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

This article explores the challenges faced in designing and constructing complex contest stations, and presents solutions from station builders around the world. Topics include RF switching, antenna selection, cable management, and more.

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

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  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

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