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Reviews For: Diamond CX-210 Coaxial Switch

Category: Antenna Switching, Phasing, Controllers

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Review Summary For : Diamond CX-210 Coaxial Switch
Reviews: 17MSRP: 45
Description:
Coaxial cable antenna selector switch for use from DC
to VHF.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.rfparts.com/diamond/index.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15174.5
UK1 Rating: 2023-04-14
Good switch Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I replaced a 'no-brand blue Chinese clone' switch for the CX-210N recently, to switch one antenna between two receivers. The Diamond is a quality engineered item, reassuringly weighty, with a positive switching action and better specifications (into the Ghz) than the no-name switches out there. And it's made in Japan. Though not cheap, it's much better than the junk I had before.
VK7ZJA Rating: 2022-04-11
Decent quality, good value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
*presuming* the following models are all made in the same factory, to much the same quality control standards: Diamond CX-210A, Avair SW2M, Belelec 1738101B and MFJ-2702, and that the reviews probably apply equally across all models.
Solid, sturdy mechanical construction, switching action feels positive. Port to port isolation is excellent, at HF is more than 70dB, less as frequency increases. Negligible loss at HF, too.
The unit isn't well 'sealed' and over time dust ingress will likely increase contact resistance, but luckily the switch is easily serviceable.
Though specified to 1GHz and 1.5kW, I personally think that's a bit optimistic. Good for HF, OK for VHF and look for something better at UHF is my view. Also think that a few hundred watts is safe, any more than that might be pushing your luck - the amount of physical contact area made by the switching contacts doesn't seem like it would support any more power than that. But that's still quite adequate for most users.
Two points I didn't like:
1) The SO239 sockets have locating 'notches' only every 90 degrees. If using RG213 style coax, you'll be placing stress on the connector to twist it up to 45 degrees to line up with the notches. Would have been much better to use SO239 sockets with a continuous 'crown' of notches.
2) On my unit new out of the box, the cast casing of the body had been poorly finished, with sharp casting dags left behind, complete with factory applied paint over them. Nothing that a quick bit of filing couldn't fix, though.
Overall, I'm happy with this switch, and it represents quite good quality & value for money, and seems like it will serve me well for many years to come.
W0MPM Rating: 2020-08-01
Also Good Enough Is and Ungrounded Unused Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I contrast this Diamond CX210 with my review of the Daiwa CS-201 as I consider them to be directly comparable and the two to choose from in a 2 position coax switch. This CX210 does not ground the unused connection; I ask the engineers in the group to explain why - most of the time - it is not preferable to ground the unused side - of almost anything. Internally two things caught my attention (1) there is no barrier at all isolating the three connections and (2) the contact is made by the spring blade against a small cylinder. I wonder at the isolation numbers given the lack of mechanical separation; and I wonder at the ability of what ends up being a small edge of the contact cylinder with the blade to carry the power. That contact edge is not the result of poor alignment in any one switch - it's designed in. But, apparently it works and I do not have the ability to test. The construction otherwise is on par with the Diawa. Connectors are gold center and a mostly air dielectric style. Better contact design and execution would move the rating from 4 to 5. On the other hand I've never had a problem with either switch. So, do you want ground or ungrounded? That is the question.
N2DY Rating: 2018-02-09
Superb Switch Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using an N connector version of this switch for years to switch between my 2 meter vertical (FM) and horizontal (SSB) antennas. I run up to 1 KW through the switch. It has been flawless. It uses gold-plated contacts and the switch has a very positive detent, indicating it is locked in position. This is about as good a switch as you can buy these days. It's a bit expensive but damage to your rig because of a bad switch could cost even more. I just wish they made versions with 4 positions or more.
VE7REN Rating: 2018-01-21
fantastic build and feel Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use 2 of these here in the shack. neither has failed,nor has bleedover. they isolate perfectly and the switch has a smooth feel with a definite click when in the position of choice. they are an excellent build,with great fit n finish. would I buy another....... you bet. gonna get the 3 position next..i prefer these over the daiwa,alpha delta,and mfj.
VK8FNCY Rating: 2010-10-27
2 out of 5 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had a similar issue to N7ZF. My switch just didn't work so I opened it up and noticed the gold metal strap had not been placed where its supposed to be (between the actual switch two plastic vertical holders) therefore; when flicking the switch the gold strap did nothing! Its meant to move from one contact point to the other. The fault could only have happened during manufacture as there is NO way the strap can pop out of the vertical holders with the back cover on.

If anyone else has this issue simply open it up and have a look as it might be a simple fix. Since having placed the strap between the plastic holders the switch has worked fine. I'm giving it a two only because this kind of defect really shouldn't occur especially for the price you pay! Otherwise I would have probably given it a 4.
K6IOU Rating: 2010-10-25
Just like the previous Time Owned: more than 12 months.
poster reported, mine failed to make contact on one side when new. I took it apart and noticed also that the SO-239 would rotate slightly throwing the moving contact out of alignment.

I centered the SO-239, verified that the switch made contact on both sides, then puddled epoxy glue on the inside to keep it there. Has worked flawlessly ever since.

On the one hand it deserves a "0" for the problem noted above. But I think the quality of components rates a "5". Don't ask how that averages to a "4". I just really like the switch now that it performs as it should have from the factory. They really need to address the 'fit' of the SO-239 in the housing.
N7ZF Rating: 2010-10-23
Failed after light use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought a new switch a few years ago. I used it 90% of the time with my antenna analyzer, and recently started using it with a 100W dummy load. Recently it seemed to be blocking any signals from going through. I finally removed the back plate and saw the problem. There is a metal strap (appears to be gold-plated) that toggles between two contact posts. The strap is attached to the center conductor of the common connector, but the insulator of that connector had turned so the strap was bent out of shape and touching the metal case. Apparently attaching a cable to the common connector had caused the insulator (and center pin) to twist. I am going to try to superglue the insulator so that it cannot rotate but most likely this switch is history. BTW, I do agree with the other reviewers that the switch has a very solid construction feel to it, but I seem to have found its weak point.
KD0TRG Rating: 2009-06-06
Great Switch Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is a great switch, high quality and precise. I am using the switch between my radio and the antenna analyzer since I use a screwdriver antenna for my base.
VK5FDMR Rating: 2007-03-15
Strong and solid Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hi Everyone,

I am very happy with my Diamond CX-210 Coax switch. It has performed with out fault and I wish I had one long before I ended up buying this model. It has a strong and solid feel about it. The switching is precise and smooth and the unit is of high quality.

I would recomend this switch.

Best 73 de Dave VK5FDMR