In search of coax a/b/a+b switch

[jassing]

Forgive me, please, if this is the wrong forum; it seemed the best/closest for my question...

I am looking for a 50ohm coax switch (suitable for 10/12 meters) that would allow me to switch between one antenna or the other or both.
I know they exist as I have seen it -- I just can't remember the brand.
I'm thinking of hacking a relay based remote switch, but would rather have a mechanical one.
Anyone know of a switch to suit the bill?

thanks

 

[bharvey2]

Yes they exist. Diamond makes them and I suspect Comet and MFJ do as well. Here is a link to one:

Diamond® Antenna ~ CX210N Coax Switch

You could also try HRO (Ham Radio Outlet) Both online and brick and mortar options

 

[K7MEM]

If I understand "jassing" correctly, I don't think the Diamond CX210N switch does the job. The CX210N is just a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch.

But, I also don't think anyone makes a switch that he requires. I can't really think of why you would want a switch that does "a || b || a&b". I am including a schematic of what I think, "jassing" wants. It uses a double pole triple throw (DPDT) switch and performs "a || b || a&b" .

I have a small 3-position coaxial switch that has a (3P3T) ceramic switch inside. It's kind of cheaply made, but does the job. The switch could easily be rewired to do "a || b || a&b". If you could find a coax switch that has a similar ceramic switch, you could probably rewire it yourself.

You could always get the parts and built it yourself. The link below is a switch that would fit the bill. Just add a couple of coaxial connectors and a tin box.

Amazon.com: Plastic Knob 3P3T 3 Pole 3 Throw Band Channel Rotary Switch Selector: Home Improvement

The same function could be done with two standard three position coax switches. You would just have to switch them both at the same time. As long as you switch them when they are not energized, there isn't any issues.

But that's as far as I can go without a little more explanation.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[bharvey2]

If the schematic you provided represents JASSINGS desire then I clearly misread the question. While that gives him A or B or A+B, I'd think having two antennas connected simultaneously would create all sorts of weird.

 

[K7MEM]

While that gives him A or B or A+B, I'd think having two antennas connected simultaneously would create all sorts of weird.

While that is certainly true, that is what he asked. IMHO, the question hung around far too long for the answer to be as simple as a SPDT coaxial switch. I just provided an answer to his question.

He also says that he has seen it before. I looked around a lot and found nothing that comes close. But until he comes back and fills us in on his intent, there isn't much to do.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[NDRADIONUT]

A ''t" connector would also work if you werent switching it a lot....

 

[jassing]

Right it's EITHER-OR or AND-BOTH.

I am going on advice from someone I trust that costs me nothing more than the switch to try out; it involves operating a radio on multiple frequencies and using both antennas for "in the middle". It's a setup he uses; so I want to give it a try.

Thanks for the amazon link. I was thinking about using some relays, but reading up on it there seems to be issues with screwing up the frequency with big losses if done improperly. The circuit boards of remote-switches seem to use very wide traces, but then the relays are all small - and since I'm not an EE; i'm not sure on gauge wire I should use.

I ordered a two-way remote switch 'kit' that I'm hoping I can easily hack to energize both relays at once.

Thanks for the replies!

-j