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Details the construction of a **multiband vertical** antenna, specifically designed for stealth operation in a rented property, covering 80m, 60m, 40m, and 30m. The author, N3OX, leverages a 12m Spiderbeam telescoping fiberglass pole as the primary support, noting its sturdiness compared to typical fishing rods while remaining light enough for quick deployment and takedown. The radiating element is a 14 gauge Flex-Weave wire, attached to the pole's top with a rubber grommet, and fed by 27 bare 18 gauge radials spread across a 40-foot square backyard. N3OX describes the impedance matching solution, opting for custom-built L-networks over a remote tuner to enable fast bandswitching. Using an MFJ-259B and EZNEC modeling, base impedances were measured and component values calculated with G4FGQ's L_TUNER and SOLNOID_3 programs. The 80m coil is wound on a 3.5-inch PVC form, while the 30m, 40m, and 60m coils are air-wound, self-supporting #10 wire. Variable capacitors are incorporated for 40m and 30m shunt elements, with the 60m impedance matched by a series inductor. The project includes a **servo-controlled** homebrew band switch, utilizing a two-pole 12-position ceramic wafer switch for remote operation, addressing the limited 80m bandwidth. The entire matching network is housed in a weather-resistant shelter constructed from lumber and aluminum flashing. N3OX reports good DX results at 100W, estimating the total cost between $150 and $250, depending on existing parts.

Multi Band Quad,Cushcraft R5, R7, R7000, repair and maintenance, Remote Antenna Switching, Hexagonal Beam, Automatic Band Decoder, Low Band Verticals, Crank-up Tiltover Tower etc

remote antenna switching project by EI7BA

Sharing beverage antennas with this switch boxes is possible. This article describes a 6-position remote antenna switch for Beverage antennas on 3 bands (160m, 80m, 40m). It allows selecting one of 6 antennas for each band without affecting other receivers. The system uses a control box with a rotary switch and a separate splitting box with bandpass filters for each band.

A homemade remote antenna switch made with an Arduino Uno by KK7S

One specific challenge in the KazShack, operating Single Operator Two Radios (SO2R), involved sharing a K9AY receive antenna between two transceivers without direct RF connection or manual feedline swapping. The solution, detailed in this project, adapts the **W3LPL RX bandpass filter** design to split 160m and 80m signals, feeding them to separate radio inputs while maintaining isolation. This approach also addresses the issue of strong broadcast band interference from a nearby 50KW WPTF transmitter on 680kc. The construction utilizes T-50-3 toroids and NP0 ceramic capacitors, built in a "dead bug" style on copper clad board. Each band's filter coils are identical and resonated to the desired frequency using an MFJ-259 antenna analyzer. A single DPDT relay, controlled by a remote toggle switch mounted on an aluminum panel, facilitates quick band switching between radios, simplifying low-band operations. While some signal loss is noted, the expected lower noise levels from the receive antenna are anticipated to compensate, potentially reducing the need for constant volume adjustments during toggling between transmit and receive antennas.

This article presents a method of controlling preamps, antenna switching and polarization switching remotely without the use of control cables.

Manufacturer of single band and multiband transceiver bandpass filters for HF. High pass filters, two radoi headphones mix and switch, 6 meter portable antenna, antenna remote switching and steering.

Optimizing the ZS6BKW antenna for full HF band coverage often requires specific modifications beyond its standard configuration. This resource details several enhancements, beginning with a simple series capacitor to improve 80m SWR, a technique W5DXP found effective for permanent installation due to its minimal impact on higher bands. Further improvements include a 10-inch parallel open stub for 10m resonance, shifting the frequency to 28.4 MHz with an SWR of approximately 1.8:1, a practical solution for Technician class operators. The document then explores a switchable matching section, adding or subtracting one foot of ladder line at the 1:1 choke-balun, which significantly impacts higher frequency bands and eliminates the need for a tuner on 17m. W5DXP's _AIM-4170D_ antenna analyzer measurements confirm these effects. More advanced modifications involve a parallel capacitor for further 80m SWR reduction, requiring remote switching for multi-band operation, and relay-switched parallel capacitors at specific points on the 450-ohm matching section to achieve low SWR on 60m, 30m, and 15m. These detailed steps, including _Smith chart_ analyses for the challenging bands, aim to transform the ZS6BKW into a truly all-HF-band antenna, reflecting W5DXP's practical experience in antenna tuning.

Benefits in implementing a remote antenna switching system and a sample remote antenna switch project

A project about reversible unidirectional Beverage antennas plus a remote switching system conveniently controlled by the operator

This article describes a simple yet effective multi-band vertical HF antenna design that performs exceptionally well across 80m to 10m bands. The antenna consists of a 13.4m wire mounted on a 12.4m Spiderpole, complemented by four 12m radials and a ground rod. Initially tuned with a manual LC circuit, it was later upgraded with a CG3000 remote auto ATU for convenient band switching. Despite antenna modeling software suggesting limited performance on higher frequencies, the system demonstrated excellent DX capabilities across all bands, outperforming more complex vertical antenna designs.

The Aziloop DF-72 antenna system provides 72 K9AY headings and 36 loop axes, allowing for rapid switching in 60 ms. It integrates a switchable 18 dB preamp, a 4-step attenuator (0-18 dB), and four 7-pole preselection filters to optimize receiver performance. The K9AY load is adjustable from 250 Ohm to 950 Ohm in 50 Ohm increments, offering flexibility for various receiving conditions. Control is managed via an intuitive Windows UI, supporting Local, Client, or Server modes, with headless remote operation possible through the built-in Ethernet Server. _Omni-Rig_ support facilitates auto-filter selection, PTT muting, and Rig-Sync functionality, enhancing integration with existing station setups. Designed by _GW4GTE_, the system utilizes a low visual impact, small-footprint antenna with orthogonal loops and an earth connection. It is suitable for general monitoring, co-channel station resolution, basic direction finding, and interference reduction across the VLF to HF spectrum.

An Arduino-based interface provides a remote tuner call command for Icom **IC7700** and **IC7800** transceivers, addressing the lack of a built-in function for external tuners such as the MFJ 998RT. This setup initiates a low-power transmit signal, typically 15 watts, allowing the remote autotuner to perform its matching sequence. The article details the required CI-V line communication and modifications to existing Arduino code, specifically referencing contributions from Jean-Jacques ON7EQ for improved Icom interrogation routines. The system involves a sequence of steps: storing the transceiver's current mode and power, disabling the internal autotuner, activating a control relay to interrupt the amplifier line, switching to RTTY mode at low power, and initiating transmit. The transmit duration is manually controlled by the operator, observing the SWR meter until a low SWR is achieved, then a second button press stops the transmission. A built-in 4-second transmit limit provides a safety measure. After tuning, the routine restores the original mode and power settings, re-enables the internal autotuner, and performs a brief 2-second RTTY transmission for internal tuner adjustment. The circuit diagram includes a Panasonic form 2 relay for amp control and emphasizes critical delays in the Arduino code for stable operation at 9600 baud CI-V communication. Compatibility with logging software like DXLab, N1MM, and N3FJP is noted, with specific interrogation time settings required to avoid conflicts.

SO2R Focus Control and SO2R FC Server are freeware VB6-based tools enabling remote or local control of modern SO2R controllers (supporting OTRSP and MK2R protocols) outside contest logging sessions. The client (SO2R Focus Control) manages serial-connected controllers and can interface remotely via LAN or internet using the optional SO2R FC Server, which supports up to two concurrent clients. Key features include AUX port control with customizable labels, interlock options, AES-256 encrypted network communication, and compatibility from Windows XP through Windows 11. Designed for operators needing flexible station control—especially for remote antenna switching—both programs install cleanly via NSIS and uninstall completely.