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Author Topic: IC-7100 | Dual antennas | Duplexers | Single coax feedline  (Read 168 times)

KI5RLR

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IC-7100 | Dual antennas | Duplexers | Single coax feedline
« on: December 31, 2022, 06:27:05 PM »

Can I use two HF/VHF duplexers (Diamond MX-62M OR Comet CF-706A) on either end of my main coax feedline, with an IC-7100 in the shack connected to a wire HF antenna and a 2M antenna on the tower?

Or am I better off to run two feedlines, one for each antenna?

Thanks!
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AC9O

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Re: IC-7100 | Dual antennas | Duplexers | Single coax feedline
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2022, 08:39:42 PM »

That's doable, but you must take some factors into consideration...

How long is your "Main" feedline and what type is it? If it's 100 feet of RG-8X with duplexers, the losses on 2 meters will be significant. HF probably not too bad.

To avoid significant losses at VHF, use a better run of coax on 2 meters. The cost of 2 duplexers may equal the cost of the cable run, again depending on the length.

Using better coax for the "main" run works too, the loss of the duplexers is still there, but fairly minimal compared to lower quality coax.

I use 2 runs because I like the flexibility as I have more than one radio. You may some day too.

73 and Happy New Year
Paul, AC9O

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KI5RLR

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Re: IC-7100 | Dual antennas | Duplexers | Single coax feedline
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2022, 09:14:31 PM »

My 'main' run is only 100' and I am using LMR400. A 2nd run of cable sounds like a better investment.

Thanks! 73 and Happy New Year!!
KI5RLR
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WA3SKN

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Re: IC-7100 | Dual antennas | Duplexers | Single coax feedline
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2023, 10:29:24 AM »

The duplexers will give you about 30-40 dB separation while separate coax will give you at least 55 dB.
I would run separate coax.  Use the low loss for the VHF and cheaper RG8x for the HF feed if budget is an issue.
Consider ladder line.

-Mike.

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