Hamplus MBD-8F Smart Antenna Switch Control

• Illuminated push button switches with labels
• Band Decoder
• Antenna Band Memory
• Interlock system prevents more than one radio on the same antenna
• Split Antenna Operation
• Hot Switch Protection
• Band Data Output
• Bandpass Filter Control Output
• TopBand Waller Flag Receive Antenna Control Ports
• No computer or software required (remote without PC)
• Control all Hamplus (or other) antenna switch and rotator switch

Hamplus MBD-8F Smart Antenna Switch Controllers are memory band decoding automatic antenna switch consoles that are compatible with all Hamplus Eight Input Antenna Switch relay units. They can be operated manually and are easily connected to function integrally with the transceiver. Each interfaced MBD-8F smart controller is easily programmed on the front panel to memorize automated antenna selection by band or band segment. Band data and frequency information is sampled from the transceiver CI-V, CAT or RS-232 as it is sent to the computer. These controllers also support split antenna selections for receive and transmit with automatic changeover supported by input and output connectors for the transceiver amplifier keying line. An interlock system safeguards against hot-switching and protects the radio and antenna systems from RF damage.

The new features and functionality added to the MBD-8F, not found on the previous MBD-8E model, include a band data output, band pass filter system control output and specialized connections for the TopBand Waller Flag receive antenna system.   

The new MBD-8F and MBD-8E controllers can both be used at different operating positions. It would be typical for the 160 meter operating position to have the MBD-8F with the Waller Flag receive antenna control. Plus, it doesn't matter if each of the smart controller and radio operating positions are in the same room or in different shacks. From one to six radio positions, each equipped with a MBD-8F, can select from the same eight antennas, one at a time, depending upon which Hamplus Antenna Switch unit is connected. Choose from models HPY-AS-81, HPY-AS-82F, HPY-AS-84F or HPY-AS-86F. It is even possible to expand to a 16 antenna system with two antenna switch units, two MBD-8F controllers at each position and an optional AS-21 or ASR-21. MBD-8F smart controllers require no PC or software, and work with all Hamplus rotator and antenna switches and even with other manufacturer's models. Check compatibility before ordering.

Hamplus MBD-8F Front Panel

 On the MBD-8F front panel are eight illuminated momentary push button switches for manual antenna selection and automatic indication, each with removable covers and translucent labeling inserts. Above each are antenna number labels and red busy LEDs that indicate when that antenna has been selected by another controller/transceiver position. On the left side are four red LEDs, one to indicate rotator selection (when enabled with optional Rotator Control Switches), one to indicate when the radio is transmitting, one to indicate the "Split Antenna" status, and one to indicate Power On status.

MBD-8F Rear Panel

The MBD-8F also supports connection through an optional RS-24 or RS-44 Rotator Switch. They enable the automated selection of up to four rotators using one of two or four different rotator controllers at MBD-8E transceiver positions. On the front panel there are four LED´s to indicate the rotor in use at the moment. The programming to associate the rotator to the appropriate antenna is also easily accomplished by the user with the front panel push-buttons and is saved in non-volatile memory.