4 Square
4 Square
4 Square
DX Engineering 2011 P.O. Box 1491 Akron, OH 44309-1491 Phone: (800) 777-0703 Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200 Fax: (330) 572-3279 E-mail: [email protected]
Introduction
The DXE-RFS-SYS-3P Receive Four Square 160/80/40m Electronics Package is for the advanced amateur radio operator who wants to build an active receive antenna system with vertical antenna elements of their own design using the highly sophisticated DX Engineering receive four square control system. The DXE-RFS-SYS-3P Receive Four Square 160/80/40m Electronics Package is a packaged system which includes: DXE-EC4 Four position BCD Control Console DXE-RFS Receive Four Square Array Controller DXE-AVA-2 (four) Active Matching units with Internal Disconnect Relays (the heart of the DXE-ARAV3-1P Receive Antenna Active Vertical antennas) DXE-RPA-1 Receiver Preamplifier is also included to assure adequate signal level when short passive antennas are used Three Custom Delay Lines - The three delay lines included are based on a 70 foot square physical layout for 160, 80 and 40 meter performance Just add your own short vertical whips - or your four monoband passive verticals - to create a four-direction receiving array. It allows the system designer unprecedented freedom to build a complete custom receiving system. This patented (US Patent Number 7,423,588) system array configuration embodies unique phase and time shifted combining for stable broadband performance. The DXE-RFS-SYS-3P is a sophisticated receiving system that is designed to be used with four identical vertical symmetrically spaced elements to provide switching for a 4-direction receiving antenna system. The system uses time delay phasing rather than the conventional narrow-band, frequency dependent phasing systems. The time delay phasing is directivity-optimized to produce wider and deeper rear nulls and a narrower main lobe. The result is that noise and undesirable signals are greatly reduced for a superior front-to-rear ratio (F/R). Better control of phase and currents provides a cleaner pattern than found on available transmit four square arrays. This system offers greater reliability in receiving applications. The DXE-RFS-SYS-3P uses sealed relays sized for receiving applications with silver contacts to prevent oxidation and contamination. Most transmitting four square switches use large open-frame relays where the contacts are exposed to air which can lead to contamination. Relays with brass contacts can oxidize leading to poor conductivity. Advantages of the RFS-SYS Receive Four Square Antenna System over other small or medium-size receiving arrays include:
Reduced susceptibility to high angle signals compared to EWE, Flag, Pennant, and K9AY antennas Excellent directivity in a small space for better signal-to-noise ratio Switchable in four 90 degree spaced directions
Directivity over a very wide frequency range when using DX Engineering Active Matching unit equipped vertical elements Less physical space and maintenance required than a Beverage antenna and active elements need only a minimal ground system Enhanced relay contact reliability Low current DC powered control console allows system operation without AC power mains
This system uses a 70 foot square layout which provides excellent directivity and high front to back ratio for best signal to noise ratio and reduction of interference from undesired directions across the 160, 80 and 40 meter bands. Failure to make quality feedline or delay line connections might result in an array that does not work or performs poorly. For a turnkey package including the active antennas, 1000 ft of F6 direct burial flooded cable, connectors, tools and the DXE-TVSU-1 Time Variable Sequencer Unit, see the DXE-RFS-SYS4P Complete System Package.
Feedline connections must have good integrity and be weather resistant. We recommend cable assemblies with Snap-N-Seal type F connectors. The complete DXE-RFS-SYS-3P 3
system, including feedline connections, requires sixteen type F connectors. DXE-SNS6-25 contains 25 Snap-N-Seal F connectors, enough for the entire array plus spare connectors. The three delay lines included with the DXE-RFS-SYS-3 are already measured to the proper lengths and have six Snap-N-Seal F connectors installed. Snap-N-Seal connectors cannot be installed with normal crimping tools or pliers. The DXE-SNS-CT1 is an essential tool for proper connector installation. Note: DO NOT use pliers or other tools to tighten the type F connectors; they do not require high torque to make a good connection. Damage to the various units may result and is not covered under warranty. Use a tool such as the DXE-CIT-1 F Connector Tightening Tool
1/10-wavelength is the minimum distance to any transmitting antenna from the Four Square perimeter. Greater than 1/2wavelength is the distance to prevent coupling to other antennas and the introduction of broadband noise into the receive system. Figure 1 - Site Selection Clear Distance
Topographical Considerations
Flat land is best. Erecting the receiving array on sloped land or steep hills may degrade performance. To avoid pattern degradation, antenna elements must have reasonably similar elevations. It's recommended the ground height difference between any element in the array be less than 10% of the array diameter. For example, a 70 foot diameter array should be within six feet of level. Every effort should be taken to make the elements symmetrical. Elements should all be identical in construction and grounding, and should be mounted above any standing water line but as close to the ground as possible. In general, the system will not be affected by trees or foliage as long as the foliage does not contact the element. Ideally, in important receiving directions, there should be a clear electrical path for at least 1 -wavelength. The site should allow a ground system to be evenly distributed around the antenna, if one is required. 5
If the noise originates in the near-field of the antenna, everything becomes unpredictable. This is a good case for placing receiving antennas as far from noise sources (such as power lines) as possible.
Ground System
Your vertical elements with the Active Matching units work well with just a single copper ground rod placed as close as possible to the mounting pipe. The mounting pipe can be used as the system ground if the pipe is an adequate ground. It is recommended that a 3/4" or larger rigid copper water pipe, although conventional copper coated steel rods may also work. Depending on soil conductivity, you can expect better performance with multiple ground rods spaced a few feet apart. Increasing ground rod depth beyond 5 ft rarely improves RF grounding because skin effect in the soil prevents current from flowing deep in the soil. Avoid ground rods less than 5/8" O.D. A good ground system improves the array performance and enhances lightning survivability. It is important that each ground system be the same for each active antenna in the array. You can test ground quality by listening to a steady local signal. Attach 15 ft of wire laid in a straight line (away from the coaxial feedline) to the initial 4 ft to 6 ft ground rod. If you observe a change in signal or noise level, you need to improve the ground. A second rod spaced a few feet away from the first one may correct the problem or 10 to 12 ground radials, each 15 ft long, should 6
provide a sufficient ground system for most soil conditions. If a good ground cannot be established, use an optional DXE-RFCC-1 Receive Feedline Current Choke that will further decouple the feedline from the antenna and reduce common mode current and associated noise from the feedline.
Lightning Protection
While amateur radio installations rarely suffer damage from lightning, the best protection is to disconnect electrical devices during storms. The key to lightning survival is to properly ground feedlines and equipment and to maintain the integrity of shield connections. A proper installation improves lightning protection and enhances weak signal receiving performance. Consult lightning protection and station grounding information in the ARRL handbooks, or by referring to the NEC (National Electric Code). The DX Engineering website also has technical and product information listed under Lightning Protection and Grounding. Use lightning surge protectors for the coaxial feedline and control lines.
Performance of the RFS-2 can noticeably decrease if structures radiating even small amounts of noise or signals are within 1-wavelength of the array Measure side-to-side and then corner-to-corner to ensure the element locations are square. Normally the RFS-2 phasing unit is installed near the center of the four array elements, above any standing water or snow line, with the connector side facing down. The placement of the RFS-2 unit is not critical, however, the feedlines to each of the active elements must be equal. If you mount the RFS-2 on a wood post, it should be grounded to a separate ground rod.
The DXE-RFS-2 distributes the operating power to the active elements through the individual element feedlines. The active elements do not work without power. Cutting power to the DXE-RFS-2 also cuts power to the active elements which causes the AVA2 to ground the vertical element.
Installation
The DXE-RFS-2 Control Unit can be mounted to a galvanized pipe driven into the ground. The DXE-RFS-2 unit has been pre-drilled to accommodate up to a 2 inch OD pipe using an appropriate clamp. If pipe mounting is desired, the optional DXE-CAVS-1P V-Bolt Saddle clamp for pipe from 3/4" to 1-3/4" inches OD is recommended, or DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Bolt Saddle Clamp for 1" to 2" OD pipe. The controller can also be mounted on a sturdy wooden post, but provision for grounding the DXE-RFS-2 unit must be made. The DXE-RFS-2 is designed to be used with the DX Engineering Active Vertical Antennas or may be used with passive elements. The active elements should be installed as close to the ground as possible but above any standing water line. Ground the ANT (negative) terminal to an adequate ground.
160m, with little effect on 80m. When doing this the sensitivity for the AM broadcast band will be reduced. All four AVA2 Active Matching units in the array must have identical jumper settings. For access to the jumpers in the AVA2 Active Matching units, remove the 2 screws on each side of the case and remove the bottom. The circuit board and jumper headers will be visible as shown in Figure 3. By default, there are no jumpers across any pins. Place a jumper across L1MF. Do not jumper any other positions. See the DXE-ARAV3-1P Receive Antenna Active Vertical w/Relay User Manual for more information about additional peak response jumper settings.
Delay Lines
The DXE-RFS-2 uses a time delay system, not a traditional phasing system. Delay line lengths are dictated by array dimensions rather than operating frequency. This results in phase being correct for a rearward null at any frequency. This system is especially effective when used with DX Engineering AVA2 Active Matching units. User-supplied passive elements can also provide exceptional performance for single or dual band operation where high dynamic range is required. The DXE-RFS-SYS-3P includes three sets of custom made delay lines. Made for array side spacing of 70 feet, their electrical length is critical and careful measurements were made when manufacturing these delay lines using high quality 75 coaxial cable with a known Velocity Factor (VF) which is a very important factor. To avoid performance degradation due to inconsistent coaxial cable construction, all three of the delay line coaxial cable assemblies are manufactured from the same spool. Delay lines DLY1 and DLY2 are half the length of DLY3. Delay line cables can be neatly coiled in a 1.5 ft diameter coil. Support the weight of the cables by taping or securing them to the support pole or mast rather than allowing them to hang from the connectors. It is important to use 75 feedline to the operating position from the DXE-RFS-2. Do not use amplifiers, combiners, filters or splitters that are not optimized for 75 systems.
The DXE-RFS-2 uses a two part green connector and the top part can be removed by pulling it straight off. This will allow easier wire replacement or servicing as needed. When pushing the connector back in place, ensure you press straight inward. 10
The DXE-EC4 BCD Control Console uses an internal terminal plug labeled G 1 2 3. DXE-EC-4 G 1 2 3 DXE-RFS-2 G A B C
to to to to
Choose a 4-conductor cable (3+ ground) of at least 22 gauge for lengths up to 1500 feet. If you use a cable with more conductors, it is a good idea to tie the unused conductors to ground. Use point-to-point wiring, matching the terminal labels at each end. Economically priced COM-CW4 is a 4 conductor Shielded Control Wire which may be used. The switch position on the DXE-EC-4 BCB controls the directivity of the received signal in the DXE-RFS-SYS3P. Position 1 favors the NE, position 2 favors the SE, position 3 favors the SW and position 4 favors the NW when the array is positioned as shown.
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Figure 5 - Jumper Locations showing Default Settings JMP1 Selects Power Voltage Source: Coax or J12 - Shown in default position, voltage from J12 JMP2 Selects Direction Voltage Source: Coax or J12 - Shown in default position, voltage from J12 JMP3 and JMP4 Select Directional Voltage Configuration, either Differential or BCD. Both Jumpers must be set the same. - Shown in default position for BCD
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Operation
When using the DXE-RFS-2, positions 1 though 4 on the EC-4 BCD Control Box will phase the appropriate active vertical elements to give you excellent receiving capabilities. The front to back signal to noise ratio of the active vertical elements in the four phase array allow you to not only enhance the desired received signal, but also to decrease an unwanted receive signal by selecting a position that will drastically reduce or eliminate it. 14
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Start
Check Internal Jumpers
A
Broken/Shorted Conductors
Green Connector may have broken a wire or is tightened against insulation - not bare wire.
B
Center Conductors slipped
Check all F connector center conductor wires. They may have pulled inward.
C
Shorted/Open conductors due to water
D
Zapped by lightning pulse or RF overload.
Make sure units are at least 1/2wavelength, on the lowest frequency, away from any transmit antenna.
May want to use optional DXETVSU-1 Time Variable Sequence Unit for AVA-2 units.
E
RFS-1 damaged due to lightning. Rare, but can happen
F
Damaged by animals/insects.
Animals have been known to relieve them selves on the units and the urine will corrode and damage electronics.
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A) Broken and/or shorted conductors due to animal, weather or other damage, including chewed, punctured, stretched and broken control and power lines and/or feedlines for the system and each antenna. Also, screws in the green removable connectors can inadvertently be tightened onto the insulation of control or power conductors. B) Regressed center conductors in the feedlines causing disengagement from the female center capture pin of the F connector. This can happen in delay lines as well as in antenna or main feedline connections. Many times a compression F connector that seems to have a long enough center conductor when it was made, has regressed to the point that it is not long enough to make proper contact. A properly installed F connector should have the center conductor protruding 1/4 inch beyond the shell when viewed from the side. Check all F connectors! C) Shorted or opened conductors caused by water migration into a control line or a feedline. Over 80% of all Receive Four Square malfunctions have been caused by the above system problems. A thorough inspection and subsequent testing of each control cable, RF cable, and their respective connections, will uncover the cause of most RFS troubles. Here are a few other causes for RFS malfunction: D) One or more burned out Active Vertical Antenna units model AVA-2 or AVA-1, due to lightning pulse or high power RF overload. One-half wavelength on the lowest frequency is the minimum distance between the Active antennas and any transmit antennas. If that distance is less and high power is used, then the Time Variable Sequence Unit, model DXE-TVSU-1A must be used to interrupt power to the AVA-2 units. E) Damaged RFS-2 unit due to lightning. This has been reported only a couple of times and is not very likely. F) Active units that were damaged by animals. Once we received actives damaged by an animal that relieved themselves on the antenna whips and AVA units, as if they were trees. The above items are the most common failure points in the system that need to be checked. If necessary, the following further troubleshooting procedure may assist in finding the malfunction.
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2)
Forward Direction
1 2 3 Element 1 (Default) 1 #1 0 0 1 Element 2 2 #2 1 0 1 Element 3 3 #3 0 1 1 Element 4 4 #4 1 1 1 BCD Directional Control Matrix, 1 Equals +12 Vdc (Default)
BCD Termial
The numbered terminals of the 4-pin green connector correspond to the numbers in the table above, with voltage measured as referenced to the G ground terminal. 3) If the voltages are not normal, less than +10 to 18 Vdc, with the control line connected, then disconnect the control line and retest the Control Console. If voltages that were not correct, are now okay, that indicates a short in the control line or a problem in or beyond the RFS-2 Receive Four Square relay unit. If the EC-4 has only a couple LEDs lit with the control cable disconnected, then it may have sustained lightning pulse damage and will need to be repaired or replaced. A new DXE-EC-4 is available from DX Engineering.
4)
Continue troubleshooting the array control with a good EC-4 or by using a 1A fused power source. 5) 6) Determine if the control line is intact by resistance or voltage testing each conductor for shorts with the far end of the control cable disconnected from the RFS-2 unit. With a good EC-4 or other power source connected, measure A, B and C control conductor voltages at the RFS relay unit with the control cable connected, and again at the end of the control cable that is disconnected from the RFS relay unit. If measured voltages are not between +10 to 18 Vdc on the selected line, a resistive, short or open circuit problem exists in the control line or in the RFS relay unit or antenna feedlines. Normal voltages on the connected control line will cause relays to switch inside the RFS unit. If switching voltages are correct, 18
lack of system directivity or gaps in reception may be due to antenna, feedline or delay line issues. 7) Test the Active Antennas by feeding a voltage on the tested control line A and/or B conductor(s) to select one direction of RFS unit operation. Simultaneously feed normal operating voltage on the tested conductor that powers the Active Verticals for reception. If a low value fuse blows, then a short circuit may be isolated by disconnecting antennas and reconnecting them one at a time. If no fuses have blown and connected voltages stay near the nominal +12 Vdc levels, then: 8) Test for active operating voltage at the end of each antenna feedline. If all are good, proceed. If not, repair feedlines and/or connectors. If voltage is present on the power line to the RFS relay unit, but is not measured at the end of good feedlines, inspect inside RFS-2 relay unit to determine if there is an obvious reason that Active Vertical Antenna power is not making it out the antenna ports. A bad connection outside of the RFS relay unit is usually the problem, and rarely has a component failure inside the RFS relay unit been discovered. If the system previously functioned properly, then the internal jumpers would have been previously set in their proper positions for your system configuration. If you are troubleshooting a new system or using a replacement unit, check that the internal jumpers in the RFS-2 unit are set correctly for your system control and voltage configuration. Proper Receive Four Square phasing requires that each Active Vertical Antenna, and its respective equal length feedline, actually provides the same signal level to the RFS unit. Use a steady, non-fading ground wave signal from a low or medium power daytime AM Broadcast station that is over 10 miles away, on a frequency high in the band, or another constant signal source on 160 or 80 meters, well away from the array, to test that each Active Vertical receives the same signal level. Do not use sky wave or night signals for these signal level tests. 9) Test reception of each Active Vertical Antenna by connecting each antenna feedline, one at a time, to an activated port on the RFS-2. This assumes that a good port has been identified and is functioning properly. Normal reception must be confirmed from each antenna. If any antenna is not providing the proper RF signal level, move the AVA unit to a known good feedline position to rule out the possibility that a bad feedline is attenuating the RF. If one or more Active Receive Verticals produce a low or no signal, then the AVA unit at the base of that antenna may not be receiving power. Retest for DC power at the antenna end of that feedline. If + 10 to 18 Vdc is found, then the Active unit may need to be serviced or replaced. New DXEAVA-2 units are available separately by calling DX Engineering.
10) If all Active Verticals tested provide the same signal level, then change switching voltages to activate the other ports, one at a time, and test each RFS unit port, using one of the good antennas, testing for the same level of reception. If one or more ports is dead or has diminished reception, there may be a problem in a delay line or in the RFS unit. 11) Using tested or replaced delay lines and connectors, if one or more ports is dead or has diminished reception, the RFS unit may require service or replacement. 19
At this point, the problem in your system should have been identified. If you need additional assistance from DX Engineering, feel free to call or write. Detailed discussions of system function, connections, and troubleshooting is best handled by telephone, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, at 330-572-3200.
Optional Items
DXE-WP-102 - 102 inch Stainless Steel Whip
This 102'' whip antenna is made from the finest 17-7 ph tapered stainless steel which resists bending and kinking. This material is so tough it can be bent 180 degrees and will spring back to its original shape. Dissipation tip to reduce unwanted static buildup. Fits all 3/8 x 24 threaded mounts.
Can be bent 180 degrees and will spring back to its original shape Resist bending and kinking Excellent for all off-road terrain
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DXE-F6-1000 - 75 F-6 Style Direct Bury Coax, 1000 ft. Spool Hi Quality "Flooded" Coax
Sold by the spool, or as Custom Cable Assemblies Center Conductor: 18 AWG Copper-Clad Steel , Nominal Diameter: 0.040 in. Dielectric: Gas Expanded Polyethylene, Nominal Diameter Over Dielectric: 0.180 in. Shield: 1st Shield: Aluminum-Polypropylene-Aluminum, Laminated Tape with overlap Bonded to the Dielectric, Nominal Diameter Over Tape: 0.187 in. 2nd Shield: 34 AWG Aluminum Braid Wire, 60% Coverage Jacket: PE (Flooded for Underground), Nominal Diameter Over Jacket: 0.272 in. , Nominal Jacket Thickness: 0.030 in. Electrical Properties: Impedance: 75.0 +/- 3.0 s, Velocity of Propagation: 85.0% Nominal We recommend the use of Snap-N-Seal connectors to ensure a high quality and weather resistant feedline connection. The proper tool must be used to install these connectors.
DXE-CPT-659 - Coax Cable Stripper for CATV F-6, RG-6 and RG-59 coaxial cable
Prepares CATV F-6, RG-6 and RG-59 coaxial cable for the installation of an "F" type connector. One-step cutting motion Precision cut No nicks or scratches to conductor Includes 1 replacement blade
DXE-SNS6-25 - Watertight Coaxial Cable Connector, Snap-N-Seal for CATV F-6 Cable, 25 pieces
Snap-N-Seal is an environmentally sealed CATV F coaxial connector system for harsh environments. The connectors have a unique, 360 degree radial compression system that offers the signal leakage protection required for high performance receive systems. Quad sealed system prevents moisture from migrating into the connection 360 degree radial compression provides superior RF integrity (-95 dB typical, 60% bonded foil cable) Easy cable preparation Connector to cable retention of 40 lbs minimum Superb impedance match to 1 GHz Manufactured of high quality 360 brass, cadmium plated with yellow chromate coating for maximum corrosion resistance UV-resistant plastic and O-rings provide a reliable environmentally sealed connector An installation tool, such as the DXE-SNS-CT1, is required to install the connectors. Normal crimping tools or pliers will not work.
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Control timing of PTT turn-on, hang delay of PTT, amplifier hang delay, external antenna relay hang delay and turn-on delay of auxiliary output Dip switch settable delays of 0-30 milliseconds in 2 millisecond steps Side tone generator that follows input of keyer or hand key not transmitter Side tone pitch can be programmed from 300 to 1000 Hz in 50 Hz steps, front panel headphone jack with adjustable volume Supports CW full break in Can control external power to our Active Receive Antennas and permit operation in closer proximity to transmit antennas
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Technical Support
If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation, contact DX Engineering at (330) 572-3200. You can also e-mail us at: [email protected] For best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call.
Warranty
All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment. DX Engineerings sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or any other work, unless such charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering. If DX Engineerings products are claimed to be defective in material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to DX Engineering (transportation-charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered defective by reason of improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as prolonged exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyers specifications. In addition, DX Engineerings warranties do not extend to other equipment and parts manufactured by others except to the extent of the original manufacturers warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under the foregoing warranties are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other remedies including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING. DX Engineering 2011 DX Engineering, DXE, Hot Rodz, Maxi-Core, THUNDERBOLT, Antenna Designer, Yagi Mechanical, and Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or other trademarks is given or implied. All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners. Specifications subject to change without notice.
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