Overview

Paradan Radio Antenna Disconnect Actuators

Paradan Radio Antenna Disconnect Actuators are installed in the coaxial cable that feeds the antenna. When power from your transceiver or station power supply is turned off, they automatically disconnect the antenna from your station and ground the antenna feedline. This reduces the chance of station damage from lightning while you're away. The ADA also has a gas discharge tube to protect the radio from lightning pulse damage while operating.

Eliminating the wear and tear on transceiver and station connectors from repeated physical disconnection and reconnection, the Paradan Antenna Disconnection Actuator takes care of grounding antenna feedline automatically. It safely prevents static-discharge, surges, and lightning pulse effects from damaging your radio and associated equipment without having to remember to unplug the system and wear out the connectors. This is especially helpful for stations that are located on upper floors of the home where grounding is an issue.

The water-resistant enclosure of the ADA may be installed in the shack at the output of the transceiver, amplifier or tuner—or outdoors in line with the antenna coaxial cable. Connect the DC cable into +12 Vdc source, either from the transceiver or power supply that is turned off when not operating. When power is on, the ADA is powered, and the antenna feedline is automatically connected. When DC is off, the antenna's coax center and shield are shorted together and grounded. The case is grounded to the antenna's coax connector but is isolated from the radio's coaxial connector. The Paradan Antenna Disconnect Actuator LED illuminates green when its two 15 ampere contacts RF relays connect the antenna. The relays have diode protected coils to eliminate reverse spikes, and they handle 1,500 watts of RF from 1.8 to 50 MHz; they also have two SO-239 (UHF female) connectors.

Specifications for the Paradan Radio Antenna Disconnect Actuator, PDN-P-ADA-1:

* Operating Power: 10-18 Vdc at 60 mA when turned ON to connect antenna
* Insertion Loss: <0.05 dB at 30 MHz, <0.1 dB at 54 MHz
* Power Handling: 1.5 kW
* Control Wire: Two-conductor 18 AWG with RCA phono plug RED to center pin, BLACK to plug shell, may be lengthened or re-terminated as needed
* Control Input: Diode protected against reverse polarity; RF filtered
* Active Lightning Protection: Gas Discharge Tube on antenna coax input
* Case Ground: 0.25 in. stud with washers, lock washer and nut
* Case: Diecast aluminum, black powdercoat, white print, water-resistant
* Size: 4.8 x 2.6 x 1.6 in., mounting flanges with four-hole on-center spacing of 5.25 in. by 1.50 in.
* Weight: 0.81 lbs. (360g)

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