Re: Topband: RX Antenna Switch
Fantastic product. I have one of Gary's first prototypes. Survived a mangling by whomever shipped it home from a DXped and worked FB, still does. Much better than a rotary switch for your RX antennas. Ron KK9K -Original Message- From: j...@kk9a.com Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 8:54 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: RX Antenna Switch Gary, It will be great to see some of your other products again. I have owned a RAS-8x2 for a number of years. It makes switching Beverage antennas so easy plus it has a preamp. I put mine to good use in last weekend's Sweepstakes contest. GL, John KK9A From: "K9AY" Reply-to: K9AY Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 09:04:51 -0600 I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX Antenna Switch
Gary, It will be great to see some of your other products again. I have owned a RAS-8x2 for a number of years. It makes switching Beverage antennas so easy plus it has a preamp. I put mine to good use in last weekend's Sweepstakes contest. GL, John KK9A From: "K9AY" Reply-to: K9AY Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 09:04:51 -0600 I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX Antenna Switch
I would not care if it was a business advertising. No need to apologize. If I didn't want to read it, I would use my Delete key. Doug I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. -Original Message- I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: RX Antenna Switch
I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Ive found that it is sometimes beneficial to be able select more than one Beverage at a time especially in a contest or during fluctuating skewed path conditions. Carl KM1H - Original Message - From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" To: "Dave G4GED" ; "[Topband]" Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 4:00 PM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna switch > > Interlocked switches should not be necessary for receive applications. > If by interlocked you're looking for a way to deselect one antenna > when selecting the next, check K1TTT's web site. Dave had a push > button controller that would release previously selected antennas > when making a new selection. I haven't looked for it recently so you > may need to do some digging. > > 73, > >... Joe, W4TV > > > On 12/30/2011 3:27 PM, Dave G4GED wrote: >> - Original Message - >> From: "Brian Moran" >> Here's one that works for TX& Rx. >> http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With >> lockout, >> etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. >> I >> have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. >> - Brian N9ADG >> >> >> Thanks Brian for the submission which I'm sure admirably suits selection >> of >> TX/RX antennas perhaps for selection of different bands etc. >> If I've read it correctly, the antennas are selected by rotary switches. >> The primary need for selection of RX antennas on TopBand is to be able to >> switch from any one to any other instantly without the tedium and >> confusion >> of having to spin a rotary switch back and forth whilst trying to find >> best >> copy out of an extreemly weak signal down in the noise. >> A matrix of "quiet" interlocked push button switches would be ideal, >> which >> require just one push to instantly change from any one antenna to any >> other. >> Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by these days which is why I'm >> thinking of a relay based solution. There's undoubtably software >> solutions >> available to do this but I'm afraid that's out of my league, unless >> someone >> here can pull a design out ready made for DIY! >> Cheers Dave >> >> ___ >> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK >> > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > > > - > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 10.0.1416 / Virus Database: 2109/4113 - Release Date: 12/30/11 > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
System similar to what you mentioned regarding the gain compensation/distribution, HPF/BPFs, RX overload, PTT, and additional signal path sources and output routing (incl. looping back): http://no3m.net/index.php?page=signal-processor Has an on-board embedded MPU, but a header can be used w/ switches for manual control. 73/HNY - Eric NO3M > If it were the 'ideal' thing, there'd be a box with a matrix of switches (A x > B), gain blocks that could be put in/out of the circuit, BPFs that could be > put in and out, 'muting' of any RX output that is connected to a transmitter > that is transmitting, RX overload protection, and some general purpose inputs > to select the 'configuration'. Probably a PIC to run it, with a nice GUI app > to configure it. > > > - Brian N9ADG > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Interlocked switches should not be necessary for receive applications. If by interlocked you're looking for a way to deselect one antenna when selecting the next, check K1TTT's web site. Dave had a push button controller that would release previously selected antennas when making a new selection. I haven't looked for it recently so you may need to do some digging. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/30/2011 3:27 PM, Dave G4GED wrote: > - Original Message - > From: "Brian Moran" > Here's one that works for TX& Rx. > http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With lockout, > etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. I > have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. > - Brian N9ADG > > > Thanks Brian for the submission which I'm sure admirably suits selection of > TX/RX antennas perhaps for selection of different bands etc. > If I've read it correctly, the antennas are selected by rotary switches. > The primary need for selection of RX antennas on TopBand is to be able to > switch from any one to any other instantly without the tedium and confusion > of having to spin a rotary switch back and forth whilst trying to find best > copy out of an extreemly weak signal down in the noise. > A matrix of "quiet" interlocked push button switches would be ideal, which > require just one push to instantly change from any one antenna to any other. > Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by these days which is why I'm > thinking of a relay based solution. There's undoubtably software solutions > available to do this but I'm afraid that's out of my league, unless someone > here can pull a design out ready made for DIY! > Cheers Dave > > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
- Original Message - From: "Brian Moran" Here's one that works for TX & Rx. http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With lockout, etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. I have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. - Brian N9ADG Thanks Brian for the submission which I'm sure admirably suits selection of TX/RX antennas perhaps for selection of different bands etc. If I've read it correctly, the antennas are selected by rotary switches. The primary need for selection of RX antennas on TopBand is to be able to switch from any one to any other instantly without the tedium and confusion of having to spin a rotary switch back and forth whilst trying to find best copy out of an extreemly weak signal down in the noise. A matrix of "quiet" interlocked push button switches would be ideal, which require just one push to instantly change from any one antenna to any other. Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by these days which is why I'm thinking of a relay based solution. There's undoubtably software solutions available to do this but I'm afraid that's out of my league, unless someone here can pull a design out ready made for DIY! Cheers Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Here's one that works for TX & Rx. http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With lockout, etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. I have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. I have built a small one for RX only that uses SMD relays, however it does NOT prevent the same antenna from used simultaneously. I wanted a small footprint, so used RJ45's to handle the switching signals to the switching boxes. It's great with a K3 to put different antennas in different ears with diversity mode, and makes it easier to pick out geographically distinct stations in the sound field. If you want the PCB layout, I can email it to you; the RX switchbox is in daily use. If you're really going to build one of these, you should also see what VP6DI did (Eric Scace K3NA has an article you can google for) as far as equalizing signals when multiple radios listened to the same antenna, minimizing leakage of signals BACK INTO the antennas from a transmitting radio (it happens, even with the best of radios); he also went as far as breaking out 160m listening from 80m listening, and segregating 80m phone from 80m cw portions of the band. If it were the 'ideal' thing, there'd be a box with a matrix of switches (A x B), gain blocks that could be put in/out of the circuit, BPFs that could be put in and out, 'muting' of any RX output that is connected to a transmitter that is transmitting, RX overload protection, and some general purpose inputs to select the 'configuration'. Probably a PIC to run it, with a nice GUI app to configure it. - Brian N9ADG From: Dave G4GED To: "Dave Anderson, K4SV" ; TopBand Reflector Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 7:15 AM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna switch - Original Message - Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not available. Dave Anderson, K4SV -- That's a pity, I was just about to order one! I haven't a clue of the methods of interlock switching the RAS8x2 uses but as it looks like we're going to have to make our own and my need to keep to simple click-clunk technology. I believe that using relays with a spare contact in such a cicuit that disables any other relay once operated, would do the job? Before I set about reinventing the wheel, does anyone have the knowledge or a basic circuit diagram for this sort of relay interlocking please? Tnx Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Topbanders, Re: the recent discussion of antenna switches and the AY Technologies RAS-8x2 -- yes, production has been suspended while I work on my "real job" which now involves starting a new company (www.rfti.com for those who might be interested). I have only today started a conversation with a ham supplier who might continue the RAS-8x2 and perhaps other products I haven't made for a while. Even if that works out, there will be startup time -- hopefully, I can set aside time in February to work on a final batch of RAS units. No promises, but I'll try... Final note -- I have been providing repair services for the AYL-4 K9AY Loop systems made prior to Array Solutions taking over its manufacture. I will do the same for RAS-8x2 units already in the field. 73 and Happy New Year to all! Gary K9AY ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
On Fri, 2011-12-30 at 15:15 +, Dave G4GED wrote: > - Original Message - > Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real > work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not > available. > Dave Anderson, K4SV > -- > > That's a pity, I was just about to order one! > > I haven't a clue of the methods of interlock switching the RAS8x2 uses but > as it looks like we're going to have to make our own and my need to keep to > simple click-clunk technology. I believe that using relays with a spare > contact in such a cicuit that disables any other relay once operated, would > do the job? > > Before I set about reinventing the wheel, does anyone have the knowledge or > a basic circuit diagram for this sort of relay interlocking please? > Tnx Dave > > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK Please reply with directions to Dave's query on the list or.. include me if the reply is off-list. I am facing some of the same issues. Maybe I could sort it out for myself but why reinvent the wheel? 73, Bill KU8H ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
- Original Message - Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not available. Dave Anderson, K4SV -- That's a pity, I was just about to order one! I haven't a clue of the methods of interlock switching the RAS8x2 uses but as it looks like we're going to have to make our own and my need to keep to simple click-clunk technology. I believe that using relays with a spare contact in such a cicuit that disables any other relay once operated, would do the job? Before I set about reinventing the wheel, does anyone have the knowledge or a basic circuit diagram for this sort of relay interlocking please? Tnx Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
Hi Guys, Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not available. Dave Anderson, K4SV Tryon, NC 828 777-5088 www.K4SV.com > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
The K9AY RAS 8x2 is very nicebut I wish it had an on screen GUI control. There is an interesting multiple RX antenna switch marketed at 4O3A.com that does allow for an on screen control and a multitude of RX antenna choices. This make it usable for remote operations which are growing in popularity for contests. Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ Thorvaldur Stefansson wrote: > The RAS 8x2 is the perfect solution. > > I have used mine for several years. I have 8 Beverage antenna directions > going to two receivers in my K3, any combination of single/combined > Beverage + Diversity. > > Just a very happy user. > > http://www.aytechnologies.com/Products/RAS8x2data.htm > > 73 Thor, TF4M > > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Here I use a basic 8 port antenna selector designed to my specifications by a ham friend of mine. The circuit boards are professionally etched and are equipped with chassis mount "F" female connectors. The single, 8 port boards can be daisy chained for 16, 24, etc. antennas selections. At this QTH the Beverage antennas are remotely controlled via the Green Heron 2 GHz system at a distance of nearly 1/2 mile. Currently the system is comprised of 19 separate antennas, each RF split 3 ways, with each split antenna selection fed to one of three separate groups of three of the above described boards. Results are at three operating positions each op has independent, totally separate control and visual readout of the direction and labeling of any of the 19 antennas. The visual is provided by a programmable compass rose on the computer display screen. Selection is by either clicking with the mouse which provides instant, opposite direction selection for an example, or via a USB rotary switch for normal step by step selection of the antennas. I have no connection with Green Heron other than I am in love with the upgrade of control capability their system has provided for my remote Beverage farm. It is so nice to have retired the old DTMF and basic CPU type controllers and control lines. 73, and good luck de Milt, N5IA -Original Message- From: W0UCE Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 8:29 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: RX antenna switch A new computer controlled RX or TX Antenna switch will be on the market in about a month. It will control up to 10 antennas or any other contact closure selection device with the click of a mouse. Users will be able to assign GUI designators to each port. Example for beverage selection the user may want to designate: NE, North East, EU, 45 or any other designator of choice... I have a prototype at my QTH and am doing field trial now. Details will be announced on Top Band and other venues. 73, Jack ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4707 - Release Date: 12/27/11 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
The RAS 8x2 is the perfect solution. I have used mine for several years. I have 8 Beverage antenna directions going to two receivers in my K3, any combination of single/combined Beverage + Diversity. Just a very happy user. http://www.aytechnologies.com/Products/RAS8x2data.htm 73 Thor, TF4M On 28 December 2011 14:35, Roger D Johnson wrote: > I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of > receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to > several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch > panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. > It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. > A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? > > 73, Roger > > -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) > http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ > http://www.gtr5.com/ > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
A new computer controlled RX or TX Antenna switch will be on the market in about a month. It will control up to 10 antennas or any other contact closure selection device with the click of a mouse. Users will be able to assign GUI designators to each port. Example for beverage selection the user may want to designate: NE, North East, EU, 45 or any other designator of choice... I have a prototype at my QTH and am doing field trial now. Details will be announced on Top Band and other venues. 73, Jack ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Ditto what Frank said. I have one and give it an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. ZN On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 9:08 AM, wrote: > Roger, > > The K9AY Model RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switching System selects up to 8 > antennas to 2 receivers. Each receiver can select one to eight antennas > simultaneously. I have three of these systems in my station and they work > great! > > http://www.aytechnologies.com > > 73 > Frank > W3LPL > > Original message > >Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:35:04 -0500 > >From: Roger D Johnson > >Subject: Topband: RX antenna switch > >To: topband@contesting.com > > > >I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of > >receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to > >several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch > >panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. > >It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. > >A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? > > > >73, Roger > > > >-- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) > >http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ > >http://www.gtr5.com/ > >___ > >UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > -- 73 Joel W5ZN www.w5zn.org ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
Many have suggested the K9AY switch. Unfortunately, I need more than two outputs. I have the two inputs to the K3, one to an auxiliary rx and one to a low freq converter...that's a minimum of 4. To cover possible expansion I'd like to have a 6x6, 8x6 or 8x8 matrix. I don't need any filters or preamps. 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Roger, The K9AY Model RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switching System selects up to 8 antennas to 2 receivers. Each receiver can select one to eight antennas simultaneously. I have three of these systems in my station and they work great! http://www.aytechnologies.com 73 Frank W3LPL Original message >Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:35:04 -0500 >From: Roger D Johnson >Subject: Topband: RX antenna switch >To: topband@contesting.com > >I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of >receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to >several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch >panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. >It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. >A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? > >73, Roger > >-- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) >http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ >http://www.gtr5.com/ >___ >UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
