About the "Antenna Switch 1269"

[w8bnl]

This would be a great addition to my remote setup however - I have a question or two.
1. Is this available for fewer antennas (two to four max.)?
2. Is this available in a "desktop" or "indoor" type of switch?
I currently operate my TS480 remotely using the Kenwood KNS software but plan to use the RemoteRig style in the future. With only two antennas at the remote location - it would be great to have the capability to turn off (or disconnect) the antennas from the radio via the Internet.  Finally - here is a link to an article I posted on eHam which shows an aerial shot of my remote setup.

Many thanks and 73 to all de W8BNL - Tom

[dj0qn]

Tom,

Two questions for you:

1) Will you be running barefoot only? Any plans for an amp?

2) Is completely disconnecting the antennas (i.e. to ground) important? Can you live without it?

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[w8bnl]

Barefoot for now. I would like to (at some time perhaps) add a small (500 watt max.) amplifier.

The idea behind wanting to "disconnect" is (as you probably know) to protect the radio in the event of a thunderstorm.

73 de W8BNL-Tom

[dj0qn]

Ok, if you were not in a thunderstorm area, then the easiest method would be to just use
the two antenna outputs on the TS-480 itself.

You have a few options, but probably the cheapest and easiest would be for you to buy a
coax relay that switches between two antennas and to ground when no power is connected.
Then you can control this relay either using an I/O port of the RemoteRig RRC, or via
an AC power plug using an IP power strip (which is a useful device in any remote station).
If you get a relay that can handle high power, then you can add an amplifier later without
a change.

I have used other methods as well, e.g. external switches, using amplifier switching (SPE, Acom), etc.,
but these are probably overkill and too expensive if the Microbit solution is too high-end for you.
The Microbit solution is actually quite ok price wise and well integrated into the RRC, but a relay
will do the job for you if price and overkill is an issue.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[w8bnl]

All very good points - thanks for the input. This is probably going to be a lengthy project since I don't have the funding to just go all out and buy everything at one time. Thanks again.