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Handheld transceiver alternate antenna

 
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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:32 pm    Post subject: Handheld transceiver alternate antenna Reply with quote

At 16:34 2015-02-25, you wrote:
Quote:
It could be made to work Ken but it is more complicated than necessary. It also needs a 12 volt supply and utilises SMA connectors. I suggest you look for a much simpler mechanical switch type. They are commonly available from ham radio suppliers and usually are fitted with SO-239 connectors. Connection is selected by simply turning a knob or flicking a switch. Better reliability.

Most COTS antenna switches are designed
to select from two or more antennas to a
single transceiver/receiver . . . there
are no concerns for leaving "the alternate
transceiver" unterminated.

It turns out that ICOM produces a convenient little, optionally
panel-mounted device for exactly what you need, under the name Antenna
Switchbox, P/N IC-ANT-SB, which can be had for $64 from Aircraft Spruce
including the BNC-terminate interconnect cable for your handheld.

Yes, I purchased one about a dozen years ago
and dissected it.

http://tinyurl.com/nn2sysd

http://tinyurl.com/pp6tzgv

. . . yes, it performs as advertised but not
very sanitary with respect to managing a
transmission line. Another concern for me was
a kind flimsy, normally-closed contact on the jack that
was supposed provide center-conductor integrity
through the adapter. Finally, the ICOM product
was pretty over-sized to the task. I fiddled with
a DIY version . . .

http://tinyurl.com/kluld58

. . . that didn't put as bit a 'lump' in the
transmission line's RF profile. It was a lot less
demanding of panel real estate. But it still
offered lackluster robustness due to quality
of the n.c. audio jack being pressed into
service as a coax connector.

I toyed with the idea of offering a crew
accessible antenna switch that would terminate
the OFF transceiver line in a little dummy load.
I think I offered to bring one into being as an
AEC product if I could get a commitment for
purchase of some small quantity of units . . .
I think it was ten.

That didn't rise off the ground either. SSSsoooooo . . .
a completely independent antenna or a DIY 'patch
cable' of some arrangement are the elegant
choices.


Bob . . . [quote][b]


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jrevens



Joined: 21 Nov 2013
Posts: 34
Location: Arvada, CO

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:19 pm    Post subject: Re: Handheld transceiver alternate antenna Reply with quote

My thanks to all... there was a lot more input than I thought there would be. Lots of good information and ideas. I believe I like some sort of the patch cable idea best... don't want any more antennas, devices and wiring than necessary. I'll just do it like I did my T-18, 25 years ago, only (hopefully) a little cleaner and more accessible.

John Evens
Thorp T-18 N71JE (built & flying)
Kitfox SS7 N27JE (building)


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