Whether a ham radio operator or a professional user, coax swithes can be an important part of a radio communications setup. Peter Waters G3OJV, takes a look.
I recently purchased the 4 way SO239 model from yourselves off eBay, I must say its a excellent switch, and makes life soooo much easier having 4 antennas connected to one transceiver,,,, cheers.
I have the 2 way switch that I purchased from you a few years ago and its been faultless, always wondered how good the internals where and you explained and gave a cracking view..3 way on its way now ....great video as usual Peter..73..de G7WBB (Alan)
I bought a Watson 2m/70cm handheld antenna over 20 years ago. It's been on four handhelds with different adapters. Currently on my ID52. At my age I will probably never need another one. It's about a quarter wave on 2m and it's really tough but flexible.
I always enjoy your videos, but I have a question about the coax switch you previewed. During a threatening thunderstorm, would using the switch to disconnect my transceiver from my antenna and connect it to ground be sufficient protection. Or, should i always physically unscrew my antenna from all equipment.
Disconnecting via the switch is very safe unless you get a direct strike and then nothing much will save the gear! However, most household insurance policies cover lightning damage. 73 Peter.
@watersstanton These switches will work very well on LF i.e. audio, because most of them are spec'd for DC-500 MHz or so. For RF I use 4 2's and 2 4's to connect any of 4 antennas to any of 2 radio's. See QRZ.
Hello, thanks for the videos, a question, if your using the switch to select different transceivers, how much isolation is required so not to damage another rig?
And a great afternoon to you too. From sunny Sutton Coldfield. Love this channel kept my going during lockdown - backyard on the air was my thing 🤪73 M0AZE
'Coax switch' is a misnomer - because it does not switch the coax, just the inner. All the outers (the screens) are commoned by the cast metal case. If you have previously just changed plugs over, to change radios or antennas, then add a switch, (with the switch used 'back to front for using one antenna and different trx's' - perhaps for A - B comparisons) and find your matching has 'gone up the wall' - it might be the added different lengths (differing resonances) of screen that are confusing the issue.
