DX Engineering DXE-ARAH3-1P Manual de usuario

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Active Receive Antenna

Horizontal Configuration

ARAH3-1P - Horizontal Active Antenna

Used under US Patent No. 7,423,588

DXE-ARAH-INS-Revision 3f

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200

Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Location Considerations

Warning

General Information

Features

Parts Included with the ARAH System

Additional Items Needed, But Not Supplied

Technical Description

Basic Tools Required

Manual Updates and Information

Installation

Location

Active Matching Unit

Brass Element Blocks

Spacers and Rear Mounting Plate

Mounting Mast

Ground System

Connections

Coaxial Cable Feedline

Low Frequency Response - Internal Jumpers

Troubleshooting Information

Appendix A -Radio Interface Diagrams

Optional Items

Technical Support and Warranty

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Introduction

Ideal for Amateur Radio or Shortwave Listening, the DXE-ARAH3-1P Active Receive Antenna

system (ARAH) offers excellent receiving performance from 100 kHz to 30 MHz using two 102

inch whip antenna elements. DX Engineering’s unique design makes it vastly superior to traditional

active antennas in both strong signal handling and feedline decoupling, providing significantly

better weak signal reception due to lower spurious signal interference and reduced noise.

Location Considerations

The best place to install your active antenna is where you have the recommended space away from

power lines and away from your house, tower or any structures which are excellent sources of

noise. Even passive wiring in a building or metal fencing can act as a pickup antenna and re-radiate

of noise.

The ARAH systems can be affected by local noise sources. Local noise can be random or

directional in nature. Every effort must be made to locate sources of noise that could be eliminated

at the source. Dimmer switches, electric timers, photocell-operated security lights, and many other

items can be sources of unwanted noise. Plasma-screen television receivers are a known generator

of unwanted noise interference. Most modern LED or LCD flat panel televisions are not broadband

noise generators.

If the noise source is external and single directional in nature, using two ARAH antennas in

conjunction with the DXE-NCC-1 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller could allow the

user to phase out the noise being received.

Large transmit antennas are a very good source of re-radiated noise.

Ideally your receive antenna should be a minimum of 1/2-wavelength away from any transmit

antenna (on the lowest frequency) to avoid mutual coupling and the transfer of any noise being re-

radiated by the transmit antenna. If the unit is located 1/10-wavelength to 1/2-wavelength from a

transmitting antenna, the unit must be powered off at least 5 ms before transmitting on the transmit

antenna. However, with this close spacing, coupling from the nearby transmit antennas becomes

more pronounced. At higher frequencies, where the active element length becomes a partial

wavelength, coupling increases further.

To assure highest protection for the active antenna, a sequencer such as the DXE-TVSU-1A should

be used to ensure the correct transmit-to-receive switching. The ARAH series active horizontal

antenna system grounds the antenna element when power is turned off.

Placing a DXE-ARAH3-1P on the same mast or tower as a Yagi or other transmitting antenna is

not recommended for this reason.

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WARNING!

INSTALLATION OF ANY ANTENNA NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS

Warning:Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power

circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take

extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, because they may cause serious injury or

death.

General Information

THIS IS A RECEIVE-ONLY SYSTEM

You should never attempt to transmit through the system.

The use of bypass relays and sequential timing is required to avoid damage to the receiver and

active antennas in the proximity of transmit antennas.

Placing any active receive system on the same mast or tower as the transmit antenna is not

recommended.

A horizontally configured system makes a very sensitive horizontally polarized receiving antenna

that is ground independent. Horizontal polarization will greatly reduce ground-wave propagated

noise in congested urban environments. Light weight and low wind resistance reduces support

requirements and if rotation is desired, you can use a lightweight antenna rotator. The

inconspicuous whip antenna elements also have excellent wind survivability.

This compact receiving antenna system operates over a very wide bandwidth with superior strong

signal performance. The output Third Order Intercept (TOI) is approximately +30 dBm. This is

significantly better than most aftermarket preamplifiers and receivers - making it one of the cleanest

active antennas on the market, reducing or eliminating spurious signals.

Feedline decoupling, absent in some other popular designs, is also exceptionally good. Decoupling

the shield greatly reduces feedline conducted noise and unwanted signal interference

The ARAHsystems can be affected by local noise sources. Local noise can be random or

directional in nature. Every effort must be made to locate sources of noise that could be eliminated

at the source. Dimmer switches, electric timers, photocell-operated security lights, and many other

items can be sources of unwanted noise. If the noise source is directional in nature, using two

ARAH antennas in conjunction with the DXE-NCC-1 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing

Controller would allow the user to phase out the noise being received. Plasma-screen television

receivers are becoming more popular and are a known generator of unwanted noise interference.

Two active antennas can be used with the DXE-NCC-1 Noise Canceling Receive Antenna

Controller to make a steerable horizontal array. The DXE-NCC-1 can also provide power for the

active antennas and the proper transmit power-off sequencing.

The DXE-ARAH active antennas may be used in installations when spacing from transmit antennas

is at least 1/10-wavelegth or more. Ideally you should be a minimum of 1/2-wavelength away from

any transmit antenna (on the lowest frequency) to avoid mutual coupling and the transfer of noise

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being re-radiated by the transmit antenna. The DXE-ARAH series active horizontal antenna

system also grounds the antenna element when power is turned off for protection of the active

devices.

When using transmitting radio systems and RF amplifiers a sequencer such as the DXE-TVSU-1A

Time Variable Sequencer Unit should be used to ensure the correct timing while switching from

receive to transmit, and back to receive.

Features

Sensitive − weak signal sensitivity rivaling full size antennas

Wide Bandwidth –100 kHz to 30 MHz

Excellent Strong Signal Handling − outstanding Third Order Intercept of +30 dBm

Reduced Noise − quiet FET followers and exceptional feedline shield isolation

Close Spacing from Transmit Antennas –element grounded at power-off

Long Life − high quality stainless and brass mounting hardware, metal enclosure

Compact − stainless steel tapered element has low visual and environmental impact

Easy Mounting and Installation Flexibility − pre-drilled mounting plate and universal V-

saddle clamps

Parts Included with the ARAH System

Non-conductive mounting plates

Solid brass element mounting blocks

Two high quality 102 in. tapered stainless steel elements

Active matching system w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relay

DXE-FVI-1 Feedline Voltage Injector − powers the AVA unit and provides the radio connections

Wall Transformer: 120 VAC 60 Hz to +12 Vdc, 500 mA

Two element connection wires

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Mounting Clamps and hardware for mounting

Additional Items Needed, But Not Supplied

Mast mounting pipe

DXE-F6 - 75ΩF-6 Style, Direct Bury Coaxial Cable: Full Spool or Custom Cable Assemblies.

Flooded coaxial cable is recommended. CATV F-6 is a high quality 75Ωflooded coaxial cable.

Contact DX Engineering to have custom lengths of CATV F-6 cable manufactured with DXE-SNS6

- Snap-N-Seal 75 ohm Coaxial Connectors installed.

DXE-CPT-659 - Coax Cable Stripper for CATV F-6, RG-6 and RG-59 coaxial cable. DX

Engineering’s economical stripping tool prepares CATV F-6 style coax for connectors in one

operation and includes an extra cutting cartridge.

DXE-SNS6-25 - Watertight Coaxial Connector, Snap-N-Seal for CATV F-6 Cable, 25 pieces

The feedline shield is used as the ground return for the active antenna power, so the feedline

connections must be high quality and weather resistant. For this reason, it is recommended using

Snap-N-Seal type F connectors.

DXE-SNS-CT1 - Compression Tool for Snap-N-Seal 75ΩCoaxial Connectors. The DXE-

SNS6-25 connectors cannot be installed with normal crimping tools or pliers. An installation tool

such as the DXE-SNS-CT1 is essential for proper connector installation.

PTX-82180 - DX Engineering Approved RTV Sealant. Permatex Black RTV Sealant, Non-

Acetic. Avoid using any corrosive sealant which has a vinegar-like smell.

PTX-81343 - Anti-Seize should be used on stainless steel hardware (small amount on threads) to

prevent galling.

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Technical Description

This compact receiving antenna system is designed to operate over a very wide bandwidth from the

broadcast band to 30 MHz with superior strong signal performance. The Third Order Intercept

(TOI) is approximately +30 dBm, reducing or eliminating spurious signals.

Exceptional feedline decoupling, absent in some other popular designs, greatly reduces feedline

conducted noise and unwanted signal interference.

The active matching system requires well filtered +10 to +15 Vdc @ 50 mA nominal current. This

power must be supplied through the feedline using the included DXE-FVI-1 Feedline Voltage

Injector and wall mounted transformer power supply (also included). Alternatively, well filtered

station +12 VDC, 1A power may be used with a 1 amp in-line fuse. If used, the DXE-TVSU-1A

Time Variable Sequencer Unit or DXE-NCC-1 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller will

supply power for multi-element arrays. The DXE-TVSU-1A Time Variable Sequencer Unit and the

DXE-NCC-1 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller will interrupt the power to the ARAH

for proper grounding during the transmit operation of the transceiver.

Basic Tools Required

5/16", 7/16", 1/2" wrenches or nut drivers, and a 5/8" wrench

# 2 Phillips Head Screw Driver

Manual Updates and Information

Every effort is made to supply the latest manual revision with each product. Occasionally a manual

will be updated between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it.

Please check the DX Engineering web site (www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision manual.

Installation

Location

The best place to install your active antenna is where you have the recommended space. The

ARAH should be located a minimum of 1/2-wavelength (at the lowest transmit frequency used)

away from any transmit antenna. The ARAH antenna should be mounted on its own mast at a

minimum elevation of 20 feet.

If the unit is located 1/10-wavelength to 1/2-wavelength from a transmitting antenna, the unit must

be powered off at least 5 ms before transmitting on the transmit antenna. The sequencer such as

model DXE-TVSU-1A must be used to ensure the correct transmit-to-receive switching.

With this close spacing, coupling from nearby transmit antennas or metal structures becomes more

pronounced. At higher frequencies, where the active element length becomes a partial wavelength,

coupling increases further. Placing an ARAH on the same mast or tower as a Yagi or other

transmitting antenna is not recommended for this reason.

The mounting plate assembly consists of two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Mounting Clamps, two black

polymer plates, 4 polymer spacers and two brass whip-mounting blocks and the associated stainless

steel hardware.

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Use PTX-81343 - Anti-Seize on all stainless steel hardware threads to prevent galling when

tightening.

Active Matching Unit

The Active Matching Unit (ARAH) mounts to the front mounting plate.

Mount the ARAH with the ANT − terminal up towards the six element

block holes, using 5/8" bolts and hardware. Use a flat washer under each

bolt and a flat and split washer under each nut (See Figure 1).

Figure 1

Brass Element Blocks

The ARAH uses two 102 inch whip elements in a dipole configuration.

The brass element blocks that hold the whip elements can be mounted

using the pre-drilled holes either horizontal or at a 30up angle. The up

angle allows the natural droop of the whip elements to be even with the

horizontal plane of the ARAH. The following describes assembly with the

30up angle. Once the mounting plates are assembled, the orientation

may be changed by loosening the mounting hardware and moving the

brass blocks to the lower holes and re-assembling the hardware.

Turn the black front mounting plate over so the ARAH is on the bottom or

back side. Orient the black front mounting plate with the six brass element

mounting block holes closer to the top, as shown in Figure 2. Attach the Figure 2

antenna wire (shown in Figure 5) to each of the brass element blocks using the 5/16" x 1/2" hex

bolt, nut, one flat and one star washer. The 7/16" x 1-1/2" bolts, flat washers, split washers, and hex

nuts will be used to mount the brass element blocks to the mounting plate as shown in Figure 2

after the spacers and rear mounting plate are installed as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

Make sure the threaded hole in the element blocks for the antenna elements are facing up and

outward and the antenna wires are on top. Use a flat washer under each bolt and a flat and split

washer under each nut. Do not over-tighten.

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Spacers and Rear Mounting Plate

The rear mounting plate is held to the front mounting

plate using spacers to allow room for the Brass

Element Blocks. The four polymer spacers are

installed using the smaller 1-3/4" bolts and hardware

as shown in Figure 3 and 4. Oversize fender washers

go under each bolt, and on the opposite side against

the polymer mounting plate. The lock washers and

nuts go on last. Tighten all hardware used to assemble

the mounting plate.

Figure 3

The two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Mounting Clamps are inserted

from the opposite side of the mounting plate from the ARAH.

The aluminum backing plate (Figure 3) is used between the

saddle clamps and the mounting plate assembly as shown. The

large holes in the front mounting plate (Figure 2) are used for

tightening the clamp hardware. These clamps accept mast sizes

from 1" to 2". The mast should not extend more than 2" beyond

the top clamp to prevent unwanted interference with the active

elements. Tighten each side of the clamps evenly, but do not

over tighten. Use Anti-Seize on the clamp threads to prevent

galling when tightening.

Figure 4

Referring to Figure 5 connect the element feed wires from the brass element blocks to the ANT+

and ANT-terminals on the ARAH. The ring terminal on the feed wire should go between the flat

washers. Do not use pliers or other tools to tighten the wing nuts on the ANT terminals; hand-

tighten them only.

Figure 5

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Mounting Mast

Mounting height depends on local operating conditions, but in general the ARAH

should be at least 20 feet above ground.

Attach the mounting plate to the mast using the two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt

Mounting Clamps through the holes directly below the ARAH. The clamps should

already be inserted from the opposite side of the mounting plate (see Figure 6).

The clamps can work with mast sizes from 1" to 2". The mast should not extend

beyond the top of the mounting plate. This prevents unwanted interference with

the active element. Do not over-tighten the clamps or stress the mounting plate.

Figure 6

V-Saddle Clamp

Mounting

Side View

After final testing (and setting of jumpers if needed - refer to Figure 8) to enhance

weather resistance, place a bead of non-corrosive, PTX-82180 - Approved RTV

Sealant along the seams where the two halves of the ARAH case meet. Leave

small openings in the two bottom seams to allow any condensation to drain. Do

not use sealants that have a vinegar-like smell because they contain acetic acid

which will corrode aluminum.

Ground System

The DX Engineering Horizontal Active Antenna system operates independently from a ground

system. However, steps should be taken to properly protect the mounting mechanism, tower, etc

from lightning by implementing a proper ground system. The 75 Ω coax feedline can be protected

using a DXE-RLP-75FF lightning protector, available from DX Engineering.

Note: DO NOT attach a ground system to either terminal

or the case of the ARAH unit.

Connections

The feed line should be run away from the antenna at the exact center

and at right angles to the antenna elements. If possible, bury the feed

line for some distance from the antenna when the feed line reaches the

ground. This helps to decouple the feedline from unwanted noise. A DX

Engineering Receive Feedline Choke, part number DXE-RFCC-1 will

also ensure feedline decoupling.

Connect a suitable 75 Ω feedline to the type F connector OUTPUT.

Leave a small loop in the feedline to relieve stress on the AVA

connection and securely attach the feedline to the mast below the

mounting plate. Route the feedline away from the antenna at the exact

center and at right angles to the antenna elements. When using a rotator,

allow enough slack in the feedline so the antenna rotates without

binding. Figure 7

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For single antenna installations, the DXE-FVI-1 Feedline Voltage Injector is usually installed near

the operating position. When using the Active Receive Antenna, the DXE-FVI-1 powers the

ARAH active matching amplifier through its ANT feedline connection. See Figure 7.

Important Note: DO NOT connect the ANT terminals to the feed line shield or attach the

feed line shield to the amplifier case.

The feedline connectors must remain dry. Do not place any intentional DC shorts or opens on

the feedline between the FVI-1 and the ARAH. This includes lightning arrestors, splitters, or

any other accessory not intended for feedlines that carry power or control voltages.

The included 120 VAC 60 Hz, +12 Vdc wall mounted transformer power

supply connects to the +12 Vdc input. The center of the 2.1mm power plug is

positive. Larger power supplies or station power may also be used provided

there is an in-line 1 ampere fast-blow fuse. The RCA phono-style plug

connects to the receiver antenna input.

See Appendix A for Radio Interface Options

Coaxial Cable Feedline

Flooded 75 Ω CATV type feedline cable (F-6) is strongly recommended for use with the ARAH

systems. DXE-F6 Flooded 75 Ω CATV type feedline cable has a bonded foil to improve shielding.

Moisture typically seeps in around the shield and can cause increased noise. Flooded style cables

have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small accidental cuts or lacerations of the

jacket. Flooded cable also prevents shield contamination and has a gummy liquid inside that seals

cuts or nicks, displaces water, and can be direct buried.

The feedline is used to provide power for the ARAH matching unit. We

recommend the use of DXE-SNS6-25 Snap-N-Seal type F connectors to

ensure high quality and weather resistant feedline connections. Use the

proper tool to crimp these connectors.

To help decouple the feedline from radiated noise, bury the feedline for some distance from the

antenna when the feedline reaches the ground. A DXE-RFCC-1 DX Engineering Receive Feedline

Choke will also ensure feedline decoupling.

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