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does anyone used the Paradan Antenna Disconnect switch?

James Kennedy-WU5E
James Kennedy-WU5E Member ✭✭✭
edited July 29 in Peripherals & Station Integration

I saw a ad in QST on page 119 for OCT 2017. So I took the plunge. My question does anyone have a Paradan Radio Antenna disconnect Actuator? How do you like it, the reviews on eham talk ok.

https://paradanradio.com/


Jim

wu5e

Answers

  • Brent Parker
    Brent Parker Member ✭✭
    edited September 2017

    I picked up one at the 2016 Fall Tampa hamfest, and it sat on my shelf 'till a few weeks ago. With v2 and the ability to now "remote" I wanted a remote antenna switch. So I pulled it out, stuck it into my antenna feed line.

    To actuate it you need a 12 source. Found an old RS 12v Power Supply and activated the switch. Then I grabbed a "WEMO" switch and powered the PS from the WEMO switch. When I leave the "shack" I touch the switch with my toe and ground the antenna switch.

    If I'm out somewhere and want it on, I use my iPhone and the WEMO app and turns it on.

    Works great! It's only for one feed line and many of you have more complicated installs than this, but if you are just looking for a simple setup, this is one.

    73  Brent W8XG

  • KF4HR
    KF4HR Member ✭✭
    edited March 2019
    Considering a lightning bolt has the ability to travel many miles through free space, I seriously doubt it would have any problem crossing the connections inside that antenna disconnect device.
  • Jim Gilliam
    Jim Gilliam Member ✭✭
    edited September 2017

    I have not used this unit, but it might be effective to lightening discharges in the vicinity of the antenna. However, I don't think anything short of a miracle or a complete disconnect can survive a direct hit.


    Jim, K6QE

  • Brent Parker
    Brent Parker Member ✭✭
    edited September 2017
    I agree. It's likely good for a good discharge, but a direct hit, it flat going to get you!
  • Bill NE1B
    Bill NE1B Member ✭✭✭
    edited September 2018
    I also have one installed with a Wemo switch on my 12v. supply.  When OFF, there is some signal leakage thru it while monitoring the HF bands.  It might help with some lightning discharges a mile away, but I have my doubts about closer strikes.   I get no signal leakage when removing the cable from my antenna panel.  That will remain my primary defense during the summer months.   Nothing will help with KJU Hi-Altitude EMP pulses though!

    73,
    Bill, NE1B
  • Mike va3mw
    Mike va3mw Member ✭✭
    edited February 2018
    I have a 2 part answer.  I have used both the Wemo and the iHome power switches with poor results.  When they work, they are great.  But they are not 100% reliable requiring you to unplug them and replug them to get them to reboot and get back online.  

    I gave up on both of them.   

    As for the antenna switch, I would like to know more about their specs.   I can't tell if they are it is any better than a good antenna switch that you can ground all contacts when not in use.  

    Beyond that, nothing will stop a direct strike unless you 100% disconnect the feedline and power supply leads.   It comes in both ways.  

    That being said, it is better than nothing.  You can easily make your own and also add a gas discharge tube.

    Mike

  • Charlie
    Charlie Member ✭✭
    edited September 2017
    Had the same issue with the WEMO until I put a UPS on it. No problem since then.
  • WA2SQQ
    WA2SQQ Member ✭✭
    edited September 2017
    I saw this unit. The relay would never withstand a lightning hit, it would likely vaporize. Seemed like an awful amount of money for a relay and two connectors.
  • James Kennedy-WU5E
    James Kennedy-WU5E Member ✭✭✭
    edited June 2020
    saw means took it apart evaluated it? This unit is stage two in my lighting protection. Being a DX'er  and Contester, I still work for living and will be Dxing in the morning and have to run to work. My wife is disabled and can't get into my shack to unscrew the connector. If I see storm I would say a quick prayer and finish my day. Thanks for all the comments  Jim WU5E
  • k3avr
    k3avr Member ✭
    I have been using Paradan antenna actuators on three 1500 watt remote Flex Radio systems for about three years. The lightning in South FL and Bogota, Colombia, is extreme. The gas gap and relay will never withstand a direct strike. I do like how the shield and center coax are both disconnected when 13.8 is removed. I would say it is good for induction strikes. The Paradan boxes have survived all the power the PGXL's can produce.
  • James Kennedy-WU5E
    James Kennedy-WU5E Member ✭✭✭

    I toss Paradan in junk box, went with a complete lighting arrestor box with 8 polyphasers from there to my AGXL and when the lighting gets close, I unplug the power from the AGXL.

  • W2PP
    W2PP Member ✭✭✭

    I had several of these and they are terrible. First they have a significant signal leak when they are “grounded”. Secondly the ones I had had staggering RF leak during transmission, I mean serious leaks. I highly don’t recommend them at all.

    Peter

  • Bill NE1B
    Bill NE1B Member ✭✭✭

    My only new comment, besides noticing the signal leakage, it was OK on HF, but not on 6 meters. My SWR on 6m. went from 1.2:1 up to 1.7:1. Since I spend 90% of my time on 6 meters, I have gone to Polyphasers on each antenna line.

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

    Ahh PolyPhasers. We know about them Bill!

    73 Dave wo2x

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