Outdoor Duplexer for Single Feed to Mast

[KD2DSG]

Ok gurus I need some advice. I’m looking to run a single feed line up a mast to two antennas. One is 80-6m and the other is 2m/70cm. I see duplexers from Diamond, Comet etc that will allow this but they aren’t for outdoor use. What are you guys using that’s weather proof? It will be a single radio only using one antenna at a time. TIA!!

 

[Ubbe]

Look for diplexers as duplexer are something else. Just use any kind of weather proof box and secure the connectors with emulgating tape or lock-tite so they don't come loose by the temperature changes.

/Ubbe

 

[KD2DSG]

Yes thank you. I was thinking of a box.

 

[AK4PY]

I use the Diamond and Comet diplexers outdoors for the exact use you are describing. I tried several methods to keep water out of them and finally found one that works. I basically created a pedestal sort of like you would see used in the cable TV system. Mine is nothing fancy, but has been working well to keep water out of my diplexers for over five years now. All you need to do is pound a rod into the ground to hold your diplexers off the ground. I used an old wire fence post and left about two feet above the ground. Next, I zip tied my diplexers to the fence post towards the top. Finally, I covered the whole thing with an upside down plastic kitchen style trash can. You can use some tent stakes to secure the trash can so it doesn't blow away in a storm. This system works great and mine is hidden in the woods behind my house, so it isn't even an eye sore.

 

[Ubbe]

Yes, those boxes for sat dishes that holds diseq switches and amplifiers are a good choice and have foam covered holes at the bottom for the coax cables. If you use air tight boxes they can accumulate condensed water and the moist might do some damage to the diplexer. I'm looking for those myself but they are hard to find. But there are others that can be used. https://www.amazon.com/Thonapa-Electrical-Weatherproof-Protector-Connections/dp/B083KPHLJL

/Ubbe

 

[KD2DSG]

I use the Diamond and Comet diplexers outdoors for the exact use you are describing. I tried several methods to keep water out of them and finally found one that works. I basically created a pedestal sort of like you would see used in the cable TV system. Mine is nothing fancy, but has been working well to keep water out of my diplexers for over five years now. All you need to do is pound a rod into the ground to hold your diplexers off the ground. I used an old wire fence post and left about two feet above the ground. Next, I zip tied my diplexers to the fence post towards the top. Finally, I covered the whole thing with an upside down plastic kitchen style trash can. You can use some tent stakes to secure the trash can so it doesn't blow away in a storm. This system works great and mine is hidden in the woods behind my house, so it isn't even an eye sore.

Thank you for the detailed description. It’s a good idea!

 

[AK4PY]

Yes thank you. I was thinking of a box.

Be SUPER carful with a box. I went through a couple versions of the box and ended up with ruined diplexers. The reason I ended up with a pedestal is that I learned that you cannot have them underground or even at ground level. No matter how much effort you put into keeping water out of your box, it will find a way inside given time. The diplexers need to be elevated to keep all water away. Also, someone mentioned condensation before. Yes, I ran into that too with another version of the box. That is why my open air with a rain protective cover pedestal works so well. There is no chance of condensation, or any form of moisture getting in and up to the top of the pole that the diplexers are affixed.