Antenna Switch and Coax Switch

What types of antenna and coax switch are available?

Manual and automatic antenna and coax switches are available. Manual switches, as their name suggests, allow manual switching between connected antennas by means of a larger, easy-to-grip rotary knob. These types of switches have one input socket and up to three output antenna sockets.

Once a device has four outputs, it is called a multiswitch. In the case of antenna switches, the relatively simple mechanism is built into robust metal housings made of injection-moulded aluminium. But these switches are not weatherproof and are only suitable for indoor use. If you want to place your switches outdoors, which are mostly automatic versions, you'll need to install them in a weatherproof housing.

As mentioned above, you can also choose an automatic antenna switch. In this case, the system will automatically select between the antennas instead of manually. These devices have a control unit built in, which operates the switch according to specific commands.

What frequency ranges do antenna switches operate in?

Because of their design, they are designed for use in the lower frequency range from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz. Particularly high quality models are also suitable for the 144 and 430 MHz ranges.

What are the advantages of using antenna switches?

With the right antenna switches, you can very quickly select the antenna with the best signal strength or the one you want to use, especially if you have several different ones available. This allows us to watch a lot more channels and gives us a huge amount of flexibility, meaning that properly used coax and antenna switches give us the opportunity to maximise the number of transmissions.

How to use the antenna and coax switch correctly?

To work correctly, make sure you use the right type of connections. To avoid signal interference and losses, avoid using adapters if possible. But we also need to decide where to place the antenna switch. For example, near the antenna mast or next to the indoor unit? It is also important that the switch has enough sockets, even for future expansion.

How to maintain the antenna switch?

As with all devices, antenna switches need to be maintained. Since they are not complicated devices, we don't need to think big. The first and most important thing is to keep the contacts clean, where deposits can form. This is done by wiping them with a soft cloth and a minimum of alcohol. But also make sure that the rotary switch can move. If this is the case, put a drop of lubricating oil on the gearshift shaft and turn it to the right or left a few times to ensure that the oil penetrates it well.

What brands of antenna switches are available in the DND Telecom webshop?

Our webshop stocks Albrecht and Diamond brand antenna switches. Both brands have decades of history and each company has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the manufacture of antennas and antenna accessories.