*NEW* I Installed a 6-Way Remote Coax Switch
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- Full installation of the Array Solutions 6-Way Remote Rat Pak Coax Switch. This used 7-core cables and a 12V feed to fire any antenna in the field. This was fun! Callum.
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You DON'T need to apologize for the way you are! You are the perfect Lord Callum just the way you are, ADHD or not. best 73's SM3TTZ
So kind of you!!
And I second that, the world would be a boring place if we were all the same and it’s not stopping you from doing some mighty work.
Brilliant tinkering video Callum! You are full of energy even while recovering. Good job and nice to see you do quality work on your projects!👍🤓🇦🇺
Lovely thanks 😊
Nice work! For tidiness and avoidance of problems, I'd enclose the chock-block in a small plastic box.
Thanks for the video Callum. I have not yet got Covid, so touch wood. I suffer from permanant brain fog but can't blame covid for that.Cheers from Down Under.
Yes OK.. Covid made me go slightly stupid for about 2-weeks..!
Glad you're starting to feel better my friend. It does take a while to get over some of those lingering symptoms. You can use that deburring tool from the other side of the sheet metal, just angle it so the blade contacts the burr.
Yes! Got that :)
I developed brain fog from another condition and what i get is severe, some days I loose all my words and can barely string sentences together. It is like you know what you want to say but you can't see the words in your mind to say them.
It gets worse when under pressure. I really hope it's a symptom you loose over time Cal as you recover because I know how horrible it is. Take care. Love watching your vids.
Hey Jon, OK copied.. Woah, what a condition.. I think I am almost at 99% again..
Well you have checked off another one of your projects. I remember you planning this awhile ago. Excellent work my friend 👏. Great to see you getting back in stride after you bout with the vid.
Yes looking good!
I like the way you put *NEW*, thats helpful. Hope you feel better soon
Thank you!
Corning Fluid if you can get it normally used to coat PCB boards that will be used in cars.
I can definitely relate to your post covid symptoms. I just hope it will get better.
All better now thanks!
Nice remote switch box and very neat seeing how it works. Keep ‘em coming That Shack is getting fancy ☺️😉
More to come!
Totally dig your builds! Get well, brother! Keep looking up!
Thanks! Will do!
Wish I could still lean on my knees! Good video.
Just another tip , use a wiska box via 2x 20mm stuffing glands and inline 221 wago connections .. great for a ip65 connection box for those grey cables ..
Keep up the good work callum
73's
Great tip!
Yes I had covid in October of 2021. Brain fog and lack of energy to get up and walk to the fridge. Now that is saying something. Haha.
You have not bothered me about your brain fog. I enjoy you working through these projects and your dialog along the way explaining things. The big thing is you are enjoying this and it shows. All the best! 73 de KI5HXM
Ah.. SO you as well. OK.. Yes I'm enjoying plumbing all this together..!
I like what you have made and discovered that MFJ makes a remote 4 antenna switching system for $199.
Take care and stay healthy... we be here and holding the fort Lord Calum 💚🤙🙏
Hang in there - it takes quite a while to get through the lingering symptoms, or at least it did for me. The fog thing was the worst.
My dogs would have run into the guy lines and there would have been a lot of yelping and an antenna disaster! lol
Haha. So They both ran into the guys ONCE and then not again :)
Great video Cal, gave me a solution to a problem I'm working on creating for myself haha. More antenna's than my tuner has outputs for.
Ah cool!
Cool vid Cal.. I’m thinking something arduino based with a nice little Java UI. Totally doable. Ham radio is so much fun, even connecting a switch box is fun. Cheers n beers OM. 😃
Matt, clever guys like you with time on your hands no doubt, but poor me with zero time..! LOL!
@@DXCommanderHQ if no one is looking at this for you then Email me a photo of the switch box PCB, both sides. If you have the schematic, even better! :-)
Nice project Callum! Amplitec is a company thats make coax switches and relays that can be controlled with the PC with their own software
Great video looking forward to seeing the software remote. Glad to hear your getting better.
Thanks 👍
NEVER any need to apologise Callum - you are a role model for many and I am sorry you are suffering the after affects of Covid which I hope will soon pass. Interesting video and in some respects the manual relay option is to me more attractive than software driven but I can understand why you are looking for that option given your wish to demo antenna changes on videos. Keep up the great work and good to work you on the net last Friday 73 Neil
Hey thanks Neil!
Great video cal , just another thought. On that switcher box , drill out to 20mm and use a 20mm stuffing gland ... much better than a grommet and has better ip protection 73s 👊
Haha.. But it's upside down anyway :)
what you want its the remoterig Antenna Switch 1269. I have the old model for 6 100w in the shack and works well.
I'll look that up!
Research Wago connectors Cal, nobody is using choc block anymore, if you must try some ferrel crimps on the bare wire first....you can also get Wago box for outside installation...
Exactly what I was about to say, wago's all the way
I recently tried Wago connectors for the first time in a project, and I feel like my life is complete. Hope Cal sees your comment! 73 de w8tam
Cracking Video Cal has always.. btw that Tom gets around a bit, one min he's in Scotland with his kilt on the next he's in the Midlands.. 😄
True We filmed that yesterday (Thursday)
Good video Callum.
Legend!
Covid brain fog... I had Covid in 2020 before there were vaccinations. Physical issues were gone after 3 weeks and I went back to work. Could not do phone calls for more than 15 minutes or I would feel lightheaded. I started studying for my full license 3 months after having 'recovered' and made idiotic math errors like 5+8=11... I have a degree in electronics, so it was quite horrifying my mind was working that way... Good news is that eventually these symptoms all disappeared... it took a few months though.
Hope you will recover soon and thanks for the video!
Amazing.. Yes, I would say I'm now already at about 98% - thanks for the comment!
Please tell me you insulated that box. The condensation would bugger the relays over time! Great that Callum is back!!! Great seeing some of your old vids again!
There's a massive big hole in the bottom :)
Hey Callum, love your videos, helped me understand loads more about radio, i am new at radio how ever i have been a network and R&D engineer for years, i would be happy to help with a digital relay for your system, i know if a talented youtuber that programs up projects all the time and am sure he would like to help, what i have in mind would be a small relay system with a small digital display, let me know, i am always working on something, lol.
Sounds fun.. I do need a small program to run under Win 10 so I can switch when remote. Saying all this, John Gendron is offering his skills so hang on 😀
Great video Cal. All the best , Mark 2E0MSR.
Thanks 👍
Take a look at NODERED - we are looking at it for the controlling the phased arrays.
Yes OK John..
always cut the wire to a sharp point, I.E. cut diagonally, and this is easier to get thru grommets etc.
Cal, Touch Portal an old cell phone and a Digital Loggers DIN Relay IV will do the job for your switching and much more.
Please make it for me :)
@@DXCommanderHQ I am using an Ameritron RC-4 switch, more complex than the RatPak since it uses the coax for signaling. Right now, I can control 2 positions only. If I had see the RatPak, I would have one...... I'll email you......
Recommend that you mount the remote box on a metal pole that is driven into the ground. Then place an empty 5 gallon plastic paint bucket over it. You can tie a brick to the handle to weigh it down. I had to do that to prevent water in them. Mine are a different mfg but just good insurance. We get as much rain in MS as you do I’d bet. Be well amigo! 73 de K1JHS
So these have already been outside for 5 years without issue ..
@@DXCommanderHQ Fine business! Glad you had no issues. 73
The Hamation Rat-Master controller is designed to replace the Rat Pak controller.
KD4Z is also designing an interesting looking controller, although it appears to be earlier in development. For remote operation, it may turn out to be better given ShackLAN's lack of support for Node Red.
Hmmm. So I emailed them a nice email and never heard anything back! I may try again. Maybe they think if I can't read the website, I'm clearly not worthy of doing business with them.
@@DXCommanderHQ Array Solutions also sells their stuff.
Again, the only caveat is that the Hamation stuff is very proprietary and will be difficult to implement solutions with that Hamation doesn't choose to bless.
used a remote coax switch for changing loading coil taps from inside the shack. Used the band info port to control it (cat port) didn't really like it, not 100% reliable. so went back to manual switch. working on a small program to change relays from band selection on the radio control program using the pc usb port for control data.
Yes, I certainly don't want an automatic switch selected form band data - I just want a button on the screen..
Another great video Callum! You could make a nice little Web Interface and box which could plug into the run you've got there using an Arduino or Raspberry Pi quite easily. Always on the discord if you ever want some help.
As I said in the video.. I need this in "appliance mode" for this daft operator :)
@@DXCommanderHQ it could be arranged potentially! You’re hardly daft. Your words of ‘just an ordinary guy’ really don’t cut it 😉 I’ll have a little play and see if I can come up with anything.
I would say protect all of the outside connections--even in the box. At worst, you wasted some tape or weatherproofing stuff. At best, you kept the connectors dry and clean.
As you said a Raspberry Pi with a relay hat, I am sure someone could do it with a nice web interface.
I add so have ADHD ,PTSD.ham radio keeps cool 😎
Neat and nice Setup
Thanks!
great work.. i like the hole punch you used to run the power cable into your cabinet in the shack. i would have done quite the opposite.. cut a crosshatch with a knife.. which does not lend to keeping water and bugs out.. i do like what you did.. what is that tool called? and where would someone locate one? i will remember this set up when i go to build my shack..
Actually, initially I tried a cross-hatch and didn't like the outcome.. What I'm trying to do (as you spotted) was keep any beasties out (and any wind / weather!)
Certainly does "bugger you up a bit". Myself and xyl had it a year last October, when not much was known about it. I am still suffering with breathlessness, plus the brain fog.
Oh right.. Heck!
It should be better for you as I believe you are going to be taking something to help alleviate the symptoms. Plus the brain fog may just be from age in my case. Lol. They know a whole lot more about it now, and how to treat the "long Covid".
Another great video Callum I always learn a great deal thanks Alan M6NYI 73
Thanks 👍
I know you have been putting up some of the video's that were on your other channel and this may be way in the past however... your switching could be done easily with an Arduino controller and a 74hc595 chip.
Build me one! :)
Fantastic hob
Thank you! Cheers!
we call those white connectors "sugar cubes"
Ah cool!
Mfj has some thing yu might like
I have ZS6BKW made by NI4L and was told to put it up at the Apex 50ft the 450 ladder is 45ft and pick the end off the ground. Flat top would around short 100 ft. And run of coax 75 ft. The problem is at my location it going to be 130 ft. What would be you input.
Like you're relay box to run and switch different antennas.
Thanks for all you do
Paul, I would put some of that balanced feeder parallel to the ground if you don't have the height..
Tried to leave a comment over on Odysee but kept trying to get me to create a channel...
Sorry to hear you had Covid. I know 4 people who had it and they all complain that several months later they are still having problems with lack of concentration and memory problems. One guy says that he has noticed that since he started taking vitamin D his memory and concentration has improved. 73 K1AUS
Interesting about Odysee.. Yeah, they want a login.. Vitamins.. Wendy pumps me full of them :)
Callum, how do you know the switch is rated for 400W? But just to let you know, Tom's '4' made the video for me 😄
Spec says 5KW I seem to remember.. :)
Hi cal, good presentation considering your not 100%, keep on trucking.
Thanks 👍
Company on eBay based in Bulgaria manual, WiFi and software activated,3 weeks delivery 🍟
Brian, is there a chance you could email me a basic link please? qrz at momcx co uk..
Hi cal I’ve spotted this on the internet,a switching unit that connects to your pc ms-s4n web controlled on eBay ? Cheers ade Sheffield
Cool. Send link to my email..?
What does the petroleum jelly do for the cord’s?
I use that on PL259 threads.. Because I am ALWAYS doing them up and undoing them.. Great "TEMPORARY" fix.
Hey Cal, I actually have a controller box that would work perfectly, I built it and dont need it. If your interested let me know and we can work it out... I'm happy for you to have it. W5NJK
Oh Scott.. This sounds like fun.. Can we some emails? Obviously I would cover the costs.. qrz @ m0mcx.co.uk - thanks (send pics blah blah! : )
Have you ever tried the 5/8 length on the DX Commander? If so how did it work
Pat.. It does work - effectively you make a 3/4 wavelength and then drive the size down with loading coil or foldover. The 10m and 12m elements are like this on the Signature 12.4. Video soon...!
@@DXCommanderHQ looking forward to the video! Really interested in the additional gain posibilities
@@DXCommanderHQ also is it possible to have all of the elements 5/8 ths except the 40m so that it will all still fit on a 10m pole?
What type of 7 core did you use? Looking at running a 50m run to a remote switch like this one and also one to the rotator.
Hi Ian.. It was from RS Components. I *THINK* it was either this one - or very similar.. uk.rs-online.com/web/p/control-cable/7271379
@@DXCommanderHQ Thanks Cal. Did you find a software replacement for the in shack switch? I am a couple of months away from sticking my tower up so busy trying to get things sorted, like remote controller and a nice cabinet at the bottom of the tower with all the connections like you have, what size is that box you have 400mmx300mm?
Calum.........
Ethernet relays are not expensive, controlled from a browser..
Yes, I have recently discovered :)
What is the vaseline for just Curious
PL259s.. Serious!
i think when of this days sch kpmming callom getum for the meadhous for 5 mond
what are the relays rated for in the switch?
5kW.
What's that heavy coax for the long run? LMR-600? Just curious, I use it for VHF/UHF. Really shines on 440.
OK, so that's EcoFlex 15 (15mm). Quite heavy but OK for perm installs I think.
@@DXCommanderHQ Thanks I'll check that out.
I had COVID about 6 months ago, I was messed up bad for like 4 days, after that, it was so-so for like another 10 days. But honestly, 6 months later, my energy levels haven't returned to normal, and I do seem to get "brain farts" more than before. Not fun stuff.
B*gger!
callum banned from drilling holes forever
Take care! 73 SM6YEC
I am 76 years old and may I say welcome to getting old. HI HI Have you forgot to zip up lately? 73 Leo
Not yet! :)
🧠
You want a switch from lz2rr. He does antenna switches with web page control from 4 to 7 outputs with a simple controller. One button for the next antenna and one for the previous. I have an MS-S7 and it works great.
I'll go look. Thanks.
Later - can't find.. (my brain must be pickled) any chance you could email me a link..?
@@DXCommanderHQ vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=203843603323&category=40059&pm=1&ds=0&t=1632508690000&ver=0&cspheader=1
your coax looking as c rab for nieuw amateurs a yousing airco ad uini flex;myn best is rg14
Right