to prevent port cross-talk. TE Connectivity 2118709-2 32mm x 32mm shields are used. 

– SO239 Connectors – AIM Cambridge SO239 Connectors – Digi Key 116-25-7350-ND. have been chosen for our antenna switch project. Made in Taiwan and manufactured in a controlled environment. (TESTED ON OM4001A 3KW SSB) 

– The control box is custom-made and housed in an aluminium enclosure. The approximate dimensions are 120x80x35mm. The front and back plates are custom CNC machined in our workshop. Antenna switching is done via a front-mounted soft button. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– HOT SWITCHING PROTECTION – The antenna controller has PTT circuitry built in. In addition to hot switching protection, the antenna controller offers PTT BUFFER featuring optical isolation between PTT in & PTT out – protecting your radio from nasty transient spikes from the amplifier keying circuit. PTT buffer “pulls to ground” Please ensure that this suits your amplifier keying circuit. If the PTT line is connected while PTT is engaged (signalled by front panel LED), antenna switching is disabled. Once PTT is released, antenna switching will resume regular operation and allow you to change antennas. 

– SWR—The included sweep shows 1Mhz to 145Mhz. Whilst this antenna switch is not intended nor designed to be used on the 2m band, the SWR on 145MHz is 1.70, just for reference. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– ALUMINIUM DIE CAST ENCLOSURE – The antenna matrix is housed in a durable aluminium diecast enclosure. Antenna matrix feature provisions for wall mounting – flanged tabs. 

– EARTH / Ground Lug – Supplied and installed as standard. 

– Mounting of SO239 Connectors (refer to photos): SO239 connectors are elevated from the PCB with sufficient clearance between ground and RF tracks or, in this instance, the SO239 centre pin. 

– Technical Details: 

• Operating frequency: 1-55Mhz
• SWR: Better than 1:1.06 (Measured at 55MHz)
• Insertion Loss: Better than -0.06db (Measured at 55MHz)
• Port Isolation: –78db at 160m; -52db at 10m; -45 at 6m
• Power Handling: 3KW PEP SSB; 1KW Digi Modes; (at resonancy)
• Featuring PTT Optical Isolation (PTT Buffer)
• Built-in HOT SWITCHING PROTECTION (providing that PTT is connected via the control box) 
• YT Test video will explain the stated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=496THR1xAgM

The connection between the antenna matrix and control box is achieved via standard (straight) cat5/6 cable. 

Included in this listing: 

***SOLD FULLY ASSEMBLED AND TESTED***

• ONE – Control Box (Aluminium Housing)
• ONE – Antenna Matrix DIECAST ALUMINIUM HOUSING (mounted with 0.25m cat5/6 cable)
• ONE – Cat5/6 Female to Female Joiner
• Test Results of your actual item (Serial Numbered) purchased with video of test transmission confirming the product you have purchased has been sent fully assembled and tested, ready for QRO Action 😉

 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a custom-made product; please allow 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS to produce your order. Thank you. 73 de VK5RS

Additional information

Weight	2.5 kg
Dimensions	32 × 18 × 10 cm