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Two HF Radios/One Antenna

The only switch I use is a MFJ-1704. I use it to switch between antennas though. The port to port isolation is supposed to be 60 db and that is more than enough to protect the front end of the unused rig.

I would make sure the unused port is grounded on whatever switch you buy. Most do but some cheaper ones may not. I would even look on the manufacturer's website and download the manual first. Go with the one that has the highest port to port isolation.

Using the switch with one antenna and multiple radios scares me. Shit happens and mechanical things can fail. It's not a big deal if you knock out a cheap CB set but I won't take the chance with something expensive.

Inspect the internal solder connections. I have that same switch. One of the copper strips came loose. It was barely soldered to the center pin. I went ahead and touched everything up.
 
Inspect the internal solder connections. I have that same switch. One of the copper strips came loose. It was barely soldered to the center pin. I went ahead and touched everything up.
Thanks for that info. Before I use this Diamond I'll take it apart and check. Mine is for horz and vert on the L2 I bought.
 
The matching system freaks me out. The Company sent me some photos, but still looks weird. Can you post some good pics when you asseble it?
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When I get tuit, I'll get some. Before I ordered mine I knew some revisions were to be had. One being those gama match. Not exactly real reliable looking. A couple 239's and mounting could be in order. Some type of tubing for softener at the spreaders where wire connects.

I did open the box and there is not much there, but I wanted a light antenna with limited wind resistance.
 
Use an antenna switch.

I've used different switches in the past but now only use the Alpha-Delta.

I like the feel of the switch knob action and really like having all antenna ports on the same side rather than a Y configuration like most other switches. This makes a more easier install and cleaner appearance in your shack.

Also these switches have a common switch setting which keeps all antennas grounded when not in use. This can aide in static protection along with the replaceable arc protection slug.

These are more expensive but worth it to me. Consider buying the Delta 4 for future expansion so you only spend the money once.

If you are in the market soon for an external tuner, get a tuner with multiple antenna ports so you only need one switch for multiple radio's to go into it.

Otherwise, you can use 2 switches(one for radio's and the other for multiple antennas) and you can have any external antenna tuner, external SWR meter, and any other accessories patched between the 2 switches so all radio's can access them.

Always consider the future because most of us don't!
 
Use an antenna switch.

I've used different switches in the past but now only use the Alpha-Delta.

I like the feel of the switch knob action and really like having all antenna ports on the same side rather than a Y configuration like most other switches. This makes a more easier install and cleaner appearance in your shack.

Also these switches have a common switch setting which keeps all antennas grounded when not in use. This can aide in static protection along with the replaceable arc protection slug.

These are more expensive but worth it to me. Consider buying the Delta 4 for future expansion so you only spend the money once.

If you are in the market soon for an external tuner, get a tuner with multiple antenna ports so you only need one switch for multiple radio's to go into it.

Otherwise, you can use 2 switches(one for radio's and the other for multiple antennas) and you can have any external antenna tuner, external SWR meter, and any other accessories patched between the 2 switches so all radio's can access them.

Always consider the future because most of us don't!

Thank you very much, Andrew. (y)

Whoopsidaisy. Just noticed the instructions state for a 2 transmitter/single antenna setup, the SWR cannot exceed 2.1 or it will trigger the arc plug. My SWR exceeds that on a few bands. :whistle:

https://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/chameleon-vertical-antenna-10-80-meters.251709/
 
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An old friend of mine is back to making quads. He's making me and another friend a two element quad for 10 meters. Wants $75. He used to make 4 and 6 elements quads for 10 and 6. He got married and got out of radio. Now, he's recently divorced and back in the game. He makes some nice quality stuff. I might just sell my L2. I don't trust that matching system becoming whacked out from the wind.
 
An old friend of mine is back to making quads. He's making me and another friend a two element quad for 10 meters. Wants $75. He used to make 4 and 6 elements quads for 10 and 6. He got married and got out of radio. Now, he's recently divorced and back in the game. He makes some nice quality stuff. I might just sell my L2. I don't trust that matching system becoming whacked out from the wind.

Send pics of the $75 dollar version when you can. (y)

Am curious, in the L2 pics, it appears the center conductor connection on top isn ‘t weatherproofed like the other connections. (n)

It sounds like you are going with your buddy’s 10 meter quad rather than the L2. But isn’t the L2 for 11 meters?
 
An old friend of mine is back to making quads. He's making me and another friend a two element quad for 10 meters. Wants $75. He used to make 4 and 6 elements quads for 10 and 6. He got married and got out of radio. Now, he's recently divorced and back in the game. He makes some nice quality stuff. I might just sell my L2. I don't trust that matching system becoming whacked out from the wind.
After looking at mine the build ain't quite there. I have a 11m quad spec'd out somewhere on external hard drive. Figure if I put L2 together per destructions, get I working, I can mod it. The beam and spreaders are up to my standards.

Those gama's are cheap looking, but using some aluminum tubing could possibly make it more better. Say using an arrow shaft? Adding a project box for couple 239's with coax to gama's?
 

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