AVA/Convertacom Amplifier Switching

[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.

[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.

[WCHija]

Any reccomendations? Im not familiar with those type of duplexers

[cgroftmc]

A diplexer should do what you want.

Craig

[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.

[WCHija]

Thank you all for your help, this is exactly the information I needed.

[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.

[WCHija]

Thank you.

[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.

[WCHija]

Perfect, now all I need is a compact uhf amp and im in business.

[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