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Reviews For: Bird Model 74 Coaxwitch

Category: Antenna Switching, Phasing, Controllers

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Review Summary For : Bird Model 74 Coaxwitch
Reviews: 12MSRP: $500.00
Description:
Bird's Coaxwitch® Coaxial Selector Switches employ a unique, rugged and reliable design which permits positive contact, low insertion VSWR and negligible cross talk between channels. The switching mechanism is 4 1/2" of RG-87/U Teflon cable which is pulled away from the mating Male N connectors and rotated to the desired switch position Frequency VSWR Loss (dB) Max RF Power Rating (Watts) 100 MHz - 0.02 850W 1 GHz 1.06 0.09 200W 4 GHz 1.3 0.22 75w Ambient Temperature: -60°C to +65°C (-76°F to +149°F) Attenuation to: Unused Channel: 75 dB (cross talk) Coaxial Circuits: 2 Frequency Range: DC to 10 GHz Maximum RF Voltage: 500 Volts RMS Positions: 2 Weight: Approx. 2 1/2 lbs. (1.1 kg)
Product is in production
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# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00125
K6SBA Rating: 2019-11-14
They're Definitely Getting Scarce Time Owned: more than 12 months.
In reviewing the previously comments, it seems that some folks have been lucky in purchasing their 74 series switches for around $25. Good luck doing that now! I own two of the 3-position units (the model 7441) and paid between $150 and $200 for each one.

The supply of surplus (read used) switches from the broadcast industry is apparently drying up. Many of the units on eBay are from Eastern Europe and appear to be ex-military. Oh, I forgot. RF Parts has the 6-position version (New Old Stock) listed on their website for $995. I believe Bird has various models on their website for around $1,500!!

These switches are simply without peer. If you want the absolute best quality and reliability, there is no other option. the switches can be user serviced and various parts are still available directly from Bird.

If you can find one in decent shape for less than $250, you are spending your money well.

73 de K6SBA
David in Santa Barbara, CA

KA2LIM Rating: 2015-06-02
Best ever made Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Nothing else, that is made today, is worthy to be compared to these switches. They "are" the standard.
Used in our VHF/UHF contest station, they always work.
WN2UIB Rating: 2015-06-01
Bird are the best Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using birds antenna switch to switch my amplifier it nice to know that you can count on your switch when using 1500 watt and you don't have to worry so now I use them to run my antennas when you pull it out goes right to ground I'm looking for another one you should try them you will be happy tom wu2q
K8UV Rating: 2014-09-16
QUALITY Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Been using several Alpha Delta antenna switch's, thought they were the best. Purchased a 74 at recent ham swap for $23.00 (he wanted $25.00). Wow what a surprise for me to find no cross over on receive, best quality I have ever seen. I would pay much more in the future if I can locate another one.
NI6S Rating: 2012-11-16
NONE BETTER!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This will review will cover all models of Bird switches even though the 74 is a 6 Position model. I use all configurations of Bird switches, especially for V/U/SHF. I have acquired these throughout the years at hamfests, Ebay, etc. Using these, you know you are doing your best to minimize loss, ensure solid switching and are getting the best isolation. I use good coax too. LMR 400/600 throughout. Using adapters kind of defeats the purpose so look for surplus coax patch cords with N Connectors (retired from cell sites) to avoid having to use adapters. The numbered plates are still available from Bird and range from $13-23 per plate, depending on model. I have bought new plates for most of my switches. They are silver in color and have replaced the black plates. The key is to find a switch that is mechanically sound. You can open is up and apply some 3-1 oil or a bit of lube. Why spend thousands on gear/antennas and compromise on the switch? Go all the way and rest assured that you have done all you can to close the loop on your station. A Bird 74 will cost $80-150 and the other models will go for more. Well worth the $$$. Good luck!

73,
Ed
N0AZZ Rating: 2012-11-16
There Are "NONE" Better Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Once you use one of these Bird "74's" you will know what the word quality was intended to be. I do mean quality in every way from mechanical to electrically you just have to see and use it before you know what people are talking about. I have had mine about 5 years some of the best money I ever spent.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N0AZZ on 2011-08-25

If you ever own one of these switches you will know what quality means this is in a class of it's own.
WA4DC Rating: 2012-02-26
EXCELLENT QUALITY Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I HAVE USED A LOT OF COAX SWITCHES IN 55 YEARS OF HAM RADIO AND NONE OUT PEFORM THE BIRD 74..I USE 3 BIRD 74s ON MY STATION SWITCHING 8 ANTENNAS WITH 3 RADIOS..YOU CAN'T BEAT THE QUALITY FOR THE MONEY..SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR QUALITY AND RELIABILITY THE BIRD 74 IS WHAT YOU NEED.

73s WA4DC
IK5DNE Rating: 2010-08-08
Excellent quality. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Quite rare to find and expensive when buy new but very very fine construction by Byrd.
No leakage fom plug A to plug B, also with high power (tested with 1230W CW), the RF front end is sure with this antenna switch.
Not even remotely comparable with other junk switches like Daiwa or, worse, MFJ.


73 de IK5DNE, George.
G0LJS Rating: 2010-02-15
Real Quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit is no doubt the best . Good for test purpose's no leakage. Used in permanent set up therefore no adaptors used.Bought at local Hamfest /Rally for $45 app. Will be used to select tranceivers , no chance of burn't front ends.Like all Bird equipment "Real Quality" goes well with my "KWM - 2"
VE7AGW Rating: 2007-10-06
High Power DPDT Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Found mine on eBay by chance as I was looking for a DPDT wafer switch that could handle 1.5KW. Upon delivery I was very impressed by it's ruggedness. It's a very simple DPDT coax switch and it was the perfect answer for my situation. I would love to find more of them but have since found that they are fairly rare. Having the Bird name on it sure gives the impression it is well made and it lives up to this reputation very easily.
If you ever find one grab it as they are rare and you will surely get your money back with a good profit. Better yet they are the best coax switch I've ever seen. Not at all like most of the amateur junk on the market today. This switch bears the quality we had many years ago.