Antenna Genius and susceptibility

Jim in TX

I'm looking into placing an antenna genius outdoors closer to antennas. The question is: how close, assuming full 1.5kw transmit power? I can calculate the field strengths but have no idea of the AG upset thresholds. Would anyone with practical experience share their knowledge?

Thanks in advance.

KD0RC

Hi Jim, the switch itself is in an aluminum box, and the isolation among ports is huge, so I doubt that will cause any problems. What I would be more concerned with is the power cable and Ethernet cable. If you are not running a Flex radio, then any other cabling back to the shack is also subject to RFI.

While I don't have an Antenna Genius, most of my RFI problems were related to USB and Ethernet cables. Once I got them under control using ferrite beads and toroids, I haven't had any additional problems.

If you have a long run from your shack to the AG, you might want to consider using fiber and a pair of fiber to Ethernet converters. That would keep the line to the AG from becoming an antenna for RFI.

Mike-VA3MW

You won't have an issue and it has more RF inside it on unshielded relays that you would ever create on the outside. :) It is easy to manage RF and keep it off control lines and they have done that.

When you come to mount the AG, make sure you use a housing that makes it easy for water to get out and hard for water to get in.

Good luck with your project.

Jim in TX

Thank you, gentlemen.

I have two 2x8's and two Output Modules bench tested. Very obvious that ethernet, power, and 9-pin cables must be choked as the 2x8's are radiators! From shack to proposed switch site is isolated with fiber optic and wifi.

Switch related components will be mounted on an aluminum sheet for common reference. Coax will be choked at each grounding point. Power protected and filtered. Housing for weather and for those with no appreciation of shiny electronics.

Appreciate the rapid response.

KD0RC

Hi Jim, sounds like you are set up for success!