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Remoting an Existing RCS-4L Switch or a New Wireless Antenna Switch?

AA0Z
AA0Z Member ✭✭
edited January 2021 in Peripherals & Station Integration

I have the opportunity to remote my Flex to a 3 tower contesting station from my existing single end fed location.

One of the challenges is remoting three RCS-4L switchs at the new location. Looks like it doesn't behave like a typical antenna switch that you can switch with a relay?

https://mfjenterprises.com/products/rcs-4l

There is 1 coax running to each tower. The RCS-4L antenna switch is mounted at the base of each tower with the rotary control knob in the shack.

Has anybody have success with remoting an RCS-4L antenna switch? I'd like to integrate it into my NodeRed dashboard too.

If we can't remote the RCS-4L antenna switch, we do have A/C or DC at each tower via a romex run, so we could put a wireless solution at the base. Only wireless solution I've seen in the Green Heron Everywhere setup. Are there others?

Kyle

AA0Z

Comments

  • Ronald Panetta
    Ronald Panetta Member ✭✭

    The RCS-4 if you look at the schematic, sends a control signal down the coax. AC, DC+, DC- and ground for the 4 switch positions. One could hack a control box and an 8 channel USB relay module and use 4 channels for control and 4 channels for LEDs (yea, overkill). You can control the relay module via the Flex. Think you could also add a switch to select local or remote operation.

    I use the Sainmart relay modules for transverter control. Do not have node red yet so don't know about node red interoperability.

    73, Ron WB2WGH

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Node Red would work with either relay hat board or USB relay module. Then it is accessible from any web browser. Good for remote operating.


    Dave wo2x

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