I would like to be able to operate the same antenna from an upstairs location as well as a downstairs location. Only one location would ever be in use at a time. The unused coax would be disconnected and capped. Would a simple tee do the trick or is there something better? Also, if a tee is used would the non-op capped coax pose a problem? Thank you in advance!
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2 locations 1antenna
- Thread starter Champo
- Start date
I suppose you could do that. But I find it just as easy if not easier to use and antenna switch.
Are you referring to a remote switch (located at the antenna) or a manual switch like a Daiwa that you manually switch? The coax needs to split near the antenna so the later wouldn't work. It would require an ungodly amount of coax to run from the antenna to location 1 and then to location 2. I probably should have specified that.
I am using an old Avanti antenna switch at home. Multiple forum members have reported good results and have recommended this antenna switch.
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/daiwa-cs-201a-coax-switches/part-type/antenna-switches-manual?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&autoview=SKU&keyword=antenna switch
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/daiwa-cs-201a-coax-switches/part-type/antenna-switches-manual?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&autoview=SKU&keyword=antenna switch
Unfortunately that requires manual activation at one of the locations which is what I'm looking to avoid. I'm looking for something that can split the coax near the antenna. I've heard duplexers mentioned however I'm not sure if they're applicable to me situation. Also most marketed duplexers appear to actually be diplexers (per my research). Thanks!
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OMG don't be so freakin' lazy. Use a simple 2 Position Antenna Switch.
Shadetree Mechanic
Delaware Base Station 808
Mfj has switches that might work. I am not sure about the way it is controlled.
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4712#description
https://mfjenterprises.com/products/mfj-4712#description
I do
I do exactly that.
I have what I call my base station setup in the radio room.
I have what I call my satellite base station in my garage/work area.
I use an antenna switch in the radio room to select "Garage" when I will be operating from there.
I have a run of coax from the garage station into my radio room connected to the antenna switch.
Been operating like this for years just fine.
I do exactly that.
I have what I call my base station setup in the radio room.
I have what I call my satellite base station in my garage/work area.
I use an antenna switch in the radio room to select "Garage" when I will be operating from there.
I have a run of coax from the garage station into my radio room connected to the antenna switch.
Been operating like this for years just fine.
It's not about being "lazy." It's about the length of coax required. If I can switch it at the antenna, or not switch it at all i.e. a tee, the length of run to one location is 30 ft and the other is 100. By running it to one location first and then the other I'm significantly increasing the run to one of the locations. I already own antenna switches. Right now one is splitting a horizontal and vertical dipole. An antenna switch just is not the ideal way of running a second length of coax for the vertical.
Shadetree Mechanic
Delaware Base Station 808
Just putting two radios on a "T" would be bad. It would cause one radio to transmit into the other. Even if the other radio was turned off. Mfj might have a radio selector, but I have used antenna switches to switch radios before without problem. An swr meter at each radio would help insure that the correct radio is selected.
There will only be one radio connected to any of the coax lengths as stated in my initial post. One end will always be capped. Maybe if I explain my installation it'll make more sense. To start I use window access which means when the coax isn't in use it's capped and in an outside waterproof container. An antenna switch isn't ideal because it would require bringing both runs of coax inside to connect the antenna switch or leaving it in an outside waterproof container and switching it. It's wet in the pacific northwest so neither are ideal. The real question is will a bare, capped piece of coax interfere with the connected transmitter. If it will then some sort of remote switch would be the alternative.
LOL,, Funny. But I hope he isnt disabled like I am.
Automation is everything in my world.
Shadetree Mechanic
Delaware Base Station 808
That is a real good question about an unused coax on the T connector. It might make an impedance bump, not sure. The cap might make a difference too. One way to find out is to try it with an SWR meter at the radio. The ultimate answer is whether the radio will be happy or not. Interested to see what you find.