[nrv-hams] Coax patch panels, Are there options in addition to the MFJ 4706/4?

[Cam Coble]

Here is an overly expensive reference of what I meant by the strips:
https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/listing/1379889252/pl-259-4-port-bulkhead-wall-mount-so-239

73!
--
Cam, W4XXV

On Sat, Sep 23, 2023 at 12:09 PM Cam Coble <cam at doubleclickdata.com> wrote:

> Hey Patrick, sounds like a project!
>
> I couldn't find any ready-made panels like you're describing, but if I
> could make some suggestions, here they are.
> My assumption for the requirement is that you are wanting multiple (10+)
> antenna connections coming into an area that you will want to be able to
> connect to multiple end devices. You are also only needing 50 ohm
> connections, with 100 watts capacity.
>
> 1 - Use more than one of the MFJ panels - You don't have to connect
> between only the same panel. Using their panels you can expand this beyond
> the limit of 6 inputs/outputs.
>
> 2 - Depending on the device count, you can use ports 1-6 and C-F as
> connections to the antennas, and reserve ports A-B as two end devices. You
> don't have to reserve 1-6 for antennas and A-F for devices.
>
> 3 - Have someone build what you need. Patches like this are pretty simple.
> Each port is essentially a passthrough SO239 panel connector, mounted in a
> hole. A series of holes in a strip of angle aluminum drilled with as many
> holes as needed for the connectors, mounted to the wall is pretty simple.
> Two opposing strips mounted to the wall with the "patch side" facing each
> other would work.
>
> If you want to go to a custom panel as #3 states, I would also consider
> how often the connections would be changed. Using BNC connections for the
> patching side would allow for really quick changes, and would be more than
> adequate for the 100 watts requirement (these mounted on the strips
> https://www.amazon.com/BOOBRIE-Female-Coaxial-Connector-Adapter/dp/B07G25RNZ2/
> )
> Another quick change capability could be the use of antenna switches
> between the custom panels instead, just leave some more room between the
> strips.
>
> Another "safety" note is that you may want to consider lightening
> suppression on the outside of the home before it gets indoors. With so many
> antennas, you may wish to invest in a decent demarcation point to put some
> arrestors inline before it gets indoors.
>
> Hope that helps!
> 73!
> --
> Cam, W4XXV
>
> On Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 12:50 PM Patrick Johnson <
> patrickjohnson1015 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Group,
>>
>> I will be adding some patch panels to my new ham shack.  When I search
>> Ham Radio Outlet, Giga Parts, and Google the MFJ 4706 6-position panel
>>  keeps popping up, are there additional options?  In the shack I would
>> lik at least 10+ connections to allow for UHF-VHF, HF antennas as well
>> as additional equipment such as an over the air antenna,  weather
>> sensor, and such.  I have no plans to add an amp so 100W is most
>> likely all the power I'll be pushing through. Any local companies
>> carry  patch panels?  If so, I'll happily shop them and refer my
>> electrician to them as well.
>>
>> 73s,
>> Patrick
>> NW8T
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