SixPak Antenna Switch
Description
The SixPak is an RF relay matrix designed to switch 6 antenna feedlines to 1 or 2
radios or amplifiers. It can be mounted inside the shack or outside up on the tower.
Electro-mechanical fail-safe interlocking ensures neither radio can feed power into the
other.
A Word about Isolation
The Array Solutions SixPak has been designed to have more then enough
isolation between the radio ports and antennas so that there is no possibility
that you may damage the front ends of your radios even when you may be running
up to 5 kW of power. The isolation is so high that even 1,000,000 watts
of power would be seen as 1 watt or less of power in the other radio. Do
not be concerned about isolation in this product. Be more concerned
about how much power your antennas are coupling to each other, which is a
different problem. That is why we sell the finest band pass filters ever
made. With over 1500 SixPaks sold to date, as of Aug, 2003, the proof is
established. Be careful of knock-off products. Look carefully at their
specifications and lockout methods. Don't trust your $3,500+ dollar radios to
just anyone.
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| SixPak relay enclosure (left) and switching control box
(right). |
Configured as a 6X1 matrix, the SixPak makes an ideal, high-performance remote
antenna switch. Its micro strip line design assures low insertion loss and very low SWR.
High-power relays are used throughout to maintain the reliability and quality that Array
Solutions is known for.
An aluminum painted, water shedding and lightning protective metal cover is included with the unit with U-bolt for
mounting outside. The cover has an extended lip below the connector tray to avoid any
water blowing up into the unit.
The relay matrix can be controlled with the SixPak dual control box, which has 12
LEDs to indicate the antennas being used by the radios. Another SixPak dual control box
can be slaved in parallel to the first to provide antenna control for a remotely located
radio in the shack or in the next room.
It is insured by our Lifetime Warranty Policy, if for some reason the unit
fails we will fix it or replace it at no cost to you except for shipping to
us. This does not apply to acts of God. But we can usually fix
even lightning damage at a very low price.
Also take a look at the Review by K5ZD in the NCJ,
National Contest Journal
Key Benefits
 | Six antennas to two radios, or six antennas to one radio. |
| Safety interlocked to protect your radios |
| Saves on hard-line if used on the tower |
| High isolation between radios to avoid interference |
| Mil-Spec Teflon SO-239, or N connectors for reliability |
| Extremely low insertion loss |
| HF to 6 Meters |
| Can be controlled from Automatic band decoders with 12V outputs |
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SixPak Specifications
| Measurement |
14Mhz |
30Mhz |
50Mhz |
Comment |
| Radio to Radio Isolation |
-82 dB |
-80 dB |
-77 dB |
signal inserted in one port to antenna buss, second radio port measured |
| Radio to Antenna Isolation |
-60 dB |
-55 dB |
-50 dB |
signal connected to antenna on one side, then opened for measurement |
| Insertion Loss Radio to any Antenna port |
.05 dB |
.05 dB |
.2 dB |
signal inserted into antenna port and measured at radio port |
| SWR Radio to any Antenna port |
1:1 |
1:1 |
1.15:1 |
|
| Power Rating all modes CW, SSB, RTTY |
5 KW |
5 KW |
3 KW |
This measurement is calculated not made |
Measurements made with calibrated HP power source, HP power meter, HP spectrum
analyzer. These are typical numbers measured with a production unit.
Dimensions: 11.5 X 6 X 3.5 inches and weighs 6.5 lbs. The control box is 3 X 6 X 3
inches and weighs ½ lb.
SixPak User's Guide - Set up and operating
instructions for the SixPak.
See how to set up a SO2R station and a Multi-1 or Multi-2 station using
SixPaks in our applications note section!
Application notes
Pricing and Ordering
Click here for price list and ordering
information.
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