Why Do They Call It Wireless? Behind the Radios in Multi-Radio Contest Stations

1. Why Do They Call It Wireless? Behind the Radios in Multi-Radio ContestStations By Contest Station Builders Worldwide Collected and Edited by Pete Smith, N4ZR

2. The approach • Identify the challenges in the design and construction of complex contest stations (other than antennas). • Collect and present solutions from station builders worldwide. Thanks, VE1JF

3. Caveats • Successful contest stations come in all varieties, from fully-engineered to “growed like topsy.” • There is no single “right way” • Presentation based on input from station builders – not comprehensive

4. Neatness is optional

5. Challenge – Basic design decisions • “Architecture” choices • Degree of automation. • Location of physical antenna switching/phasing. • Layout of operating position and cable runs

6. Solutions • Full automatic/remote RF switching • Hybrid approach • Manual 2X6  6X2 switching • Other manual approaches • Mechanical switch w/interlock • Patch panel • Cables on the floor

7. Footnote – What is 2X6  6X2 switching? Courtesy Top Ten Devices

8. Full automation/remote RF switching • SO2R switching and antenna selection done remotely, but controlled from the operating position. Maximum computer integration. Cable for data, not RF. • Backup manual systems or spares are essential.

9. For Example …. K4JA

10. Equally simple from the back K4JA

11. But lots of hardware required to support the up-front simplicity K4JA

12. Especially at a multi-multi KC1XX

13. Remote antenna selection KC1XX

14. Hybrid approach • Most stations have been evolving for years. • Can’t always do everything at once.

15. For example …. W9RE

16. Homebrew 6X2 relay box W9RE

17. Manual antenna selection W9RE

18. Manual 2X6  6X2 switching … KQ2M KQ2M

19. A Scottish solution GM4AFF

20. Ultimate simplicity? W5KFT

21. And simpler yet K1KI

22. Challenge – Cable entry • How to get feedlines and control cables into the shack area

23. Solution - Through-wall panel K4OJ

24. On a larger scale …. KC1XX

25. The dryer-vent approach K5ZD

26. Or through the siding K4JA

27. With the connections made inside… K4JA

28. Challenge – Lightning protection • Some measures essential • Protect vs disconnect

29. Solution - disconnect everything K5ZD

30. Control cables, too K4OJ

31. Solution – protectors on coax, control lines. Inside, VE1JF

32. … or at the tower base N3RR

33. Inside the box N3RR

34. Grounding at the entry panel N1LO

35. A closer look N1LO

36. Cable support and low-inductance grounding N1LO

37. Challenge – cable support, protection and management • Keep them out from underfoot • Protect against accidental damage • Retain flexibility for easy change, maintenance

38. Suspend from ceiling joists K9NS/K9HMB

39. Bundle by band, type (RF, control, etc.) K9NS/K9HMB

40. Use a cable tray WX0B

41. Other options (no pictures) • Contractors’ snap-open wire hangers • “Panduit” extruded plastic cable trays and associated fixtures – separate cables by function • Bicycle hangers, vinyl dipped huge screw hooks, etc.

42. Challenge – Access to cabling • Free-standing operating table with access from rear • Cable closet • Console on wheels

43. Access from rear GM4AFF

44. Cable closet K4JA

45. Another more spacious approach K9NS/K9HMB

46. Console on wheels VK5GN

47. Cable marking techniques • Labelmakers – Dymo, P-Touch, Casio, etc. with clear heat-shrink or tape • Colored tape – use resistor color code • MS Word/Magic Tape • Paint pen w/ silver ink

48. Cable bundling techniques • Color-coded Velcro ties • Tie-wraps – reusable or disposable • THHN wire twisted • Spiral wrap tubing (Alpha or Panduit) • Split-loom tubing (SPC or Panduit)

49. Other cabling hints • Use pigtails with terminal strips to ease the task of changing radio-specific connectors HC8N

50. And more… • Use unique connectors to reduce risk of mistakes when recabling • Use multiple conductor cables where possible • Careful attention to grounding can reduce inter-station interference