At 01:39 PM 4/3/97 -0500, you wrote:
> Hello group,
>
> I wonder if it is safe to use regular coax switches to switch
>between rigs. Tired of pulling cables from one rig to the next
>as I run a net for Fists CW Club at 100 watts, then QRP the rest
>of the time.
> Any input will be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Hey Scott: I use a MFJ 989B (roller inductor) tuner to select between
inverted vees, beam, and 80M horiz loop antennas. From tuner to a coaxial
switch & out to 5 different rigs (wish the coax switch supported 10 rigs).
This setup does not offer total isolation from rig to rig, as I can have
one rig hooked to the antenna, & still hear attenuated signals on some
other rigs (depends on individual rig as to how WELL it hears). In actual
practice, this is not a drawback, & works like a dream.
I also carry this idea out one step further. I built up a "breakout" box
for all my keying devices. I used one of Radio Shaft's large plastic
project boxes (approx 3.5" X 6" X 2"high) to mount a 10 position 4 pole
rotary switch, mounted vertically, Then mounted one of Radio Shacks RCA
phono connectors with 8 RCA phono jacks on the front panel (this is what
all my Ten Tec rigs use for key line, so I use same for homebrew rigs).
Then I mounted 2ea 1/4" stereo phone jacks on one end (for paddles), and
2ea 1/4" phone jacks on opposite end (for the odd bug or hand key). Wire
these all in parallel & using 4 conductor cable, bring the desired number
of cables out the rear of the box & route to individual rigs.(up to the
limit of your rotary switch, mine accommodates 10 rigs) With this setup I
can key any rig with any keying device (2 computers, 2 devoted keyboards, 2
paddles, external keyer, handkey and bug on my setup) to any antenna. The
keying devices require no switching whatever, just hit the one you wish to
use. To key the rig of choice, I select it with the rotary switch, while
antenna of choice is selected with the tuner, and fed to rig of choice with
coax switch.
I like to play, as you can tell, and would not be without this ant, keying
setup. Luck with yours. "72"
Dub
J. W. (Dub) Thornton
QRP-l # 159
ARCI #6982
NW QRP # 427
Minco, Okla. 73059
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