{"id":1264,"date":"2014-02-10T14:55:48","date_gmt":"2014-02-10T19:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kb1awv.com\/?p=1264"},"modified":"2014-02-11T04:50:49","modified_gmt":"2014-02-11T09:50:49","slug":"an-antenna-switch-that-works-for-me-mfj-1700c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/idlenot.com\/?p=1264","title":{"rendered":"An Antenna Switch that works for me: MFJ-1700C"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"SwitchRight\"<\/a>

The MFJ-1700C\u00a0Antenna \/ Transceiver switch. Position ‘A’ at front right connects to the HT-37 tx\u00a0\/ HQ-170 rx vintage station. The black coax in position ‘5’ is the lead-in to the Gap Titan DX vertical antenna. Note the ‘COM’ port that joins selected rig and antenna.<\/p><\/div>\n

An antenna switch<\/strong> is a must have item for any ham who has more than one antenna. A really great antenna switch is a must have for a ham who has more than one transceiver. I needed a ‘really great’ antenna switch and I found one.<\/p>\n

A little background, first. My old antenna switch was a 1:3 switch. You either attached one transceiver to up to three antennas or one antenna to up to three transceivers. It just depended on how you turned it around. This worked OK until the day I decided to transmit with one transceiver while having another one connected and turned on. My old Swan Cygnet (tube unit) no longer hears so well on 10 and 15 meters. Oh well, I learned. I also\u00a0threw the switch out eventually when it failed. So much for cheap ($25) antenna switches.<\/p>\n

Then I saw the MFJ-1700C<\/a>. This unit looked too good to be true. It allows the operator to hook as many as 6 antennas and 6 transceivers simultaneously. You can simply dial in any antenna\/rig combination you want. Of course it is still unwise (stupid) to have two rigs turned on at the same time. Otherwise this switch answered all of my requirements.<\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>

This view clearly shows the rotary switches, ground post, and the various SO-239 connections. I label the coax (see Ten-Tec at port ‘E’) so I can quickly and accurately dial in the current operating position.<\/p><\/div>\n

It comes with two rotary switches, one for antenna selection (positions 1-6) and one for rig selection (A-F). Just dial in the current operating setup and you are ready to transmit. You will also find on each side of the switch a connector labeled “COM”. You must either run a jumper between the two COM positions or attach them both to an accessory such as a SWR or power meter. The one meter can then be used for all of your transceivers. I elected to just run a jumper between them.<\/p>\n

The MFJ-1700C\u00a0retails for $99.95 (in latest print ads anyways; the MFJ website says $119.95) and is worth every penny. I purchased mine on Ebay from a private seller (estate sale, never used) for a nice discount. If you look around you may also find them discounted. The switch has worked without a problem for over a year now. I love it!<\/p>\n