Auto antenna switch

Mauro HB9FBG · September 2020

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

Mike VE3CKO · September 2020

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.

Mauro HB9FBG · September 2020

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

DM5HF · September 2020

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

Mauro HB9FBG · September 2020

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

KB7FD · October 2020

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
KB7FD

Auto antenna switch

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