Is That Radio Really Safe?
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- Опубліковано 26 кві 2024
- Concerned about the safety of your radio? In this video, we dive into a popular radio/antenna switch to figure out if it's as good as the manufacturer states in the documentation. This switch is rated for fairly high power, and I want to know if I can trust the docs for it. Does it really allow me to run 2 radios and two antennas at the same time? Can I switch between them safely?
Learn about RF isolation, RF switches, and more in this video to ensure your radio is safe to use.
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Forty-seven years in electronics have taught me that slide switches are garbage I would not trust that thing.
Nice test Jim and it confirms my suspicions regarding RF switches in general. I have several switches for multiple antennas but I built a manual patch panel for the transceivers so that at no time, are two radios connected to the system. I agree with your summary as well, $100 switch, multi-$1000 radio. Keep them separate!
Solid work Jeem
I read it as the switches are rated at 300 watts before it burns up, not the isolation would be 100 watts. Isolation would be stated as dB, not in watts. The 100 watts is meant to be how much power the contacts on the switch it can handle.
You may be on to something there, that's an interesting point. If that's what they're saying, it's subtle as can be. However, the only number mentioned is 300W. Also, I was a little slack in using the correct term db vs dbm in the right places. No they don't mention isolation, but if it's rated at 300W, that implies very strongly, that there is at least 55dbm of isolation, even though they don't mention isolation. Since they pimp this thing as a radio/xcvr switch, and don't mention anything other than "don't switch while xmitting" (duh), again, it implied to me originally that i can have 2 radios on this thing, with two antennas, potentially both on.
It may just be bad documentation, but clearly, she won't handle 300W as there ain't 55db of isolation between the two connections.
Thanks for watching, Ron!
Thanks Jeem, good information to keep in mind.
Good PSA. Thank you.
Excellent analysis Jim. Bravo. I think I'd be timid, but OK if I put 30 watts into this device, but certainly not 300 watts. Perhaps it's a typo in the MFJ labeling / PR dpt.
It is simply a DPDT sliding switch that is not designed for RF and certainly has no isolation between contacts. 73 OM
Good info Jim.
Dingleberry 🤣 Great job, Jim.
Thanks for the video.
I've had one of these sat on my desk for 6 months.
You kind of confirmed my thoughts.
I know there're a lot MFJ fans out there, but my experience with their products is not great.
I have a NanoVNA so will attempt to replicate your test.
73
Glad I could help!
Thanks Jeem. I dont have any of their products but its a shame they're shutting down. There will be a huge hole in the market.🍻🤠
I will say most of HF radio can handle power level of 10mW +10dBm into receiver without getting damaged , so from 100 watts 50 dBm , 50 dBm - 10 dBm = 40 db. it may only need 40 db isolation. if the Receiver can handle 100mW 20 dBm, it only need 30 db isolation. AG6JU
Yes, I've heard that as well. I suppose it's a matter of trusting that. I would say, if I see it in the manufacture manual, I'd for sure believe it.
Is that your community service uniform shirt you are made to wear ?
Informative vid, cheers mate 😊
I own that MFJ switch but refuse to use it. The idea of switching RF with a common, cheap slide switch is too troublesome to me.
👋
When a radio is switched off, is the front end isolated?
Yes, up to some voltage that will overcome things. What that voltage is - somewhat of a mystery. It would be a pretty large amount.
Maybe it stuff like this, is the reason they're going out of Business ?
Hope someone has the Balls and Money to buy them out, and keep it open !
I think it's not very smart switching antennas during transmission. Ergo, the 300W rating sounds ok for me.
They specifically mention not to switch during xmit, still, I find that 300W rating a little suspicious.
I have one and it quit working after about 3 years.
Yeah, after looking at the innards, and testing it, I think I might have dodged a bullet when I used this thing.