Q - Does the Multi-Switcher come with a built-in power supply?
No, the Multi-Switcher requires 12 VDC at 200mA max. NCS offers a wall type power supply for use with the Multi-Switcher. See the NCS-1512 Wall Power Supply on the Accessory page of the NCS web site. CAUTION: The Multi-Switcher was designed to work with voltages between 12-15 VDC. Voltages higher than 15V may damage the Multi-Switcher. Most wall power supplies on the market that are advertised as 12 VDC are not regulated and may put out as much as 20 VDC when not connected to a piece of equipment. The output voltage is reduced when powering equipment depending on the current drawn by the equipment and the internal resistance of the power supply. The internal resistance of the power supply varies depending on manufacturer and model number. If you are going to use a wall power supply be sure it's output voltage, when connected to the Multi-Switcher, does not exceed 15 VDC. One way to help insure this is to choose a wall power supply rated between 200mA and 300 mA. The NCS-1512 Power Supply meets these requirements.
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Q - Does the Multi-Switcher switch have provisions for switching both the dot and dash outputs from my CW paddle? My rig has a built-in keyer and I want to switch my paddle between rigs. Is this possible?
The Multi-Switcher was not designed to switch CW paddles between radios. It was designed to switch the output of an external keyer between various radios. For Vintage radios an optional module is required for grid block and cathode type keying. It is possible to switch both the dot and dash outputs from a paddle through the Multi-Switcher by using the receive audio jacks on the back panel but you will not be able to switch your receive audio to your headphones, headset or external speaker. If you wish to switch your paddle between radios NCS Technical Support will be happy to help you with the proper configuration.
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Q - Why do you have Hi-Z and Low-Z cables for connecting the Multi-Switcher to the four transmitters or transceivers?
Physically there is no difference between the Hi-Z and Low-Z cables except for the wiring of the 8 pin DIN connector. Microphone input impedances of 600 Ohms or less are considered to be Low-Z and require the NCS-LoZ4P or NCS-LoZ8P or NCS-LoZNC cables. Impedances higher than 600 Ohms are considered to be HI-Z and require the NCS-HiZ4P or NCS-HiZ8P or NCS-HiZNC cables.
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Q - What do I need to order so that I can hook up my new Multi-Switcher right out of the box?
You will need one to four cables (depending on the number of radios you wish to use with the Multi-Switcher) to hook between the Multi-Switcher and your transmitters and/or transceivers. These cables are available from NCS or you can make them yourself using the connector pin-outs in the Instruction Manual, available in .pdf format on our web site. NCS also sells 7-conductor cable by the foot for this purpose. You will also need cables to connect between your receivers and/or transceivers for the speaker audio switching. NCS does not offer these cables since they are available at local stores such as Radio Shack at very inexpensive prices. You will also need 1 to 4 “Y” adaptors if your rigs do not have sub-audio or dual-band audio outputs. Lastly, you will need 12VDC @ 200mA max to power the Multi-Switcher. Most any 12 Volt power supply will do the job (IMPORTANT: See the above question about power supplies.) or you can use one of the popular Wall Power Supplies. NCS offers a Wall Power supply for this purpose. See the NCS-1512 Wall Power Supply on the Accessory page of the NCS web site.
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Q - Can I use 4 microphones with the Mutli-Switcher? I only see two 8 pin mic connectors on the front panel.
Yes, 4 microphones or other audio sources can be connected to the Multi-Switcher. There are two 8 pin mic connectors on the front panel and two 8 pin DIN female connectors on the back panel for audio inputs. Microphones can be connected to any or all of these four audio inputs. The internal circuitry for each of the 4 audio input channels is identical.
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Q - I noticed that when I push the PTT switch
on any microphone connected to the Multi-Switcher it keys the selected radio
even when that microphone is not selected. In fact, I can key the selected radio
even when no microphones are selected. Why does any PTT switch key the
selected radio even when the specific mic is not selected?
As can be seen in the Block Diagram on page 21 of the Manual,
all the PTT inputs (4 from the Mic & Aux inputs plus the rear panel footswitch input)
are tied together. The Multi-Switcher was designed this way so that no matter
which microphone is selected, the operator could always key the selected radio
using the footswitch. This has the side effect of letting the PTT switch on any
connected microphone key the selected radio.
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Q - Can I use my audio equalizer with the Multi-Switcher?
Yes, popular equalizers such as the W2IHY equalizer can be placed between the mic and the Multi-Switcher mic input. This will enable the use of the equalizer and the microphone attached to it on any one of the four connected radios. The equalizer can also be connected between the output of the Multi-Switcher and a single radio. This configuration allows you to use the selected microphone with all connected radios while the equalizer will only be active on the radio it is connected to.
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Q - What are the dimensions of the Multi-Switcher?
The dimensions are shown in the Instruction Manual, paragraph 8.0. The Instruction Manual is available in .pdf format on the NCS web site. The dimensions are 8.4 in x 3.3 in x 6.1 in (L x H x D). These dimensions exclude switches, controls and equipment handles.
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Q - Does the Multi-Switcher handle up/down switches on microphones?
No. The various Up/Down configurations for different radios and microphones makes it
impractical to add Up/Down control to the current design.
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