Need technical support from FlexRadio? It's as simple as Creating a HelpDesk ticket.
SmartSDR v3.1.12 and the SmartSDR v3.1.12 Release Notes. | SmartSDR v2.6.2 and the SmartSDR v2.6.2 Release Notes.
SmartSDR v1.12.1 and the SmartSDR v1.12.1 Release Notes. | Power Genius XL Firmware v3.4.16. | Power Genius XL Utility v2.2.10.
Auto antenna switch

Hi everyone.
I have a pole with a three elements (10/15/20) on it with two other dipoles 160 and 80m.
Now I have a manual antenna switch that I command from the station but I would like to replace it with an automatic switch antenna. I have seen that of 4O3A but it manages a maximum SWR of 1.5: 1. Unfortunately for the dipoles on the low bands it is relatively too little and I would need something more powerful on the SWR.
Have you tried something different?
73s Mauro HB9FBG
Comments
-
I looked up the specs on the 8 x 2 switch that I have as I felt the 1.5:1 max SWR seemed odd. See spec below:
→ 3,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 5 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 30 MHz
→ 3,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 3 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 50 MHz
I have used my 8 x 2 Antenna Genius mostly with beams including a SteppIR so SWR has not been an issue but when playing with wire both dipoles and a full wave 160m loop, I use a tuner when playing on 160m thru 6m with this antenna. First off I do not talk anywhere near 5 minutes at a time, LOL. Secondly the tuner bring the match quite reasonable so in summary this switch is quite automatic and was a great addition to my station. The only downside is we are still waiting for the ability to manually control this switch within SmartSDR and/or via the Maestro.
1 -
Thanks Mike for your opinion.
Yes I have seen what you are talking about but SWR 1.5: 1 for my shortened dipoles for 160m and 80m are really limited and the 3KW limit is beyond my logical sense.
I will have a 1.5KW Expert which I will use with the legal limit of 1KW. I have contacted Expert and it seems that towards the end of the year they will have something suitable (not available now due to material / Covid issues) and I will probably evaluate theirs.
Anyway thanks for your reflection, good QSOs.
73 HB9FBG - 6400, Maestro.... QRZ.com
0 -
Hi Mauro,
I really can recommend the switch PANT8 from Alfa Spid Poland. It is well made and can handle 1k without any issues till SWR 5. For that works really good and I do operate 2 switches remote. Some further information I have posted here:
http://dm5hf-chris.blogspot.com/2020/08/alfa-spid-antennenschalter-pant8.html
73 Chris
DM5HF
1 -
Hi Chris,
thanks for the interesting information.
I've seen your page and the producer's page.
I rate it.
Best regards
73s Mauro HB9FBG
0 -
I keep the antenna coupling within spec for a 4o3a 8x2 using an LDG RT600. The station is a K3s>KAT500 with the 12vdc bias for the remote tuner between the 8x2 and a Buckmaster OCD. The 8x2 also feeds a Flex 6700.
73, Buzz
KB7FD1
Leave a Comment
Categories
- 15.9K All Categories
- 63 Community Topics
- 1.9K New Ideas
- 139 The Flea Market
- 5.4K Software
- 4.9K SmartSDR for Windows
- 39 SmartSDR for Maestro and M models
- 96 SmartSDR for Mac
- 144 SmartSDR for iOS
- 152 SmartSDR CAT
- 71 DAX
- 280 SmartSDR API
- 7.1K Radios and Accessories
- 5.8K FLEX-6000 Signature Series
- 562 Maestro
- 14 FlexControl
- 729 FLEX Series (Legacy) Radios
- 161 Power Genius Products
- 124 Power Genius XL Amplifier
- 14 Power Genius Utility
- 23 Tuner Genius
- 44 Shack Infrastructure
- 23 Networking
- 95 Remote Operation (SmartLink)
- 50 Contesting
- 145 Peripherals & Station Integration
- 64 Amateur Radio Interests
- 425 Third-Party Software