For the home we are going to build next year in Arizona I want to build my shack using a patch panel connecting to multiple antennas in the attic. Since we will not be allowed external antennas and the area is fairly high (overlooking the valley) this should work pretty well. The home will have a cathedral attic with plenty of room for antennas.
I figure on having three types of antennas (HF, Scanner, and Two-Way), with several of each type. I will also have a couple spare coax runs for future use.
I figure on using N connectors/LMR400 for the 2-ways (2 ham dual banders and a couple CDM's), SO-239's/RG8 for the HF antennas (SWL and occasional HF voice work with an IC7000) and F connectors/RG6QS for scanner antennas.
I would like to make or have made a patch panel with 6 of each of the connectors and run the cables to the attic. I would put in 3 25' and 3 50' pre-made cables of each type since I suck at installing connectors on coax. This would allow me to place the antennas at various locations in the attic depending on proximity to other antennas etc. It will also give me a spare or two of each type for future use.
I am hoping to be able to get the builder to put in a ground rod in the den/shack during construction but the room backs up to a bathroom so I could get a cold water pipe if needed. I am also asking that they put in a chase from the den/shack to the attic for these antennas.
The questions I have include:
Should I use a copper plate for the patch panel or is steel or aluminum sufficient?
Does anyone make pre-drilled patch panels or have a suggestion on where I can have one made?
Should I just bite the bullet and go with LMR400/N connectors for all the antennas?
I figure on having three types of antennas (HF, Scanner, and Two-Way), with several of each type. I will also have a couple spare coax runs for future use.
I figure on using N connectors/LMR400 for the 2-ways (2 ham dual banders and a couple CDM's), SO-239's/RG8 for the HF antennas (SWL and occasional HF voice work with an IC7000) and F connectors/RG6QS for scanner antennas.
I would like to make or have made a patch panel with 6 of each of the connectors and run the cables to the attic. I would put in 3 25' and 3 50' pre-made cables of each type since I suck at installing connectors on coax. This would allow me to place the antennas at various locations in the attic depending on proximity to other antennas etc. It will also give me a spare or two of each type for future use.
I am hoping to be able to get the builder to put in a ground rod in the den/shack during construction but the room backs up to a bathroom so I could get a cold water pipe if needed. I am also asking that they put in a chase from the den/shack to the attic for these antennas.
The questions I have include:
Should I use a copper plate for the patch panel or is steel or aluminum sufficient?
Does anyone make pre-drilled patch panels or have a suggestion on where I can have one made?
Should I just bite the bullet and go with LMR400/N connectors for all the antennas?