Antenna Switcher | The SWLing Post

Many thanks to Kenneth Crips who recently shared an eBay link to this antenna switch on the Gary J. Cohen’s Shortwave Listeners Global Facebook page.

The switch is not a kit–it is pre-built and appears to contain quality parts. The manufacturer, Electro Resales, makes a number of other products for the radio, astronomy, RC and model railroad markets. They have 99.9% positive feedback and a deep history of sales via eBay.

I’ve pasted the product description from eBay below:

Coaxial Electronic Switching unit for Antenna – 2:1 unit – Ready Built Unit

Switch 2 antenna to one radio or 2 radio to one antenna.

Using high quality Schrack Brand relays this antenna switcher works up to 200 MHz with SWR below 1:1 and minimal insertion loss.

Features include:
1. SO-239 input/output connectors
2. 8 Amp switching relay (Operation to 1 KW)
3. LED mimics indicate which port is active
4. Built in push switch for ease of operation – Selects relay coil to energize,
5. Remote installation operation possible
6. 1 KV Suppression capacitors and back EMF diodes on each relay coil
7. Relay coil : Capacitor tank frequency = 93 KHz – Minimizes RF interference on activation.
8. PCB Isolation Slots to minimize cross talk
9. 12 volt operation
10. Via stitching in critical signal paths and connector ground plane
11. Complete, self contained unit, ready to use. Not a Kit.

PCB dimensions are 4″ x 3.25″ (100 mm x 80 mm). Ready to mount in your installation

Pictures illustrate actual item that you will receive.

Questions – Please ask – Free Shipping as always

Sale includes:
1. Finished PCB with all components
2. Link to our on-line user guides

No other items such as power supplies, RF equipment or cables are included in the sale

I might purchase one of these as I have a remote antenna box with a solar-powered LDG ATU. This switch would allow me to change antennas without manually changing feed lines outside. I had planned to build a switch like this with my buddy, Vlado (N3CZ), but the price is awfully enticing! Have any SWLing Post readers purchased from this store before? If so, please comment.

Click here to view on eBay.

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(Source: Bonito Press Release)

Bonito AntennaJet ASM300

With the AntennaJet ASM 300, we add another component to our supplies of receiving equipment. It is USB-controlled and you can connect up to three different receiving antennas from 9 kHz – 300 MHz loss-free to one output socket.

Additionally, you can combine all three input channels according to your needs. They are then connected in phase to the output socket. Thus you can always find the best combination of antennas when receiving conditions are bad.

Because there are no mechanical components like relays, the switching of the channels is done electronically by using active elements. So above average intermodulation values (IP3:+40 dBm at 7MHz typical) and extremely high insulation values are achieved. The electronics are installed in strong aluminum profile housing.

The HF-inputs are BNC and are protected against short and pulse-shaped voltage surges with complex ESD protection circuits. Because the voltage supply is integrated via USB, you do not need an additional power supply, which make the ASM300 ideal for portable operation.

Technical Data

Input Frequency range: 9 kHz – 300 MHz (-1dB)
Input socket/Impedance: BNC/50 Ohm (DC-blocked max.50V) ESD input protection: 30kV; max. Pulse power 350 W (8/20µ) Max allowed input power=0dBm
Insertion loss: 0dBm
Output sockets/Impedance: BNC/50 Ohm () DC -blocked max. 50V)
Insulation between the inputs:80dB type<0.3 MHz

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Insulation between output and input: 110dB typ< 0.3MHz
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Amplitude frequency response (300 KHz -300 MHz): max- 1dB typ.
Amplitude difference of the outputs: max. 0.5dBtyp.
3rd order Intercept point: +40dBm typ<10MHz +20dBm typ.>100MHz
Power connector: USB-B socket
Power consumption: max. 50mA (5V DC)
Temperature range: 0-40 °C (without condensation)
Size/Weight: 103x90x32 mm/0.30 Kg
Conformity: CE
Standard accessories: USB A/B cable (shielded cable with ferrite cores)
The appropriate control software will be put at your disposal for Windows 8, 7, Vista and Windows XP.

Click here to visit Bonito online.

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