3
Introduction
The patented*
DXE-RTR-1A
Receive Antenna Interface for Transceivers is a unique and simple,
multi-purpose relay unit which automatically switches the RF output antenna connector on any HF
transceiver between a receiving antenna system and a standard transmitting antenna. A manual
override switch allows instantaneous switching between transmit and receive antennas.
Designed specifically for HF transceivers which do not have a receive antenna input, the
DXE-
RTR-1A
enables operators to safely enjoy the improved reception of low noise receiving antenna
system. Connection to Beverages, Reversible Beverages, Active Receive Antennas, and other
receiving antennas and accessories is now possible, only with the
DXE-RTR-1A
.
(* U.S. Patent Number: 8,175,546)
“An Amateur Radio Dilemma”
The benefits of using separate receiving antennas for “low-band” HF operations have been known
for many years. Enthusiasts of operations below 14 MHz have learned that typical transmitting
antennas collect too much noise for reception, especially for DXing on the 160 and 80 meter bands.
Unfortunately, for over three decades, only the most expensive HF transceivers have been
manufactured with a separate receive antenna input. Even so, many older and newer “high-end”
radios do not provide for switching their reception between a receive antenna and the default
transmit antenna, nor do they interrupt the receive input during transmit. To obtain a separate
receive antenna input, certain models required optional equipment or modules which are no longer
available.
For many Amateur Radio Operators, the joy of low-noise, low-band reception with a separate
receive antenna has been out of reach. Modern, “affordable” HF transceivers have been designed
without any provision for a receive antenna connection. Otherwise very capable transceivers, even
brand new models, lack a built-in receive antenna port and relay system.
The DX Engineering Solution
The
DXE-RTR-1A
Receive Antenna Interface for Transceivers, offers a special antenna switching
solution, that incorporates safeguards against accidental RF transmission into a receive antenna
system. The
DXE-RTR-1A
may be used for switching flexibility and to protect the receiver input
during transmit for those transceivers that are so equipped.
Typical homebrew and commercial transmit/receive (T/R) relays, and other receive switching
solutions on the market, offer little or no protection to the receive antenna equipment. Transmitted
energy could damage receiving equipment if keying and timing errors or power loss occurs.
The
DXE-RTR-1A
is a new HF relay system that allows reception only if the unit is powered and
the keying line from the transceiver is connected. As soon as the transceiver is keyed
or
the
DXE-
RTR-1A
loses power at any time, the RF output from the transceiver is automatically diverted to
the transmit antenna connection. A very fast acting (about 4 ms) 200 watt RF capable relay in the
DXE-RTR-1A
diverts the transceiver output quickly enough for QSK operation (full break-in CW)
