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AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:18 pm
by WCHija
I would like to put an AVA in my FJ Cruiser, and switch between UHF and VHF amps. Is there a small remote controlled coax switcher? I would like to put the switch under the seat by the amps, and have a way to switch back and forth from the dash.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:00 pm
by mmckenna
Coaxial relay would work, but just getting a duplexer would be easier, and wouldn't require any switching. Put the feed from the convertacom into the common port on the duplexer, then connect the VHF port to the VHF amp and the UHF port to the UHF amp.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:22 pm
by WCHija
Any reccomendations? Im not familiar with those type of duplexers

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:03 am
by cgroftmc
A diplexer should do what you want.

Craig

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:01 am
by mmckenna
Expensive version:
http://www.tessco.com/products/displayP ... ventPage=1

Cheaper Hammy version:
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000212

In all honesty, the less expensive ham radio version would work just fine for what you are doing.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:15 am
by WCHija
Thank you all for your help, this is exactly the information I needed.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:30 am
by mmckenna
If you are in Salinas, closest ham radio shop would be the Ham Radio Outlet up in Santa Clara. It's straight up 101 from you on Lawrence Expressway, a few blocks west of the highway. You can order via the internet and I think they ship from the local store, so shipping time wouldn't be too much.

Good luck, hope it works well for you. Sounds like a good solution for your needs.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 7:36 am
by WCHija
Thank you.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:32 pm
by motorola_otaku
Another upside to doing it this way is having the option of using different antennas for VHF/UHF, VHF/800, or whatever your combination is.. unity gain on one band, gain on the other, or whatever you need at any given time.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:11 pm
by WCHija
Perfect, now all I need is a compact uhf amp and im in business.

Re: AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:48 pm
by N4KVE
The Motorola NLE8912A is a nice little 30 watt amp, & while rated for 450-470, it works well in the 440 band. These things are usually seen at hamfests & I pay $20 for them. It looks exactly like the amp that came in your suitcase. GARY N4KVE