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Coax switch?

338_MtRushmore

338_MtRushmore

Sr. Member
Jun 17, 2012
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The Dakotas
I am in need of a coax switch mainly for switching between an antenna and dummy load. I guess I might have 2 antennas up in the near future. About 500 watts, but legal limit to be safe. It seems like options are wild, and reviews are nearly the same. What are the best used options? The cheaper the better.
 

Just glanced at the link, does that ground the other input/output when it’s switched?

I was looking for one to connect two radios to one antenna and wanted to make sure one radio didn’t bother the other. I came across the Alpha Delta 2

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alf-delta-2b

But I haven’t bought it yet, kinda concerned this is one of my least better ideas.
 
TheRealPorkchop said:
Just glanced at the link, does that ground the other input/output when it’s switched?

I was looking for one to connect two radios to one antenna and wanted to make sure one radio didn’t bother the other. I came across the Alpha Delta 2

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alf-delta-2b

But I haven’t bought it yet, kinda concerned this is one of my least better ideas.
Click to expand...

The Alpha says ungrounds the one in use, grounds the other.. makes sense, so antenna operates independent.. I like the 1500w rating..

I'm in same boat.. thinking of having incoming radio route thru A99 or my tuner to the endfed for 10/12m..

My tuner handles 2 antennas..

The OP link looks as though it's all grounded together all the time.
 
I’m probably going to scrap the idea and use the switch for swapping antennas instead of radios. I believe it’ll work though for two radios - one antenna.

But...

There’s always a but - if it happens to not work that way it would be an expensive learning experience.
 
I have used many types, I finally settled on the Alpha Delta's MO seem to be good ones.
RPC: The Alpha /2 and a Alpha /4 would suit your needs...
Radio's on the 2'er, then common point to the 4'ers for antennas...
The Alpha Delta's are not what I call inexpensive, but when protecting several K+'s worth of rigs couple hundred worth of quality switches seems like a dead issue.
So my 2 cents...
It should be noted I have melted/flashed over several of the "Moving pin/wafer or copper/brass strip types"(Diawa/MFJ/Comet) etc... that don't hold up for me.
The AD's have countless actions and never failed after many yrs service(10+) and consistent legal limit usage.
All the Best
Gary
https://www.alphadeltaradio.com/

https://store2.rlham.com/shop/catal...urers_id=12&osCsid=daq6snq86upgoqa3qqb3e4nv53
 
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https://swap.qth.com/view_ad.php?counter=1417572

MISC - FOR SALE:
Daiwa -Protax 6 Position Coax $40.00 Switch, Model CS-401-$40.00
B&W 6 Position Coax Switch-$37.00
B&W 5 Position Coax Switch-$23.00
B&W 4 Position Model 590G Coax Switch-$25.00
B&W 5 Position Coax Switch-30.00
Shipping is included
Listing #1410867 - Submitted on 11/15/18 by Callsign K3VI

Noted these old B&W's(out of production I think) were good also H/D...but if you purchase those a good inspection with VOM and touch up the old solder joints may be in order and look the connectors over...easy to replace the older connectors with good Silver/Teflon types now around thru link Quicksilver products. Used many, good quality but getting on in age

442544.jpg
 
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You get what you pay for, go with the Alpha Delta.

It's a bigger switch with a smoother action. Those cheapies in the past have binded up internally and broke.

The Alpha's have a common port which can be used with another Alpha switch. This lets you connect multiple radios to 1 Alpha switch and 1 or more antennas on the other Alpha switch.

Now you can patch in any tuners, TVI filters, amplifiers, dummy loads, etc, and all radios and antennas can have access to them without re-patching just by having them connected between both common ports of the 2 switches.
 
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338_MtRushmore said:
I am in need of a coax switch mainly for switching between an antenna and dummy load. I guess I might have 2 antennas up in the near future. About 500 watts, but legal limit to be safe. It seems like options are wild, and reviews are nearly the same. What are the best used options? The cheaper the better.
Click to expand...

IMHO for basic use the Diamond or Daiwa switches are decent, but I wouldn't subject them to any serious load or abuse.

The alpha delta ones are better but eventually those get wonky, too.

Basically all the antenna switches that actually aren't junk are all electronic and involve relays and heavy duty wiring/connectors. (think WX0B rat pack, etc, may be some others in this vein). These usually have heavy duty relays and cost a few hundo, but at least they're not crap and they seem to hold up over time. )
 
fourstringburn said:
You get what you pay for, go with the Alpha Delta.

It's a bigger switch with a smoother action. Those cheapies in the past have binded up internally and broke.

The Alpha's have a common port which can be used with another Alpha switch. This lets you connect multiple radios to 1 Alpha switch and 1 or more antennas on the other Alpha switch.

Now you can patch in any tuners, TVI filters, amplifiers, dummy loads, etc, and all radios and antennas can have access to them without re-patching just by having them connected between both common ports of the 2 switches.
Click to expand...

I have been using my Alpha Delta (4) position for 15 years or more & it has always worked just fine. I run a Kilowatt or so thru it & it just works.

SIX-SHOOTER
 
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I am thinking I will go with the 4 position alpha delta. I'm pretty sure that will always have a use in the shack no matter what I end up doing.

I really need to get crackin on station power and grounding. Its just way too much thought and effort.
 
As long as one radio doesn’t feed the other and cause an issue, I’m fine with whatever the brand is. I have my A99 hooked directly to my 2995DX, sometimes I’d like to be able to test other radios on the antenna without having to unhook the 2995.

Once this tower gets up then things may change and I might not have a use for a switch.
 

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