Remote Antenna Switching
Often, we are asked about remote antenna switching units, and in the past have recommended a few. In the past the Ameritron RCS-10 unit was recommended, and for a time we were a distributor for this line of products. However, now that Ameritron’s future looks uncertain with the recent announcements from their parent company (MFJ), we no longer recommend those products as the future for service and support is uncertain. One unit that I personally use is the DXEngineering RR8B-HP-P2, a high power 8-port model that is well constructed. As of this writing, the current price for this remote switch with console is around $700, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to budget for. The alternative would be to run all feedlines back to the shack, terminating into a manual (local) switching unit. This is not recommended as it adds cost (coax is expensive), complicates the overall circuit and clutters up the shack.
There are other remote switching units available from other manufacturers, many of which have a good reputation for quality and durability. I’m simply recommending the unit that I have firsthand experience with. We have no affiliation with DXEngineering other than being a long-time customer and user of their many fine products. I suggest you do your own homework to determine which unit(s) best suits your needs.
A few final thoughts that you may find useful regarding remote switch mounting location…
Some have chosen to mount the remote switching unit on the boom, closer to the driven elements so that they can utilize the shorter (and cheaper) 1/4-wave matching cables. While this would appear to be a good alternative to the longer cables, the main drawback is poor weight distribution and added wind load that is situated away from the center axis of the tower and mast. Not a poor choice for a 2-element tri-bander, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a 5-Band, and certainly not ideal for the 4-element Mk IV or Skymaster.
As an alternative, and something that I have done, is to mount your remote switching unit at ground level on a short pipe or pedestal. Mine is mounted approximately 6’ off the ground as I am using the additional ports for other antennas on the same primary feed. Yes, this requires a longer run of cables down the length of the tower, but should the unit sustain damage or require maintenance, I won’t need a lift to gain access. A fair trade in my opinion for improved access and serviceability.
