G4NSJ - Antenna switch short wave listening several radios one aerial

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In this video, I describe an antenna switch for switching one aerial to several receivers. This is also useful if you have several vintage valve radios and only one antenna.
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[@huntercarver1851]

Cool antenna.. impressive shortwave setup.

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@1stonseth]

Thank you for more inspiration to be building and modifying radio gear. 73 Sam KI7CDG

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Sam, it's nice to hear from you. Cheers, Ray.

[@IrishvintageTVRadio]

Totally agree, at HF frequencies the loss through audio coax will be negligible in fact twisted pair would probably be grand. I've some Heathkit gear here that uses phono sockets for RF. Great idea!

[@g4nsj]

Brilliant, thanks for the info. Cheers, Ray.

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

My old Heathkit SB-200 HF amplifier uses an RCA RF input from the HF radio. Its able to handle 100 watts or more input. I show the RCA input on the SB-200 to younger Hams and they freakout ! They think RCA jacks are for low level audio only. The Collins 30L-1 Amp also used RCA RF inputs. Great video Ray. Hope you are doing well. 73 Joe

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Joe, that’s interesting.

[@raymondlewis2055]

Thanks for video ,Ray. RCA plugs still used for SEND and ALC between transceiver and amplfier. 73, AA4EZ

[@g4nsj]

That’s interesting, thanks.

[@m.9243]

So glad I watch your videos Ray. You always give us food for thought. I will make this my next project for the coming weekend! Many thanks and 73's

[@g4nsj]

Excellent! Let me know how you get on.

[@marjla]

Interesting,thanks for sharing.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

👍Good idea for an antenna switch. I have seen RCA phono connectors used for HF on various bits of equipment for receive and transmit. They seem to work just fine.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Steve, glad you like the idea. It certainly works well.

[@FrancoDX]

Great idea Ray, thanks for sharing. Im already considering one for a couple of outdoor loops facing different directions 👍🏼

[@g4nsj]

Good idea!

[@terryblackman6217]

Hi Ray. Very enjoyable video. I made a switcher box many years ago. Also to compliment it is made an ATU from practical wireless by Penfold. Take care. Terry

[@g4nsj]

Hi Terry, that’s an idea… an ATU. Excellent.

[@terryblackman6217]

@@g4nsj no problem. The circuit is still on the Web. 😊👍

[@MirlitronOne]

The RCA connector was designed as RCA's answer to the British Belling-Lee TV aerial connector. In the end, most US TVs used flat feeder and simple screw terminals so it was re-purposed as an audio connector.

[@g4nsj]

That’s interesting, thanks for the info. I’ll pass that on to some of our local hams as I don’t think they quite believe it. Cheers, Ray.

[@MirlitronOne]

@@g4nsj I have the same problem at my local club, but it doesn't stop me following the common usage of cheap RCA connectors for homebrew QRP rigs, as well as on small music synthesizers. As you point out, RCA sockets will accept wander plugs or some 4 mm plugs, or, in an emergency, a bare wire and a matchstick! 😁

[@jeepdog]

Thanks Ray for another great video

[@renowden2010]

Great idea that I hadn't considered.

[@joerowland7350]

GRATE video as all ways MR RAY Think I'll give it go as I'm redoing Swl set up n antennas

[@g4nsj]

Excellent!

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

Happy 40th CB Anniversary Ray. UK net tonight on Channel 40 at 7pm

[@g4nsj]

OK, thanks!

[@JohnGreen-SWL]

Great tip Ray 👍

[@g4nsj]

Thanks!

[@ShortwaveRadioChannel]

Thanks for sharing this nice idea. 73 de DO5RBB Ralf

[@g4nsj]

Thanks Ralf.

[@kevincoady6571]

Hi Ray thanks for the tip. I have my Satellit 800 and my old Allied receivers hooked up to the box. The Chanel switch on the box doesn’t seem to matter as the feeds can go through both receivers st the same time regardless of what position the switch is at. Wondering if o did something wrong??

[@g4nsj]

Hi Kevin, it’s possible that something was wrong. Check the wiring again.

[@kevincoady6571]

@@g4nsj Ray thanks for the reply. I am getting ok signals on both receivers but I thought the channels of the box would be independent of each other. In other words there seems to be no point of having the channel selector as I don’t have separate feeds.

[@ianmorton5943]

U no wat your talking about I'm gonna get one and mor it . Did u no u kan use an old telly aerial amp as an hf pre amp u probably did but it's a good idea . Thanks for the vid I'll try it soon 📻📡

[@ianmorton5943]

I ment mod it lol

[@g4nsj]

Yes I did know about a telly preamp. Good luck when you try it.

[@mikepeirson1150]

Great video, I made a switchbox for SWL last year with a 12 position rotary neatly soldered and it works just fine. I just love all the making of radio bits and pieces. I made an antenna matcher a few years ago from your video with the crocodile clip and it worked, since been refined and a bit more elaborate and in a nice box also with a rotary switch. I do not have a clue as to theory but I am OK and love the making side of things to do with radio. Could you answer a question for me. I have a discone on my roof 25-1300 MHz which part of is VHF for use with my scanner, would this antenna which I use through my switch box have losses at all through said switch box.

[@g4nsj]

Hi Mike, great to hear from you. OK on your construction projects. It is fun building stuff, I love it. There might be a little loss through your switch box. Try bypassing it if you can to see if there’s a difference in signal strength. Cheers, Ray.