W410A 200W Automatic 4-Way HF Antenna Switch

[@andrewrudlang2785]

That is so cool! I wish it worked up at UHF though.

[@bemnared4245]

Its a pretty easy project to diy. Just google around a bit, we built like 10 of them for our radio club to switch between 3 stations and 10 antennas on 3 tower + 2 80m verticals

[@Tokyo1991.JL1AJE]

Matt! Just tape the hole with masking tape. It cuts the racket down a LOT. Or dribble some hot snot on the hole. Both do the job. 73s John

[@mikewillis1592]

It is HF only because it is using standard 2A Omron G6S relays and not the RF relays that cost considerably more. For HF that's fine, a UHF model would be much more expensive to make. A higher power version would need larger relays. I like the idea of terminating the antennas, though I don't know if it makes much of a difference in practice. I would advise against connecting 4 transceivers to one antenna as I would worry about accidentally getting a lot of power into the receiver input if the antenna port has a high VSWR. It should be OK but risking £1000 radios with £100 switch perhaps better safe than sorry. I have made my own version using an Arduino, it listens to the CI-V traffic and selects a relay based on frequency. I also made a Bluetooth version for up to 8 relays to go with my IC705, though bluetooth is optional and it can also take a CI-V port, a 4 bit band select or a band voltage input. The relays and their control are separated so I can use coaxial relays at VHF/UHF or frame relays for HF. All on my webpage if interested.

[@allen80602]

Wow. Exactly the format I need for my existing outside box. Unfortunately, it's way overkill. A simple relay and manual switch to control the remote box would be all you need. I'll keep looking.

[@G7LWT]

Excellent remote control demo with the screen - thanks 👍

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thanks dude!

[@judhi]

I am too lazy to unsolder the buzzer, so I just apply several layers of electrical insulator tape on it. Happy with the faint beep now 😁

[@AndrewR2130]

old trick i was going to mention that haha

[@turbochardged]

When i have loud buzzers on devices i remove them and install a LED with a resistor so i have visual indicator instead.

[@psychodadsn]

The ports are not shielded individual from each other or the input. Could this effect the attenuation protection of each port? Great video as always, thanks!

[@socallars3748]

Very nice! I have to say, this is the premiere channel for bringing new tech goodies to the attention of the amateur radio community. One of the best subscribe buttons I've ever clicked! Hey, do the specs specify the level of isolation between the four inputs/outputs? I'd love to switch between four different transceivers without worrying about damaging the ones that aren't transmitting.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Thank you!!!

[@foxonem7dfh257]

Matt where did you get the editor from I don't seem to be able to access the nextion website, thanks for great review I have ordered the switch and a screen

[@XBKLYN]

I'd like to mount this unit in my weatherproof junction box outside. If I program it for auto mode will it remember that choice after a power failure? It would be inconvenient to have to manually reset the switch if it loses its mind due to surges, disruptions, etc.

[@scanflight]

I'm using ELAD AMS-33 for this purpose (Antenna matrix)

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

Overengineering at its zenith! But hey do you expect me to mount a mirror to see the other side of this box? I would try bluetack first to silence the nasty buzzer. Sure a whisper freak could get even more nerd satisfaction. Personally the old mechanical switch that grounds my radio if I walk away for lightning protection is still the DX choice where you can have extra power and have redundant coax.

[@MINI-4X4-RADIO]

Excellent concept, But a perfect example of a Product designed without actual "Real User" input.? All sockets should be on the rear, and the Port selector and indicator on the Front Maybe a Version 2.?

[@konstantinjirecek970]

The sockets on back side seems too close together. Screwing antenna connector to the middle ones can be difficult.

[@TankIOW]

After watching this video, I used your discount code and ordered two of them, thanks, it's a good discount that was too.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@apollorobb]

FN switch should be on the same side as the 4 ports so you can manually switch and see which port your on. Chinesium at its best . This is what happens when you build a product with 0 field testing .

[@PA9MWO]

Can you please share your Nextion HMI file as reference ? Many thanks in advance

[@kianferial7938]

Hi, I was looking through the comments, i am not sure, if this has been answered: If this device is used with two or more transmitters on one antenna, is it possible that all radios can receive or is only the active port open? Very nice video anyways! Keep them comming :-) 73s from DL

[@kianferial7938]

Just in case this was NOT answered: NO, simultaneous reception is NOT possible. We bought two of them and the only advantage is that the channel changes automatically. Thanks for the countless comments...

[@TheElectronicDilettante]

That’s slick as hell, nice!!

[@1kc1981]

Cool item and a good price

[@iphone2web]

Wow, that's pretty sweet

[@borayurt66]

Nice, but with an odd design choice. Why are LEDs and the ports are on the same side? Using this you'd want to see the LEDs in order to be sure it switched correctly, but then you'll have to live with 4 antenna cables facing front too. If I were to design this, I would put all the LEDs and buttons on one side and call it "front side" and all the connectors including the USB and control jack on the opposing side and call it "back side". We are all trying to keep the cables as neat as possible in the shack and this is a chaos maker with this design.

[@JimbobandJo]

Great demo thanks. I have purchased one of these and a nextion screen. I have got the screen working but not with the 410A. Did you have to change any configuration in the 410A before using the nextion for control. Appreciate any hints you may have. Thanks Ian. de ZL1HIM

[@PaulTaylor1]

Can you really connect four radios to one antenna? Can it be trusted to isolate the radios from the RF being transmitted?

[@georgepapa2950]

Just asking will all the radios be able to receive all the RX signals of different frequency on that one antenna?

[@Hank_W6IR]

@@georgepapa2950 You could have say a G5RV on port 1, a vertical such as the DXCommander on port 2 and receive all of the bands the antenna is designed for. The frequency ranges Matt shows are for auto band switching and you can change them in software/firmware to fit your antennas.

[@Hank_W6IR]

Although you would need to test it I would think the port to port isolation is upwards of 60db which is more than enough for your 100 watt radios.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Don’t forget that any ports which are not selected, 3 at a time, are terminated inside to 150 watts.

[@georgepapa2950]

@@TechMindsOfficial Just wanted to know if i have three VHF radios connected and will i be able to receive all RX signals on my omni antenna and use this BOX to switch the TX when it senses transmssion?

[@daskasspatzle2396]

7805 still in use...

[@TankIOW]

Re: W410A 200 watt Automatic 4 way HF Antenna Switcher Can I ask you for any advice that you may be able to give me, please? After watching your video of this I bought two of these automatic antenna switchers and have found that when trying to install the firmware on to a Windows 10 pc as instructed, it continues to be blocked by Windows 10 as it thinks it is a virus? We have tried all sorts of things to try and allow it through, but to no avail. Do you have any ideas on how to get around this and then to be able to upload it onto the unit? Many thanks, Alex.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

I had the same problem, the windows control application was always identified as a virus, hence why I didnt show it. The units already have firmware installed, but if you want to change how it works, then you will need to use the PUTTY method as shown in the video to change its settings. I did join the facebook group to try and get the app, but even the developer wasnt really much help.

[@zerobow9413]

Nice one

[@MINI-4X4-RADIO]

It says 60MHz, wonder how it would perform on 70MHz..?

Can't even select different antennas for RX / TX, the user interface is pretty bad, and I also don't know how it'll handle hotswitching. Seems like it doesn't. Usually the 16A relays I use in switches are rated for millions of mechanical cycles but only about 500.000 cycles under a current load. These are just 2A relays rated for 100.000 electrical cycles.. yeah. The 50 ohm terminator will only withstand a 100w or higher RF for a certain time, and that will surely happen because how are you supposed to know you're TXing into the wrong port, indicator leds will usually be facing away from you or will be completely hidden. Meh. The freq counter is neat but otherwise, not much is smart about this switch. And the pricetag is hefty too. Not worth it.

[@wdycsqcsqwdy]

Obviously, you have drawn your conclusion without knowing anything, and your conclusion is completely wrong. W-410A uses peak-valley detection technology. When the power on the port is detected to be >5W (slightly different at different frequencies), it is latched, and then waits for the port to detect

[@MioCidXXI]

200W max, this is for sissis.

[@TechMindsOfficial]

lol.. I think the ratio of people using 100 Watts Versus QRO is like 99:1.. You calling me a sissis? 😝

[@winstonchurchill6506]

Is it any wonder mfj are closing

[@socallars3748]

Boy, that's the truth. Their "version" of such a product is generally a wafer switch or two in a box!

[@1kc1981]

Times change and thankfully things get cheaper

[@Ei2iP]

200watts 😅😅😅😅

[@mikevi33023]

200watts? forget it