DX Engineering ARAH3-1P Manuel utilisateur

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Active Receive Antenna

Horizontal Configuration

ARAH3-1P - Horizontal Active Antenna

Export Model: ARAH3-1PE

Used under US Patent No. 7,423,588

DXE-ARAH-INS-Revision 3a

P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491

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

Three Piece 102" Receiving Element - DXE-WP-102E

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.

DXE-ARAH3-1P and DXE-ARAH3-1PE are the two Horizontal Active Receive system

packages. The export version DXE-ARAH3-1PEhas an "E" after the model number and contains

two three piece antenna elements -vs- one piece antenna elements. This was done to take advantage

of lower export shipping costs for the antenna elements and to allow DXpeditions to take the three

piece whip antennas in normal luggage.

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

Feedline Voltage Injector − powers the AVA unit and provides the radio connections

Two element connection wires

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

Additional Items Needed, But Not Supplied

Mast 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.

Flooded coaxial cables automatically seal small accidental cuts or lacerations of the cable jacket.

Flooded cables also prevent shield contamination and can be direct-buried. 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

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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.

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

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

UMI-81343 - Anti-Seize should be used on stainless steel hardware (small amount on

threads) to prevent galling.

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 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.

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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.

Use UMI-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 wires to the brass element blocks using the 5/16" x 1/2"bolt, nut, one flat and one star

washer. Use the 7/16" x 1-1/2" bolts, flat washers, split washers, and nuts to mount the brass

element blocks to the mounting plate.

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

outward. 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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Three Piece 102" Receiving Elements - WP-102E (Export version)

The 102" Stainless Steel Tapered Receiving Elements come in two configurations. The ARAH3-1P

has the single piece elements and the ARAH3-1PE has the three piece elements. The three piece

antenna element was manufactured to take advantage of lower export shipping costs for the antenna

elements and to allow DXpeditions to take the three piece whip antennas in normal luggage.

Assembly is required for the three piece version.

The base has the 3/8" thread mount for attaching to the ARAH, there is a middle section, and the

top section has a ball on the end (Figure 6).

The sections are connected using the stainless steel couplers with hex Allen screws. Since the whip

is tapered, there are two different sized couplers. The one with a stripe around the middle is drilled

to fit the lower and middle sections together. The other connector has smaller holes for joining the

middle to the upper section.

Lower Coupler Upper Coupler

(Stripe)

Lower Section Middle Section Upper Section

Figure 6 - Three Section Stainless Steel Tapered Whip Antenna

Once fitted together, use the supplied hex Allen wrench and tighten the hex Allen screws.

Firmly install the receiving element whips in the Brass Element Blocks.

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 7). 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 7

V-Saddle Clamp

Mounting

Side View

After final testing (and setting of jumpers if needed - refer to Figure 9) to

enhance weather resistance, place a bead of non-corrosive, UMI-82180 -

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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.

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 8.

Figure 8 - Connections from the

DXE-FVI-1 to the

DXE-ARAH

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.

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