[Boatanchors] Antenna relay questions

[W2HX]

I would suggest that the grounding should be done outside of the shack.  I did something similar. I have a vertical  that I wanted to ground whenever it was not in use. As well as grounding, it disconnects from the antenna couplers. 

I got some HV relays to do two functions. One relay can switch between two antennas (or couplers long story) and one grounded the antenna. This box was situated at the base of the vertical.

Relays:
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Relay/IMG_20140613_142453_105.jpg
in action: http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Relay/VID_20140613_141835_026.mov

diagram:
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/Antenna-Relay-Box.jpg

relay box
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/IMG_5988.JPG
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/IMG_5989.JPG
mounted at the base of the antenna
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/0816151240a.jpg

here is the box with a red line indicating the antenna (Vertical) shorted to ground.
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/Antenna%20Grounded.jpg

and with one antenna (coupler) selected
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/Coupler%201.jpg

and the other
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/Coupler%202.jpg

This system grounds the vertical and disconnects it from the shack when not in use. In my case I use outdoor couplers (Harris RF-382A and Rohde and Schwarz 2KW coupler). I also disconnect the coax inside the shack running to the couplers.  Hopefully with grounding and being disconnected, I might stand a slightly better chance of averting catastrophe, but probably not hihi

Hope this helps

73 Eugene W2HX
PS the whole project can be seen here, its quite an explanation of why all the craziness, but there are reasons for the madness!
http://w2hx.com/x/Antenna-related/Vertical/





73 Eugene W2HX

-----Original Message-----
From: boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of bc at councilman.com
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019 12:14 PM
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Boatanchors] Antenna relay questions

I'm about to hang a ladder line doublet and looking for an easy way to keep it grounded when not in use.

Expect to run 300-400 watts SSB, but someday might get the Loudenboomer going.

Palstar AT2KD via 5' of coax to a 4:1 balun mounted in an enclosure on an exterior wall.

I'm planning on using a traditional dow-key relay to keep the peace between a 75A4 and a CE100v/600l combination.

Any reason not to use a second dow-key at the balun to ground the antenna?  Or do I need something more substantial?

I've been away from the hobby for 50 years.  Is there a better solution?

As always, your help is much appreciated,

-Brad  W1BCC
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