Array Solutions Four Square Controller
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www.arraysolutions.com
Array Solutions
Ofc: 972 203 2008
350 Gloria Rd.
Fax: 972 203 8811
Sunnyvale, TX 75182
Front to back optimization technique. WX0B’s trick.
One trick that you can do to get the most of your front to back is to set up a signal source on a
nearby hill or even say 1,000 feet away from your array on the ground. The source can be a
mobile rig, or even a VSWR analyzer set to your intended mid frequency of use.
Locate the source in one of the 4 directions of your array, and make sure it is loud enough to be
40-50 dB over S9 on a good receiver connected to your four square system. You can adjust its
antenna length to achieve this signal strength. Just use a coil of wire in a VSWR analyzer and
string it up in a tree or pole. If it is a mobile unit, adjust the output of the radio to get this signal
level.
Rotate the array so the ”back” of the array is pointing at the signal source. You should be able to
see the signal drop dramatically. But you may be able to improve this further by adjusting the two
delay networks a tiny amount while watching the Signal strength. Move one network for a
minimum S meter dip, and then change the other for more of a dip. Going back and forth you
should be able to create a dip of over 35-45 dB!
Once you are happy with this then again readjust the input matching network for best VSWR.
Congratulations. You now have optimized your Array Solutions Four Square Array Controller.