8
placement of the
RFS-3
unit is not critical, however, the feedlines to each of the active
elements must be equal.
If you mount the
RFS-3
on a wood post, it should be grounded to a separate ground rod.
System Operational Overview
The
DXE-RFS-SYS-2P
system is comprised of the
DXE-EC-4
BCD Control Console and the
DXE-RFS-3
Control Unit. These units interconnect and work together.
The
DXE-EC-4
BCD Control Console supplies the n12 Vdc operational voltage as well as
the +12 Vdc BCD control voltage. The operational voltage powers the
DXE-RFS-3
Control Unit
which subsequently powers the active receive elements. The BCD switching voltages cause the
DXE-RFS-3
to change the receiving direction of the array. The
DXE-EC-4
needs a +12 Vdc, 1A,
fused power input which may be supplied by your well filtered and fused power supply
.
If you are using active elements, the
DXE-RFS-3
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-3
also cuts power to the active elements which causes the
AVA2
to
ground the vertical element.
Installation
The
DXE-RFS-3
Control Unit can be mounted to a galvanized pipe driven
into the ground. The
DXE-RFS-3
unit has been pre-drilled to
accommodate up to a 2 inch OD pipe using the included
DXE-SSVC-2P
Stainless Steel V-Bolt Saddle Clamp for 1" to 2" OD pipe. If smaller 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. The controller can
also be mounted on a sturdy wooden post, but provision for grounding the
DXE-RFS-3
unit must be made.
The
DXE-RFS-3
is designed to be used with the DX Engineering Active Vertical Antennas or, it
can 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.
Active Antenna Elements - If Used
If you are planning to use the array on 160m, a jumper in the active
antenna matching units should be changed. Placing a jumper on
L1MF
will peak the array sensitivity response for use on 160m,
with little effect on 80m. When doing this the sensitivity for the
AM broadcast band will be reduced. All four active elements in the
array must have identical jumper settings.
Figure 3 - Active Element
L1MF
Jumper Locations
