Antenna Switch (Receive Only) Suggestion ?

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Trying to find a "good" low loss antenna switch suitable for vhf/uhf all the way down.

Receive only.

I would like to switch a single antenna input to one of 3 outputs.

Saw the Diamond ones which look nice
and have good Amazon reviews, but $ 50 is a bit high for me, as I need two.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[WA8ZTZ]

Be sure to compare the insertion loss and isolation specs.
IMHO, a cheapo switch is not really a "savings".

 

[tuihill]

Alpha Delta antenna switches.

 

[prcguy]

I've had several switches from MFJ and Comet and they are junk. The connectors work loose and go intermittent, etc. Now I usually buy used commercial or mil surplus switches that will last a lifetime.

 

[vagrant]

I am unaware of a three position switch under $50. I probably would not buy one if I did, unless it was a used Alpha Delta B version.

Interesting, the Diamond numbers have lower insertion loss above 500 MHz. I do not use it for frequencies that high, but an interesting note.

For receive only, you could probably use some MFJ three position switches, but expect problems or more insertion loss than you may want. Take a look at QRZ.com and eHam.net. You may find a used Diamond or Alpha Delta or two pop up from time to time. Still, your less than $50 limit means switching cables by hand. You could use BNC adapters for quick switching until you save up for a switch.

I personally use a powered splitter to feed multiple radios using one antenna. This way I avoid switching anything, of course your needs may be different.

 

[majoco]

Personally for flexibilty I would make a patch panel - BNC's in and out - one for each receiver and each antenna.

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Thanks for help; very appreciated.

a. Is "Diamond" a "quality" brand/product ?

b. Where can i find the powered splitters you refer to ?

I am not familiar with them at all.
Are the losses more or less the same as the switch approach ?

Thanks again,
Bob

 

[pjxii]

Hi,

Thanks for help; very appreciated.

a. Is "Diamond" a "quality" brand/product ?

b. Where can i find the powered splitters you refer to ?

I am not familiar with them at all.
Are the losses more or less the same as the switch approach ?

Thanks again,
Bo

I've never used a Diamond but the 3 position switch reviews on eHam are very positive (4.9 out of 5).

Active antenna switchers are expensive. I have an Elad ASA-15 (12 dB boost for one antenna and five receivers) sent from Germany and cost me @$300 shipped. Worth it for me, but certainly not for everyone.

 

[jlh]

I’ve used a Diamond CX310 for years. It has never failed. Made in Japan.