Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

This podcast is your bi-weekly deep dive on making, DIY, electronics, and technical topics of interest to the ham radio operator. Join your hosts George KJ6VU and Jeremy KF7IJZ as they discuss current developments in ham radio while introducing listeners to a plethora of topics and skills such as test equipment, 3D Printing, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and more.

  1. All Episodes
  2. 4-Port Programmable Coax Relay

4-Port Programmable Coax Relay

May 13, 2018

4-Port Programmable Coax Relay

Ham Radio Workbench - 4-Port Programmable Coax Relay

Introduction

Allows you to connect one radio to four antennas or four radios to one antenna.  Need a sophisticated 4 to 4 matrix?  Purchase two and you can write custom firmware to connect any one of four ports to any one of another four ports.  This project features:

  • Connects one of four ports to a single device
  • Handles up to 100 watts
  • Low Loss on HF, 6M
  • Programmable PIC Microcontroller
  • PC Control Software
  • Optional RS485 Control available
  • Optional wireless control via XBee radios available

Documentation

Parts / Supplies

At a minimum, you will need the PCB, the PIC, and the basic BOM.

If you wish to build a version with full XBee wireless control and RS485 Control, please order from the following.  Please note that there are multiple options for XBee radios - pick ONE for the board and another for your host PC side of the connection

The PC side of the optional XBee wireless data radio link can be found at many sources including Amazon, eBay, Aliexpress and Others - search for "XBee USB adapter"

PC Control Software

This is a simple program with a graphic user interface that allows you to click buttons and send ASCII commands to the relay board.  The program is written in Liberty Basic.  This is a good, simple compiler that is easy to learn and has a lot of great features.