Ham radio Dow Key replacement D-lab TR switch antenna change over relay system
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- Опубліковано 18 бер 2024
- My solution to replacing the old Dow Key antenna TR switch. The Dow Keys have been around over 60 years. Due to age, they are failing, bad coils, worn contacts, etc. Replacing them is pricy. When you do find them, your rolling the dice on how they were treated, plus how much life is left. Another consideration is line voltage. The maximum coil voltage I have seen is 115vac, most are 110. So, I set out to make a replacement. Had to be rugged, plus use currently available components. Goal was to duplicate the function of the famous Dow Key. Bonus of this new design is the open frame Potter & Brumfield relay has a 120vac coil. Operation is smooth and reliable. I have sold 20 of them. Hams are using them with Johnson, Heathkit, B&W plus other transmitters. No problems reported. I make these to order. Currently have a few of each model in stock. As time allows, I have enough parts on hand to make 30 more. Contact me if your interested in one. Price for each model, 4= $110, 5= $120, 6= $135. You may think this is high, however parts are $50 ea, plus 2 hours for assembly. The model 6 more due to the 3 pole relay and layout differences, which add to the build time. Shipping is USA only. I will consider Canada, since the postal rate is acceptable. Other overseas, you will need to use a US shipping agency to handle the paperwork required. Thanks all for the shop support. My contact info is on d-labelectronics.com or you can reach me thru / dlab_electronics
NOTE: Only 2 of the Model 4 left - Навчання та стиль
Very cool Terry !!!! Your right the old switches are getting harder to find, thank you for making these , we needed another option to the old stuff…
D-Lab coming through with even more, very useful electronic solutions!
I have the 4 bought it from a buddy. I like the looks and it works flawless! Great Job Terry!
Good on 'ya Terry for making these available, great solution to an old problem! 73 - Dino KLØS
I had been using W9RAN’s Versa TR board for interfacing a Johnson Ranger and SX-99 - and it works ! However, your solution is very nice. I recently obtained a 24v version of the DowKey relay. It will be used for an ARC-5 receiver and a ARC-5 T-22 40M transmitter. I’ll give yours a hard look ! Thanks ! WB4YDL
Yes Yes Yes , my model #4 is working great Terry , Thanks !
Everyone with a tx/rx boat anchor setup needs one of these.
Great video sir
can it be used to switch between an tx amplifier and a rx pre-amp on the same antenna triggered by the ptt?
See a need, fill a need. Shrewd, and an affirmation of your skill.
Which switch would be best to use between the HT32 and the SX101A?
The basic Model 4 would do fine
Hey, Terry! Nice design, I know just which Bud enclosure you used.
I'm assuming it would be simple to make a variation of these using a 12 VDC coil relay. I'm not a ham, so I'm not sure if there's a need for that or not.
Take care, sir!
Yes, I could drop in a 12VDC coil relay. The frame size is the same. Good suggestion
@@d-labelectronics Thanks, glad to contribute to help everyone out there, you set a good example.
I was more involved with CB Radios back in the '70s, before it went nuts. I think a few people would switch between ground plane and beam antennas, or between horizontal and vertical polarization on their beams, using a 12-volt coax relay on the tower.
Great P2P solution - Liked the video!
Where do you pick up the 120v AC.
The transmitter normally outputs switched 120vac for antenna relays