[HH] Computer-controlled RF switches?

[Tom Metro]

Brough Turner wrote:
> ...it doesn't matter if the switch has a lot of insertion loss or
> other problems as long as it's roughly repeatable.  For example, a TV
> antenna switch might not work well at 2.4 GHz but it would serve.

So like one of these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x1-Remote-Control-RF-Satellite-Dish-Coax-Cable-A-B-Switch-75-ohm-RG6-/271876767292?hash=item3f4d1e3e3c

It's a satellite/cable A/B switch with an IR remote. You need to pair it
up with an IR transmitter and some adapters to go from the F-connectors
to the SMC or whatever your WiFi antennas use.

The WiFi antennas are probably 50 ohm, while the TV equipment is
designed for 75 ohm, so on top of losses due to insufficient frequency
response you'll also have an impedance mismatch.

Although not ideal, you'd use Y-cables and multiple A/B boxes to handle
more than 2 antennas. (The branch circuits that aren't connected might
reflect back a distorted signal. You might need to have each A/B switch
have a terminator on the A position, and then through software you
activate only one switch (flip to the B position) at any give moment.)


There also seems to be gear made for hams that might be more applicable.
Here's a kit for a 4-way switch:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KIT-4-1-remote-antenna-switch-DIY-cheap-SO-239-KIT-/261669572320?hash=item3cecb8cee0

I would assume already built equivalents exist as well. Like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DX-Engineering-RR8B-HP-Remote-Antenna-Switch-Free-Cable-Offer-/201434273633?hash=item2ee66b1761

Those should be designed for 50 ohms, but are for way lower frequency.

 -Tom