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Tuning Relay
To prevent application of unintended, excessive RF power while the SteppIR antenna is
tuning, the OptimizIR controller provides an isolated pair of contacts from a 3.5 mm stereo
jack to interrupt the PTT relay signal to a linear amplifier. The cable is not provided, but a
standard 3.5 mm stereo plug to two RCA plug cable sold for audio applications works well
in most cases. Some more modern amplifier relay control schemes are different and may
not accommodate an RCA plug. Older amplifiers may use high voltage in their PTT circuit
which may be a problem for some transceivers. Please read your amplifier and
transceiver manuals carefully. The 3.5 mm plug tip and ring connect to isolated relay
contacts inside the controller that interrupt the PTT circuit. The sleeve connection serves
as a ground/shield.
Tuning Relay Wiring
Remote Driver
This feature is for the user that needs to have the tower a considerable distance from the
shack and controller. The problem this creates is line loss due to cable lengths over 500
ft. This feature solves that problem by placing another driver board at the base of the
tower and connecting it remotely to the controller in the shack by use of CAT 5 cable.
Now the user only needs to run the control cable up the tower. This option allows the user
to have the shack and the remote driver board up to 2000 ft. away from each other without
any problem with line loss.
This option allows for more flexibility for antenna placement, but it requires a 100-240V
power source at the tower. The capability to talk to the remote driver is built into the
controller, but to utilize this feature, an optional kit is required. This kit includes the remote
driver board, a 24V power supply used to power the remote board at the tower and a
Transceiver
Linear
Amplifier
OptimizIR
Controller
PTT
RELAY
PTT
3.5 mm to dual RCA cable
NC contacts open when
antenna is tuning
tip
ring
