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Author Topic: Ameritron RCS-8 relay identification help please. (Not the -8V's etc)  (Read 182 times)

KB9UZO

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Hello everyone! 

 I purchased a Ameritron, (Now MFJ) RCS-8 remote antenna switch used off QTH classifieds. I am regretting it entirely. 

It is a five-position remote using a cat-5 line for switching.  Documentation has been a no-go.  I can find plenty of -V'8's etc but not the original -8, five position, in-line (all in a row) switch. (See attached) 

One of the relays is bad.  The previous owner snipped its common ground to remove it from the circuit leaving only four of five available antenna outputs.  In addition, antenna #3's center conductor pulls right out along with the antenna coax so it will require replacement. 

I contacted MFJ... they have stayed true to crappy, one-sentenced generic answers (I am still waiting on two items ordered over two months ago!) and are absolutely no help. I emailed them today asking if they could take a look in their product archive and obtain either the original part number and techincal specification(s) or provide insight to an equivalent relay. 

Their response, and I quote:   "Those are old switches, and we don't make them. Those are old relays and we dont have any"...  I won't say anything more about them.

~ANYWAYS~   Might one of your fine folks provide some actual insight or advice for finding an equivalent relay.   Would appreciate it. 

** images will not load... working on it



73, be safe;

Bryan ,W
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AE9DX

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Re: Ameritron RCS-8 relay identification help please. (Not the -8V's etc)
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2022, 01:39:52 PM »

Bryan,
The "documentation" that came with these switches consisted of a one page flyer that is no help at all other than how to connect it. There are no part numbers listed, etc.
However, I have one of these complete that I purchased used and have never installed. I've checked all the relays and did a test hook up to make sure it switched. If you are interested, I'll sell it as I no longer have any use for it.
73,
John, AE9DX
ae9dx@arrl.net
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N2SR

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Re: Ameritron RCS-8 relay identification help please. (Not the -8V's etc)
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2022, 04:55:13 PM »

If it were me, I would replace the relays with these:

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic-Industrial-Devices/JW1FSN-DC12V?qs=mTeSeKeuVA5WhsV9IXPDRg%3D%3D

I highly doubt that the board changed all that much.  But before you purchase replacement relays, you can verify that +12 Vdc is switching correctly, and supplies +V to each relay. 

The RCS-8V is here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0289/7782/3843/files/RCS-8V_v2.pdf?v=1586882733   Page 5 (5/8), on the left. 

The relay common will be the "input."  NO will be the SO-239 for each port. 

I'd also replace each of the SO-239s. 

This may take some time and effort, but you should be able to get the switch working.



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Elect a clown.  Expect a circus.

KB9UZO

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Re: Ameritron RCS-8 relay identification help please. (Not the -8V's etc)
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2022, 06:57:32 PM »

Hey John- AE9DX;

Appreciate the offer but after spending $120 on this one, I might not see daylight again (::AHEM:: ..  the wife) if I spend more $ on another antenna switch.  I'll buy a relay from you though!  haha

N2SR- Appreciate the information sir!  I will definitely look at the link you provided! I did verify the remaining relays are working properly: Voltage and continuity from the common input to center output on the remaining four relays and all four operative outputs are grounding when selected to "ground" AND are grounding automatically when the power switch on the console is turned off.

I'll be reinstalling new -239's as well.

Thanks again gents for the advice and help!
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KB1GMX

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Re: Ameritron RCS-8 relay identification help please. (Not the -8V's etc)
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2022, 08:19:51 AM »

The likely relay (picture would be the thing) is a bog standard industrial relay
with common form C contacts for 5 or 10A.  Coil is already known so that's easy.

Likely config is SPDT  (single pole double throw) , STST-NO same but only half the contacts and normally open.
Double pole relays can be had in the similar variations.

I'd check the Omron Industrial line.   But those are typically generic popcorn and generally widely avaiable.

IF its  the smaller sugar cubes same game and just as many common parts.

So more description beyond why and what model makes it easier than guessing.

Allison

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