Switching between two 2M VHF antennas

[KD8OUC]

I recently purchased a 7 element M2 beam to use on 2M SSB. Already have a comet GP-98 tri-bander installed on the roof with LMR-400.

I am not wanting to install an additional run of coax into the shack at this time, but would rather figure out a way to remotely switch between the two antennas. Looking for some creative ideas from the group on best practices to minimize loss and avoid running a second run all the way Into the shack.

I certainly do not mind purchasing another 75’ run of coax, however, I have no more room in my coax entry hole to bring another coax cable into the house.
I am currently using an Ameritron RCS – 8V to remotely switch amongst HF antennas, not sure if they would effectively work as well on VHF.
If the prevailing thought is to use two runs of coax all the way into the shack and then use a coaxial switch behind the rig, so be it. Just trying to avoid more entry holes into the house.

 

[prcguy]

Put this in a weather proof box on the roof and hit it with 24VDC to switch between antennas. It should handle at least 600w at 2m. This is a very cheap price and there are lots of other versions.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[KD8OUC]

Put this in a weather proof box on the roof and hit it with 24VDC to switch between antennas. It should handle at least 600w at 2m. This is a very cheap price and there are lots of other versions.

Pardon Our Interruption...

Very creative idea!!! Thank you! Any suggestions for an easy 24Vdc source and button/switch for the desktop or something? Guess there would be no indicator which antenna is "active" in the switch, however, such an inexpensive solution!! Appreciate the help here!!

 

[AK9R]

Two 12 volt 7 amp-hour alarm batteries in series would give you 24 volts for the coax switch. Break the circuit any where with pretty much any SPST switch. But, @prcguy may have other ideas.

 

[KD8OUC]

Two 12 volt 7 amp-hour alarm batteries in series would give you 24 volts for the coax switch. Break the circuit any where with pretty much any SPST switch. But, @prcguy may have other ideas.

Thanks. I was thinking that perhaps a small 24V 1A power supply would perhaps suffice along with your SPST switch suggestion.

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Been looking for some specs on these coaxial switches...

 

[prcguy]

This should work and it looks like a linear supply rather than a switcher. You need 24-28VDC at around 200ma so this 24VDC 500ma supply will run a little cooler. I would avoid any switching supply because it can bring RFI right up to the switch and possibly into the coax.

HP AC Adapter Power Supply 0950-3490 AA20930 Output 24V 500mA | eBay

The HP AC Adapter Power Supply 0950-3490 AA20930 is a reliable power supply from Astec Power Inc. It is designed as an AC Adapter with an output voltage of +24V and an output current of 500mA. This adapter is powered and suitable for a variety of consumer electronics devices. Its location is...

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[KD8OUC]

This should work and it looks like a linear supply rather than a switcher. You need 24-28VDC at around 200ma so this 24VDC 500ma supply will run a little cooler. I would avoid any switching supply because it can bring RFI right up to the switch and possibly into the coax.

HP AC Adapter Power Supply 0950-3490 AA20930 Output 24V 500mA | eBay

The HP AC Adapter Power Supply 0950-3490 AA20930 is a reliable power supply from Astec Power Inc. It is designed as an AC Adapter with an output voltage of +24V and an output current of 500mA. This adapter is powered and suitable for a variety of consumer electronics devices. Its location is...

www.ebay.com

Thank you very much for your suggestion!!