Daiwa CS-401 4-Way Antenna Switch UHF-F (SO239)

Want to use multiple antennas with one radio without constantly connecting and disconnecting coaxial cables? The Daiwa CS-401 4-way antenna switch neatly consolidates four antenna connections. With the sturdy rotary switch, you can easily select which connection you want to use.

This version of the CS-401 features SO-239 (UHF-female) connectors, making it suitable for coaxial cables with compatible PL-259 connectors. With a frequency range from DC to 500 MHz, an impedance of 50 ohms, and a maximum power of 2.5 kW PEP, this Daiwa antenna switch is a practical choice for various radio setups.

Its robust construction, low insertion loss, and high isolation between connections make the CS-401 suitable for radio amateurs and other radio users who want to switch reliably and easily between multiple antennas.

One radio and four antennas? One rotary knob is enough

Anyone who uses multiple antennas in their radio station knows how inconvenient it can be to constantly swap coaxial cables. Especially when connections are hidden behind equipment or in hard-to-reach places.

With the Daiwa CS-401 antenna switch, you can connect up to four antennas to one central switching point. Then, you use the rotary knob to select which connection should be active.

For example, you can keep different antennas for different frequency bands permanently connected. Want to switch antennas? Make sure the radio is not transmitting, turn the switch to the desired position, and you're ready to go.

Key features of the Daiwa CS-401

• 4-way antenna switch: connect up to four antennas and select the desired connection with the central rotary switch.
  
• SO-239 (UHF-female) connections: suitable for coaxial cables with compatible PL-259 male connectors.
  
• DC to 500 MHz: wide specified frequency range for various radio and antenna applications.
  
• Up to 2.5 kW PEP: maximum specified power of 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW at 50 ohms impedance.
  
• Inactive ports are grounded: the switching mechanism ensures high isolation and grounds unselected antenna connections.

Antenna switch with SO-239 (UHF-female) connector

This Daiwa CS-401 stands out with its SO-239 connectors, also known as UHF-female. This connector type is widely used in radio and antenna installations and is designed for coaxial cables equipped with a compatible PL-259 male connector.

The switch has four switchable connections and one common connection. The connections are clearly arranged, making it easy to see which cable belongs to which switch position.

This makes the CS-401 convenient to use when you have a more extensive radio setup and want to neatly organize multiple antenna cables.

Quickly switch between four antennas

The most obvious application is connecting four antennas to one transceiver. The radio is connected to the common port, and the different antennas are connected to the four switchable SO-239 connections.

You then use the rotary knob to select the antenna you want to use at that moment.

This eliminates the need to constantly disconnect connectors when switching antennas. This is not only easier but also prevents unnecessary mechanical stress on the coaxial connectors on your radio and cables.

Frequency range from DC to 500 MHz

According to product specifications, the Daiwa CS-401 4-way antenna switch is suitable for frequencies from DC to 500 MHz.

For a coaxial switch, characteristics such as insertion loss, VSWR, and isolation are important. After all, you want the switch to have as little impact as possible on the RF connection between the radio and the antenna.

For the CS-401, an insertion loss of less than 0.2 dB and an isolation of more than 60 dB at 200 MHz are specified. The unique mechanical switching principle is designed to properly isolate the different connections from each other.

Suitable for high power

According to the provided specifications, the Daiwa CS-401 has a maximum power of 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW.

This means the antenna switch can be used in various radio installations, provided the entire installation and all components used are suitable for the relevant power and frequency range.

An important rule always applies: never switch between connections while your radio is transmitting. Ensure the transceiver is fully in receive mode first. Only then should you change the position of the Daiwa antenna switch.

Why shouldn't you switch while transmitting?

The contacts of the CS-401 are grounded during switching. If you operate the rotary switch while the transceiver is outputting power, this can, according to product information, have the same effect as short-circuiting the output circuit.

This can be harmful to the connected transmitting equipment. Therefore, make it a habit: first stop transmitting, then select the antenna, and only then transmit again. A small action that helps protect valuable radio equipment.

Unselected antenna ports are grounded

An interesting part of the design is that the inactive antenna side is grounded. According to Daiwa, this ensures stable switching and good isolation between the different circuits.

If you have one of the four positions not in use, according to the provided information, you can select this empty, grounded position during a thunderstorm. This separates the radio from the connected antenna positions via the switch.

Important: never consider the Daiwa CS-401 as a replacement for professional lightning or surge protection. The switch cannot prevent damage from a direct lightning strike to a connected antenna.

Robust construction for a fixed radio setup

An antenna switch is often used for years, and the rotary switch can be operated countless times. A sturdy mechanical construction is therefore important.

The Daiwa CS-401 weighs approximately 860 grams and has dimensions of about 109 x 63 x 98 mm. The clearly placed inputs and outputs make it easier to connect the different coaxial cables neatly.

This makes the Daiwa antenna switch a solid central switching point within a radio setup with multiple antennas.

Daiwa CS-401 or CS-401G: which antenna switch do you need?

When choosing between different Daiwa antenna switches, the connector type is particularly important. This Daiwa CS-401 features SO-239 (UHF-female) connectors. If you use coaxial cables with PL-259 male connectors, this is the version that matches.

The previously described Daiwa CS-401G, on the other hand, uses N-female connectors. Therefore, always check which connectors your current antenna cables and radio installation use before ordering.

This prevents you from needing adapter connectors afterward or ordering the wrong version.

What is a 4-way antenna switch used for?

A 4-way antenna switch is particularly interesting when you use multiple antennas in one radio installation. Think of different antennas for different frequency bands or antennas with different properties and directions.

Instead of manually swapping coaxial cables, the different cables remain connected to the switch. You then simply choose the desired connection with the rotary switch.

This provides more clarity and ease of use in your radio station and makes switching between different antennas considerably easier.

Frequently asked questions about the Daiwa CS-401

What is the Daiwa CS-401?

The Daiwa CS-401 is a 4-way antenna switch that allows you to switch between four coaxial connections. The switch has SO-239 (UHF-female) connectors and is designed for 50-ohm radio and antenna installations.

What type of connection does the Daiwa CS-401 have?

This version of the CS-401 has SO-239 female connectors, also known as UHF-female. For a direct connection, you use coaxial cables with suitable PL-259 male connectors.

How many antennas can I connect to the Daiwa CS-401?

The antenna switch has four switchable ports. In a typical configuration, you can therefore connect up to four antennas and use the rotary knob to choose which antenna is connected to the common connection.

What is the frequency range of the Daiwa CS-401?

According to the provided specifications, this Daiwa antenna switch has a frequency range from DC to 500 MHz.

How much power can the CS-401 handle?

The maximum specified power is 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW. Always take into account the specifications and limitations of the entire installation.

Are unused connections grounded?

Yes. According to the product information, unselected antenna ports are grounded by the switching mechanism. This contributes, among other things, to the isolation between the different connections.

Can I switch antennas while transmitting?

No. Never operate the antenna switch while the radio is transmitting. First, put the transceiver in receive mode and only then select another connection.

Does the Daiwa CS-401 protect against lightning strikes?

No. Selecting a grounded, unused position can, according to the provided information, help separate the radio from the connected antenna ports, but the CS-401 is not full lightning protection and does not prevent damage from a direct lightning strike to an antenna.

What is the difference between the Daiwa CS-401 and CS-401G?

A key difference is the type of coaxial connector. This Daiwa CS-401 has SO-239 (UHF-female) connections, while the CS-401G version from the previously provided product information has N-female connections.

Four antennas, one clear switching point

A radio installation with multiple antennas offers flexibility, but constantly swapping coaxial cables is anything but practical. With the Daiwa CS-401 4-way antenna switch, your different antennas remain connected, and you can easily select the desired connection with the rotary knob.

With its SO-239 connections, 50-ohm impedance, frequency range up to 500 MHz, and robust mechanical construction, this Daiwa antenna switch is a practical addition for a radio setup where reliability and ease of use count.

Order the Daiwa CS-401 antenna switch with SO-239 (UHF-female) connections at Deltron.nl and easily switch between up to four antennas.