[NLRS] WTB Coax relays

[John P. Toscano]

Eric and Angie Shook wrote:
> Any one have some coax relays that they are willing to
> part with.  I need three that will work on up to 1296
> with Ns (12 or 28V).

Surplus Sales of Nebraska:
    http://www.surplussales.com/Relays/rfcoaxialrelays/rfcoax_n.html

Look at their KC-128AX25 Magnecraft relays at $65 each, or $59 each in 
quantities of 3 or more.  The web site mentions them to be good to 200 
watts at 1 GHz, and I imagine they would work at 1296.  They use a 6 
volt AC coil, so not ideal for roving unless you are willing to generate 
some AC, but I use them around my place for antenna switching at 50 to 
222 MHz in Tupperware boxes tucked under the eaves of my house, and they 
seem to hold up pretty well.  If you want to borrow one to test it first 
at 1296 MHz, I'd be happy to loan you one for awhile.  (Not looking to 
sell mine, I still have plans for it.)

They also sell the Tohtsu (KC)CZX-3500 relays which are spec'ed out on 
the web page up to 4 GHz, using a 12 vDC coil, at $100 each or $105 each 
for 6 or more.  These are a very high quality relay, and I have used 
them on my 1296 system for T/R switching in the past.  (DEMI sells them 
for $105 in single quantities, also.)

Also, depending on your exact application, you might want to consider 
some cheap surplus SMA relays from DownEast Microwave.  $30 - $60 each, 
24 vDC coils, but also available is the RVD-1 which will operate these 
relays from 12 vDC.  Even though I hate working with SMA connectors, I 
built a switch box using a bunch of these parts.  My 902 and 1296 
systems were set up for split IF, spilt Tx/Rx out.  Two SMA relays 
switched the IF TX and the IF RX to either the 902 or 1296 transverters. 
  Two more SMA relays were used as T/R switches (transverter RF ports to 
antenna port).  I simply make short jumpers with an SMA Male on one end 
(to connect to the relay jack) and an N Connector on the other end, 
since I tend to use LMR-400 or LMR-600 for most of the RF runs, and 
those don't easily connect to an SMA socket directly.  :)