Daiwa CS-401G 4-Way Antenna Switch N-Female

Want to use multiple antennas without constantly disconnecting and reconnecting coaxial cables? With the Daiwa CS-401G antenna switch, you can easily switch between up to four connections. The robust rotary switch has one common connection and four switchable ports, all equipped with N-type female connectors.

This high-quality antenna switch is developed for radio installations where low attenuation, good isolation, and reliable mechanical operation are important. With a frequency range from DC to 1300 MHz, an impedance of 50 ohms, and a maximum power rating of 2.5 kW PEP, the CS-401G is widely applicable in various radio installations.

The sturdy metal casing and mechanical switching principle make this Daiwa antenna switch a practical choice for the radio amateur or other radio user who wants to organize their antenna installation clearly.

One radio, multiple antennas

Anyone who regularly uses different antennas knows the problem. For HF, you might use a different antenna than for VHF or UHF. Without an antenna switch, changing means you always have to go behind your equipment to disconnect one coaxial cable and connect another.

With the Daiwa CS-401G, that becomes much simpler. Connect your antennas to the four available connections and connect your radio to the common port. Then, use the clear rotary switch to select the desired connection.

No unnecessary cable changes, but one central antenna switch with which you can quickly choose the desired connection.

Key features of the Daiwa CS-401G

• 4-way antenna switch: easy switching between up to four connected antennas or other suitable RF equipment.
  
• N-female connections: equipped with N-type connectors for a reliable coaxial connection.
  
• DC to 1300 MHz: wide frequency range for various radio installations.
  
• Up to 2.5 kW PEP: maximum power rating of 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW.
  
• Unselected ports are grounded: designed for high isolation between the different connections and stable switching.

Connecting four antennas to one radio

The most obvious application of the CS-401G is connecting multiple antennas to one transceiver.

For example, you can connect different antennas for different frequency bands to the switch. With the rotary knob, you then choose which antenna is connected to the common connection.

The connections are clearly arranged, so it is clear which switch position corresponds to which connection. This is convenient when you have a more extensive radio setup and want to switch between antennas quickly.

Also usable for multiple radios

A passive coaxial antenna switch can also be used in reverse, depending on the installation: one antenna on the common side and various suitable radios on the switchable connections.

In this case, extra attention is needed for the connected equipment. Never transmit with a radio that is not correctly connected to the antenna at that moment, and ensure that different transmitters cannot interfere with each other through an incorrect setup.

If in doubt about an installation with multiple transceivers, it is wise to check beforehand whether the chosen configuration is technically suitable.

N-type connections

This version of the Daiwa CS-401 series is the CS-401G with N-female connectors. This distinction is important when selecting coaxial cables and connectors.

The switch has a total of five N-type connections: one common connection and four switchable connections.

Before ordering, check which connectors your current coaxial cables use. This CS-401G is not the version with SO-239/UHF-female connections.

Wide frequency range up to 1300 MHz

According to the specified specifications, the Daiwa CS-401G antenna switch has a frequency range from DC to 1300 MHz.

This allows the switch to be used in various radio installations. Especially at higher frequencies, properties such as insertion loss, VSWR, and isolation become increasingly important. Daiwa specifies an insertion loss of less than 0.2 dB, a VSWR of less than 1.2:1, and isolation of more than 60 dB at 200 MHz for this switch.

Suitable for high power

The Daiwa CS-401G has a maximum specified power handling capacity of 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW. An important operating rule applies: never switch positions while the connected radio is transmitting.

First put the radio in receive mode, and only then turn the antenna switch to another position. According to the product information, the switch contacts are grounded during switching. Switching while transmitting can therefore have the same effect as shorting the transmitter's output.

So, a simple habit: first stop transmitting, then switch.

Unselected connections are grounded

A special feature of the CS-401G is the switching mechanism where the inactive antenna side is grounded. This contributes to the isolation between the different circuits.

According to the provided product information, an unused position can also be selected during thunderstorms to separate the radio from a connected antenna.

This is emphatically not lightning protection. An antenna switch cannot prevent damage from a direct lightning strike to a connected antenna. For actual lightning and surge protection, additional safety measures are necessary.

Robust Daiwa antenna switch

An antenna switch is often part of a permanent radio setup for many years. A solid mechanical switching mechanism is therefore at least as important as the electrical specifications.

The Daiwa CS-401G has a sturdy construction and weighs approximately 0.86 kg. The metal casing contributes to mechanical strength and shielding of the internal RF connections.

With dimensions of approximately 109 x 63 x 103 mm, the switch remains compact enough to find a permanent place in many radio setups.

What do you use the Daiwa CS-401G for?

The CS-401G is suitable, among other things, when you want to use multiple antennas with one radio, quickly switch between different antennas, or create a more organized coax system in your radio station.

Depending on the technical configuration, the switch can also be used for switching other suitable 50-ohm RF equipment.

For radio amateurs with multiple antennas, this primarily means convenience: instead of constantly disconnecting connectors, you select the desired connection with a single movement of the rotary knob.

Frequently asked questions about the Daiwa CS-401G

What does an antenna switch do?

An antenna switch makes it possible to select different coaxial connections without having to constantly disconnect and reconnect cables. With the Daiwa CS-401G, you can choose from four connections via a rotary switch.

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

The CS-401G has four switchable ports and one common connection. In a typical setup, you can therefore connect a maximum of four antennas and select which one is connected to your radio.

What connectors does the Daiwa CS-401G have?

This version has N-type female connectors. A total of five N-female connections are present: four switchable connections and one common connection.

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

The frequency range of the Daiwa CS-410G extends from DC to 1300 MHz.

How much power can this Daiwa antenna switch handle?

The maximum specified power is 2.5 kW PEP and 1 kW CW. Always consider the technical specifications and conditions of the complete radio installation.

Can I switch while my radio is transmitting?

No. Never change switch positions while the radio is transmitting. First ensure the transceiver is no longer transmitting, and only then change the position of the antenna switch.

Are unused connections grounded?

Yes. According to the product information, the switching mechanism is designed so that unselected antenna connections are grounded.

Does the CS-401G protect my radio from lightning strikes?

The switch should not be considered full lightning protection. Selecting an unused, grounded position can help separate the radio from the antenna connection, according to the product information, but does not protect equipment from a direct lightning strike to a connected antenna.

Can the antenna switch be mounted outdoors?

The provided information does not give a weather resistance or IP rating for the CS-401G. Therefore, do not mount the switch unprotected outdoors without a suitable solution.

Fast switching without constantly changing coaxial cables

Multiple antennas make a radio station more versatile, but you don't want to constantly go behind your equipment to swap cables. With the Daiwa CS-401G antenna switch, you can bring those connections together neatly at one central point.

Four switch positions, N-female connections, a range up to 1300 MHz, and a robust mechanical construction make this Daiwa antenna switch a practical addition to an extensive radio installation.

Order the Daiwa CS-401G antenna switch from Deltron.nl and easily switch between the different connections of your radio station.