Antenna "X" Switch?

[DotDun]

I have a dedicated masthead mounted VHF comms antenna and a dedicated transom mounted AIS transceiver antenna.

Is there such a thing as a "X" (cross) switch? I would like to swap between the radios/antennas easily.

Thanks!

[Nemo55]

These switches where quite common when the old video games where out,,like coleco,,etc,,it allowed you to switch between video game and tv,,,you should be able to find the item at any Electronics store..

[dandrews]

eBay has a Pace 5621 switch for about $20. I have one in my ham room. Very good switch.

Don

[NahanniV]

I think this is what you are looking for:

MFJ-1703 Antenna Switch mfj1703



The Pace switch is just 1 to N selector.

Cheers,
JM

[dandrews]

JM is correct. I misread your orig post. Thought you were switching between two antennas to one radio.

Don

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by NahanniV

I think this is what you are looking for:

MFJ-1703 Antenna Switch mfj1703



The Pace switch is just 1 to N selector.

Cheers,
JM

That'll do it!

Thanks!

[NahanniV]

A closer look at the spec. sheet says 1.8 to 30MHZ

Marine VHF is around 160MHZ.

I'm not sure if it would be a problem or not.

Ask before you buy.

Cheers,
JM.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by NahanniV

A closer look at the spec. sheet says 1.8 to 30MHZ

Marine VHF is around 160MHZ.

I'm not sure if it would be a problem or not.

Ask before you buy.

Cheers,
JM.

Thanks, I noticed that also. I'll call them.

[Wireless1]

Shakespear AS-2

Keep in mind that this cool unit needs 12 volts @ 220 ma to run it and it's best to use a relay or something to make sure it's not drawing current when both your VHF's are turned off. (I'm getting my voltage from my B&G network VHF in a pod at the helm) The AS-2 is like a latching realy. It stays connected to the last VHF that used it. Also, it's got a shunt protection circuit so if the other VHF tries to transmit that VHF's signal is sent to a 50 ohm dummy load so no harm no foul. This unit is for marine VHF and easily handles 30 watts. Hope this helps automate your situation. Oh...price? About 90 bucks.

[DotDun]

Thanks for the reply.

After reading my initial post I realize I was real clear in what I'm after.

I have 2 radios and 2 antennas. I want a switch that allows me to swap the antennas between the 2 radios. A 1:2 switch isn't what I'm after, I want a 2:2 cross over switch.

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by DotDun

Thanks for the reply.

After reading my initial post I realize I was real clear in what I'm after.

I have 2 radios and 2 antennas. I want a switch that allows me to swap the antennas between the 2 radios. A 1:2 switch isn't what I'm after, I want a 2:2 cross over switch.

My apologies for the misreading. I'm sure you have a reason for this odd switching arrangement but off the top of my head I can't think of one. Out of curiosity if you don't mind, why would you want to put your main VHF on the antenna with less range and your AIS on the masthead antenna with maximum range? ....and then switch back?

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Wireless1

My apologies for the misreading. I'm sure you have a reason for this odd switching arrangement but off the top of my head I can't think of one. Out of curiosity if you don't mind, why would you want to put your main VHF on the antenna with less range and your AIS on the masthead antenna with maximum range? ....and then switch back?

Just to have the choice of which radio is on the long range antenna.

During the long (lonely) passages I've done, I can only remember once using the VHF comms radio in the middle of nowhere. Why not have the ability to throw the AIS up there for a longer view?

Obviously if traveling with a group, or within 20 miles of a shore/busy port, the VHF comms belongs on the masthead. But 100+ miles out with no other boat in sight.....?

Could have used an antenna splitter, but chose not to for all the reasons against a splitter. In my mind, a mechanical switch may offer a fairly reliable means to swap antennas.

If I can't find a suitable one, I won't lose any sleep over it.