Best T/R relay to use for 160-10 meter coverage

[WA3VJB]

... what would be better external relays to use?

With the prospect of your 4 by 1, I recommend building a vacuum relay into a metal P-box punched to take your favorite bulkhead connectors and a grommet for 24V power into the relay.

Fair Radio Sales has good prices on Jennings (or equivalent) HV relays. Very fast acting, which addresses the problem of keying up without a load on relays with a slower changeover.  You can find them at hamfests too if you want to take a chance.

Here's the one I use --

https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=viewitem&item=5308

Got a small, thick aluminum box with recessed lid and did it up.
I think I got the Hammond 1590 for the job, and got a set of Amphenol chassis mount RF connectors for common, tx and rx.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg.htm

With good layout and your best soldering, there shouldn't be a significant loss through 10 meters.

[MikeKE0ZUinkcmo]

I've used a E F Johnson electronic switch for several years with my NCL2000 and its never been a problem, and they are rated for 4KW PEP 80 thru 10 meters.    The box does in fact get pretty darn hot.



I also use those die cast boxes, they are very nice.

[ke7trp]

Yes. They do work but not on 160.

C

[Steve - K4HX]

If you aren't working QSK CW, the need for an electronic TR switch is about zero. For AM it would seem they would be more bother than they are worth.

[ke7trp]

Your suggesting to use a manual coax switch?

C

[Steve - K4HX]

No, a relay vice an electronic TR switch. Then again, with some of the old buzzard transmissions, a manual switch probably wouldn't be much of an inconvenience for some.

[ke7trp]

Oh.  Yes. I agree Steve.  QSK would be the only real use I guess.

C

[Steve - K4HX]

Unless you are Ralph, W3GL - the fastest PTT in the world!