Remote Amateur Radio antenna disconnect system

Since my remote station is up in the high forested country I have low noise, long antennas, and nice spark-filled lightning storms. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of leaving my 7300 connected during those storms. Sooo, I have a solution. This is a proof of concept and I'm already working to refine it, and possibly make a fine-tuned version for sale. Leave a message on what you think.

[@jamess1787]

Fantastic! I used to laugh at country folk that run around unplugging everything during storms. -city dweller

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

It can get pretty sparky out here in the mountains. I get regular strikes on a power pole 100 feet from my QTH. Unplugging is a good move.

[@cthoadmin7458]

Hi Dave, you could also arrange on antenna disconnect, for the antennas to be switched to ground by high power relay.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Not using this design. It could press a microswitch when it retracted all the way to engage relays between the antenna disconnect device and the radios to ground them. For 50 years, I've just made sure the antennas weren't connected to the radios and not bothered grounding the antennas or radio coax lines and everything has been fine. So far. ;). Direct strikes, all bets are off.

[@bobnagy9084]

Fabulous idea! Make them and sell them.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Thanks Bob!

[@t.conner4798]

That is a great idea. I have the availability to remote from my QTH in Texas back to several acres near Show Low, and lighting has always been a concern. The one thing that would worry me is the PiStar. I’ve experienced several corrupted cards with sudden power failures or outages. The other issue is how to power cycle my Icom PW1 remotely. Good luck, you may find a suitable market at the right price point. 73’s de NN7W.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

I currently use RemoteTX.com as my remote system. It is super reliable and always being updated. I would have used the Icom remote system except that my rural network is a NAT and I can't open ports. I use a 7300 for the remote station and a Elecraft KPA500 for the amp. And a LDG 600 auto tuner. I finally got it all really fine tuned over the last couple weeks and it works well. Marcus, the designer of RemoteTX has given me access to my amp via a NodeRed script he has developed and I can totally operate and monitor it from remote. Slick as can be. I'm going to be using NodeRed as the remote access and development system for this antenna disconnect I'm sure. There are plenty of nice features where I will be able to show the status of the switch as well as control it. The sky is the limit. I have a way to remotely power cycle pretty much everything if needed to, and I will have the antenna disconnect set up for battery operation and auto disconnect on power fail as an option. I haven't had a Pi fail on me yet and I have several doing all kinds of jobs for me.

[@daveherron]

Remote power control can be handled by Smart Plugs or Smart Power Strips from companies like Belkin or TP Link as long as you have internet.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

@@daveherron True, and I have a BUNCH of that going on. If someone wanted to get super detailed they can use Node Red and go well beyond just power up and down. I can not only control my KPA500 amp now but I can see the status and watch the power and SWR LED bars using a simple app. The finished version of the antenna disconnect will have sensors for the status, and I'll probably include some power controls for other areas of the shack if someone wanted. I currently use a battery to control the antenna disconnect since the reason to disconnect might be a storm. I want it so a power failure disconnects the antennas. Fully configurable in a final version though of course.

[@kelvinhelmick963]

Fantastic Dave! I love it!

[@charlierubenstein4141]

When you get it refined, I'd love to get one. Everything here is run remotely.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

A working model is close to operational. Much smaller and quieter than the prototype.

[@timlee7815]

I like it! I’m trying to find info on the remote Tx website, but no joy yet.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

There isn't anything specifically about antenna control with RemoteTX. It is a very nice remote control system and it has three auxiliary lines you can switch on and off on the Raspberry Pi as part of that program. The idea is you can switch on or off anything you'd like by connecting a relay or relay bank...up to three things. I used one to power on and off my Elecraft for a while remotely (the 7300 can do that via the USB cable) and I plan to control my amp power from remote this way too. Works well with the antenna disconnect. Let me know if you have additional questions. [e-mail]

[@N5XHIworkshop]

This project need to be installed in a DX Engineering Utility Enclosure Kits DXE-UE-2P with four or more coax runs.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

The next version may be small enough to fit in that box or something like it. Having an option for indoor or outdoor installation would be a good plan for sure. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jgalicic]

Neat idea and design. I've seen another one like this one. There is also a commercial disconnect available from DX Engineering. I would be concerned with the slip on PL-259 connectors. Over time and usage they may loose their grip and may tarnish or corrode causing antenna issues ? Although most people just hand tighten them, a properly attached PL-259 connector should first be hand tightened then snugged down slightly with pliers to prevent them from loosening ensuring a proper electrical mechanical connection. You also want to prevent a lightning strike from entering your house or shack. So perhaps this device could be located outside of the house ?

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

All good points Joe. Like everything else, it's a matter of degree of protection. Especially with lightning. The DXEngineering disconnect is a nice unit and I'm sure it has saved many radios. But I'm not happy with the close gap of a relay as being enough isolation. I've had simple dust storms roll through Arizona and the dust discharging on the antenna was enough to cause a discharge across the center and shield of a disconnected PL-259 laying on the desk. Easily enough potential to arc across a relay gap. Again, the degree of protection is all we hope for, not 100%. I've seen versions of this wide gap disconnect built in several forms and they look like the best way to make it work. Something better than push-on connectors would be prime, and I'm certainly open to suggestions. The ones I found are VERY tight and seem to be holding true to that as I continue to work them. I'm designing a 3D printed set of parts that will hold the connectors. Replacing bad or worn out connectors will be fairly easy. We'll see how the design turns out. It would be easy enough to build one and have it run 10k times over a week and see how it looks after that kind of usage. Thank you for your feedback.

[@624radicalham]

I've just discovered your channel and it's fantastic. And this solution is brilliant. Is there any way you can treat us viewers to a 10 or 15 minute video of that enviable quite reception in your cabin? Maybe on several radios including the 7300, maybe even making a few QSOs. Would be much appreciated and truly ham radio ecstasy! 73

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

I've been thinking about doing a daily TicTok with a few minutes of exposing people to ham radio. Showing radios, talking history, see a conversation on SSB, CW, and digital. Maybe even some Satellite. Bite size chunks.

[@624radicalham]

@@DaveKelleyphotography That's just it Dave. Bite sized chunks don't teach anything, don't let anyone put on a pair of headphones and listen to the radio through KZbin which actually aids in making a decision in buying a radio. People use videos for that. Not to mention the average ham doesn't even know what TikTok is. Think about it. Median age of hams is about 60. So you want to reach the younger hams? Even for new hams that are young, TikTok is a zero attention span platform. Forget that bullshit. You can read on Reddit the amount of young hams that want a good video and TikTok can't provide that. Now if you were to make long videos here, in addition to bursts of the same video on TikTok then yeah why not. The only reason I even tell you this is because your videos are that good, and your speaking style is awesome and there's potential here. Just get your mind out of TikTok and rapid fire platforms! Consider it

[@Locksnut]

Very nice. How about something to unplug the radio too?

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

I have that for my station as well. This remote wifi power strip lets me power cycle the Raspberry Pi if I need to or power down the 12-volt power supply to the rig. It's not as good as unplugging it because it's just the gap of a small relay in the box, but with lightning protection, it's all about doing the best you can. Some strikes, if close enough, can always find a way to do damage. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071ZGDDQG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@thuff3207]

I like the idea of the distance you pull the connections away. I live in the south where we have very large lighting storms. I wonder if Node Red could work for control as well. I really like the distance you pull apart to help with protection. Did you ever market this idea.

[@MrJohnny952]

What will happen if your antenna is disconnect and you still get a lighting strike on your antenna , will you get the big bang in the house to ground !

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Nothing will protect a station, or a home, from a direct strike.

[@jon7359]

Looks good. Just wondering... When power returns, after an outage, does the Raspberry Pi reboot itself such that full remote access is restored?

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

It would boot back up and allow for remote control again. I have mine connected to a UPS and would run for about an hour after an actual power failure, but I like that the backup is there that if I lose control it moves to the safe position.

[@outsidetheboxperspectives6981]

I'm definitely interested, depending on price point

[@cdsplus1]

Hi, nice project, what is the name of that type of motor assembly? Is it the one used to open and close windows? I need to solve the problem of what affordable motor I can find here I can use, I suppose a stepper with a screwed rod attached can be a solution for me and others unable to use the same motor assembly you are using. It will be nice if you can make one of this as well. Many thanks. 73's

[@thelostiowan]

I am trying to do something similar for a empty corn silo. Any chance you have a link or number for those Slide on 259 connectors. nice work sir....

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Thanks Don. Interesting project for sure. And easy enough to get any number of wireless remotes to control it. Let me know if you'd like the 3D printer file for those centering devices. www.ebay.com/itm/273807472786?hash=item3fc0327892:g:3xsAAOSwtNdcpE5V

[@batmansgta]

I'd also set up a way to send me an email or text when the antenna disconnects. I think another Pi running off of the battery could do that.

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Good idea. It might be easy to tell when listening remotely, but I do plan to have a version that uses an Arduino and wifi with those options, and a website to make it easy to control and check status from a phone. Thanks for sharing.

[@tshirley05015]

It's been 2 years and I was wondering if you ever did anything else with this idea?

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

I now have access to a CNC machine. I expect prototypes before the end of this year.

[@Mr.Modulation.StatenIslandMic]

Very smart very good idea copyright it asap

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great idea. New subscriber here

[@richaughe7920]

Does it reconnect when the power comes back on?

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Well, that's just a prototype and the software isn't set up to re-engage after a power up, but I expect I could get back into the remote access of that software and reengage the device. I haven't had the time to design a marketable remote antenna disconnect.