I'm not sure that I would like pushbutton antenna switching. Especially in a contest.
I use a 4-position rotary switch to select all four directions of the two Beverages. (The same principle would apply to more than four directions.) All four RX directions are within a 90 degree rotation of the switch; adjacent positions are just 22.5 degrees apart. (And rotary switches are available with less than 22.5 degrees between positions.) To its immediate right is a toggle switch that selects either the Beverage RX rotary switch or the TX antenna. Both the rotary and toggle can be operated conveniently with just my right hand, while tuning across the band, etc. with my left. It is a very ergonomic design; if it could be improved upon, I've never figured out a better way. (But I'm listening with an open mind. :-) A photo of the switching arrangement here can be viewed at www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html#more_than_one_way_to_build Click on the image to zoom. I think W8JI --and somebody else who copied his design-- has eight PB switches in a ~2" diameter circle, all barely protruding just past the panel. Maybe if I had one, I would prefer it over what I built, but I really don't think so. When my fingers are on that switch, I don't have to feel around for pushbuttons nor take my eyes off more important things. IMHO, a rotary switch is the way to go. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
