Alinco EDX-3 User guide

HF AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

EDX-3

Instruction Manual

Thank you for purchasing your new Alinco accessory.
This Instruction manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
Please read this manual carefully before using the product and keep it for future
reference.
Please be aware that EDX-3 is made especially for Alinco transceivers, and Alinco
is not responsible of any inconveniences when used with radios of other
manufacturers. Alinco can not provide connection instructions to use EDX-3 with
transceivers of other makes.

IMPORTANT

• As a nature of this product, it generates a very high voltage to the antenna
element and other terminals up to several kilovolts.
For this, some countries apply the height restrictions of such devices for
installations. At any case install EDX-3 and elements in the way that a person or
pets can’t access and touch it.

• Modern vehicles/vessels are made of cutting-edge electronics technology.
Transmitting RF signals while driving/navigating may cause interferences to those
electronics devices risking accidents. Be sure to check the safety of operation
before driving/navigating.
Alinco does not reccomend transmission while driving a vehicle, and declines
any responsibility for any consequence RF intereference may cause.

WARNING

To prevent any hazard during operation of Alinco’s radio product, in this manual and
on the product you may find symbols shown below. Please read and understand
the meanings of these symbols before starting to use the product.

Word Definition

Danger

CAUTION

NOTE

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock may occur.

Equipment damage may occur.

Precautions to avoid inconveniences.

DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER touch the antenna terminal, ground

terminal, antenna or counterpoise while transmitting. Place the EDX-3, antenna and
counterpoise in positions where no one can touch them.

NEVER use without a ground connection.

NEVER transmit during internal maintenance. This may cause an electric

shock.

USE the ground terminal for ground connection. The mounting plate is not
connected internally.

Ground terminal

Mounting plate is NOT grounded.

DO NOT operate your transceiver when enough current is not available.
Be cautious to battery drain (flat-battery) of your car/boat.

AVOID using the EDX-3 in areas where the temperature is below -20°C

1

(-4°F) or above +60°C (+140°F).

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

The following accessories are supplied with the EDX-3.

A

B

C

D

E

Qt y.

A U-bolts ........................................................................... 2

B U-bolt plates .................................................................. 2

C Flat washers (M6) ........................................................... 8

D Spring washers (M6) ...................................................... 8

E Nuts (M6) ....................................................................... 8

F Hex head bolts (M6×50) ................................................ 4

G Self-tapping screws (A0 6×30) ...................................... 4

H Weatherproof cap .......................................................... 1

I Ground cable ................................................................. 1

• Standard accessory may vary depending on the model you have purchased.
Please consult with your Alinco dealer for the details before purchase.

F

G

H

I

Optional items necessary to
operate EDX-3

The following parts are additionally required for installation, but are not supplied
with the EDX-3.
Purchase these parts locally according to your preferences.

A AWG 14×4-conductor shielded cable or grounded antenna with base
B Fixing hardware such as a metal mast or a car antenna bracket
C Materials like Isolation tape to protect connectors from water and salt
D Tools to be used during the installation
E Common mode filtering parts such as ferrite cores and beads

2

FEATURES

Matches all bands

EDX-3 matches any frequency on every HF band across 1.8-30 MHz.

Full automatic tuning

Just press the [TUNE] key on the transceiver, and EDX-3 adjusts immediately to the
minimum SWR of any frequency on any HF band*.

HF operation anywhere

EDX-3 allows you HF operation where antenna element length is restricted due to
space.

Weather resistant*

EDX-3 is housed in a durable, weather resistant ASA case with a rubber gasket.
The antenna tuner can be conveniently installed even outdoor.

250 memories for shorter tuning time

To decrease the tune-up time, EDX-3 automatically stores the matching conditions
for up to 250 frequencies. Re-tuning for a memorized frequency takes only a
second.

Low power tune up

EDX-3 emits low output power during tuning. This feature reduces the possibility of
causing interference to other stations.

Tuner through function

The tuner through function is built into EDX-3. This function helps improve receiver
gain, depending on the antenna element length used, and operating frequency.

* Please note that some restrictions may apply to antenna length and conditions of

use.
Details are contained in this manual.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT ………………………………………………… 1

WARNING …………………………………………………… 1

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ……………………………… 2

Optional items necessary to operate EDX-3 ………… 2

FEATURES ………………………………………………… 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………… 4

ANTENNA SYSTEM ……………………………………… 5

Antenna for ship ………………………………………………………… 5
Antenna for land operation …………………………………………… 6
Ground and counterpoise ……………………………………………… 7

INSTALLATIONS …………………………………………… 9

Installation outline ……………………………………………………… 9
Mounting ……………………………………………………………… 10
Operation …………………………………………………………… 12

CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS ………………………… 13

Terminal information ………………………………………………… 13
About extending cables length …………………………………… 13

UNIT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS ……… 14

Unit description ……………………………………………………… 14
Specications ………………………………………………………… 14

4

ANTENNA SYSTEM

Antenna for ship

Required antenna element length

Required antenna element length to achieve full performance varies
according to the lowest frequency:

The lowest frequency Required antenna element length

1.9 MHz band (1.8MHz) 12m; 39.4 feet or longer

3.5 MHz band 7 m; 9.8 feet or longer

Undesirable antenna element lengths

AVOID multiples of 1⁄2λ (half wavelength) for antenna element lengths,
since tuning becomes difficult and may cause damages to the tuner.

L : Antenna element length to be avoided [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]
n : Natural number (n = 1, 2, 3, ...)

1

L =

300

f

×

n

×

2

 [Example]

At an operating frequency of 14 MHz, avoid the following antenna element
lengths:

300

1

×

L =

14

1 m 39 inches

n

×

2

10.7m, 21.4m ...

 [Installation]

Insulator

Backstay operates as
a long-wire antenna.

Insulator

5

ANTENNA SYSTEM

Pay extra attention to the ship, its equipment, crew and

WARNING

NOTE

passengers’s safety for installation of the system. Cables are easily
accessible in smaller vessels.

Whip antenna

Keep antennas as far away from other objects as possible,
especially metal objects to avoid short-circuiting.

Antenna for land operation

For land mobile operation, an optional grounded whip antenna and an antenna mount
are necessary. Please consult your dealer for suitable antenna and a mounting base.
Connect a suitable length of antenna cable to the antenna terminal.
To achieve full performance, refer to “Required antenna element length” on P.5. Also
refer to the “Ground and counterpoise” chapter in the next page to ground the tuner. A
good ground or a counterpoise is essential not only for proper operations but also for
your own safety.

Car bottom hook mount (option)

Mobile antenna element (option)

The explanation about antenna elements herein are for your reference purposes. The
best element for you depends on options such as the diameter and material of the
element, bare wire or covered, and conditions of installation. It can’t be explained

NOTE

quantitatively and theoretically in practice. You may find information about ATU and its
antenna theories on radio magazines and on the internet.
Alinco strongly suggests to refer to such information in general for the efficiency and
your safety purposes.

WARNING

Modern vehcles are made of cutting­edge electronics technologies.
Transmitting high RF power may cause
interferences to such electronics
devices and risks your safety.
The manufacturer suggests NOT to use
EDX-3 while driving, and not
responsible of any consequences such
interferences may cause to you and
your proper t y.

6

ANTENNA SYSTEM

[Examples of mobile and fixed station setup]

Example of grounding Ground Ground

Insulate the lead-in cable of the EDX-3 antenna terminal and
antenna element from other metal objects.

NOTE

While operating outdoor, be sure that no one can access to antenna
elements and counterpoise. Touching them may cause serious
injur y.

Ground and counterpoise

The EDX-3’s ground terminal MUST be connected to ground. Grounding
prevents electric shocks, interference to other equipment and other
problems. Grounding also ensures effective signal transmission.
DANGER! NEVER connect the ground terminal to the following points.
These connections may cause an explosion or electric shocks:
– Gas or electrical pipe
– Fuel tank or oil-catch pan
IMPORTANT! The mounting plate is NOT connected to the EDX-3’s internal

ground.
Be sure to use designated grounding terminal , not the plate
to ground.

Ideal ground points

One of following points is ideal:
– External ground plate
– External copper screen
– External copper foil

Good ground points for ships

If electrically connected to sea water, one of the following points is usable:
– Stainless steel stanchion
– Through mast
– Through hull
– Metal water tank

Undesirable ground points

AVOID the following points. These connections may cause noise or
electrolysis:
– Engine block

7

– Ship’s DC battery ground

The explanation about grounds and counterpoise herein are for your reference
purposes. The best ground for you depends on options such where and how to ground,
or the diameter and material of the radials, bare wire or covered, and conditions of

NOTE

installation.
It can’t be explained quantitatively and theoretically in practice. You may find information
about ATU and its ground theories on radio magazines and on the internet.

Electrolysis

Transceiver

ANTENNA SYSTEM

All ground cables from the EDX-3, HF transceiver, etc. on your ship should
be connected to only 1 ship’s ground.
AVOID connection to 2 or more points. Voltage difference between 2 or
more ship’s grounds may cause electrolysis.
AVOID connection between dissimilar metals where an electric current is
present. These connections may cause electrolysis.

Antenna
element

Control
cable

Antenna
cable

Counterpoise

In case a good ground is not available, connect a counterpoise as shown
below.

1⁄4λ radial for
each band

1⁄4λ (quarter wavelength) radial for each band is suitable for a counterpoise.
Install the counterpoise directly below the EDX-3’s ground terminal. Insulate
the ends of each radial from other metal objects. Layout the radial
horizontally and as straight as possible.

EDX-3

Ground terminal

EDX-3

（線を張ったり曲げたりするときは碍子
　などで壁や金属から絶縁）

Ground
wire

Antenna element

Ground

L : Counterpoise length for the operating frequency [m]
f : Operating frequency [MHz]

L =

× × 0.95 x odd number (1,3,5...)

4

f

1

300

Notice: The loaded ratio of 0.95 is indicative. It is affected by your radial

cable materials and condition of the installation.

8

INSTALLATIONS

 [Example]

Ground cable

At an operating frequency of 14 MHz, use a counterpoise with the following
length:

300

14

1

× 0.95 = 5.09m

×

4

When grounding to metal hull

Use a Zinc anode to protect the hull from electrolysis.
Ask your ship dealer, installer or refer to a technical book, etc., for
RF ground details.

L =

For best results, use the heaviest gauge wire or metal strap available to you.
Make the distance between the tuner and ground as short as possible.

Confirm that the through mast is electrically connected to sea water if it is
used as a ground.

WARNING

INSTALLATIONS

Please read the instruction manuals of Alinco HF transceivers for details.
EDX-3 maybe refered to as EDX-2, but connection and operation instructions remain
unchanged. EDX-3 supports all ALINCO DX-series HF transceivers that EDX-2 is
usable.

Installation outline

A Mount the EDX-3 in the desired location.

• Refer to p. 10 “Mounting.”

B Connect the control cable and the coaxial between the transceiver and

the EDX-3.

• Refer to your transceiver’s manual for details.

C Connect an antenna, ground or counterpoise.

• Refer to previous chapters for details.

9

Mounting

 Mounting on a Mast/Metal pole

 Wiring of Antenna element and stay

WARNING

INSTALLATIONS

Mast/
Metal pole

U-bolt

U-bolt plate

Mount the EDX-3 securely with the supplied nuts and bolts.
Otherwise, vibrations and shocks while moving. could loosen the
antenna tuner making if fall, causing personal injury.

Using U-bolts

Flat washer
Spring washer

Nut

Antenna element

Wall/Roof

Stay rope

Use high-quality insulators, hardware and stay ropes to securely fix element
cable.

This device generates mechanical noise of relays. This is a nature

NOTE

of this product and not a defect. Please pay extra attention to your
neighbors about such noise.

10

INSTALLATIONS

 Mounting on a at surface

Using nuts and bolts Using self-tapping

screws

Spring washer

Nut

Flat washer

Flat washer

Hex headbolt

Weatherproof cap

Drill a hole here
Diameter:7–8 mm;

352mm

9

⁄32–5⁄16 inches

11

Operation

INSTALLATIONS

Please read the instruction manuals of Alinco HF transceivers for the
operation.
EDX-3 is a complete replacement of previous EDX-2, and operation is totally
the same.
EDX-3 supports all ALINCO DX-series HF transceivers that EDX-2 is usable.

EDX-3 is made especially for genuine Alinco HF transceivers.

CAUTION

Alinco can’t provide any connection information for transceivers of
other manufacturers.

To reduce the risk of electric shock and RF noise, please follow the
instruction below.

• Separate the transceiver and EDX-3 as far as possible. Roll and store the
excessive length of cables and keep away from the transceiver and tuner.

• Other cables and metal devices such as DC cable, CW keyer or microphone and
cables etc should also be kept as far away as possible from the cables
connected to the tuner.

• NEVER transmit without the element being connected.

Be sure to take tune every time you change the operating frequency even
within the same band.
When “TUNE” icon disappears from the display of the transceiver after
tuning, transmit at full-power and make sure the RF meter on the display
shows the max indication. If tuning is not complete, the poor SWR
protection function limits the output and displays less segments.

12

CONTROL CABLE SIGNALS

TUNE1

Terminal information

Terminal Description

TKEY Key voltage. Grounded during tuning. Max. current

TU N E1 Receives start voltage. Max. current drain 1 mA

13.8V 13.8 V DC + input terminal. Max. current drain 2 A

GND Ground terminal for above signals.

drain 100 mA.

GND

13.8V
TKEY
NC
TUNE1

About extending cables length

The coax and control cables may be extended at your own responsibilities.
Use larger gauge cables when you extend them to minimize the signal loss.
Make same connections as the originals, and be sure to use high-quality
cables for durability especially in case of outdoor installation.

About common mode and ltering

As a character of automatic tuners, you should take countermeasures
against common mode effects. It consists of installing ferrite coils and/or
beads to the coax and controll cables of EDX-3. This also depends on such
factors as the diameter and length of cables. You may search information
by using key words like “antenna tuner common mode filter” on the internet.
Careless installation and operation will cause poor efficiency, damages to
equipment and electric shock. Damages caused by common mode current
voids warranty.

TKEY

13.8V
GND

13

UNIT DESCRIPTION AND
SPECIFICATIONS

Unit description

290mm

225mm

68mm

Mounting plate

Ground terminal

78mm

Specications

• Frequency coverage : 1.8–30 MHz (with 12m; 39.4 feet or longer

• Power supply requirement : 13.8 V DC (supplied from HF transceiver)

• Current drain : Max. 2 A

• Operating temperature range : –20°C to +60°C (–4°F to +140°F)

• Weight : 2.1 kg; 4.6 lb

• Antenna connectors : SO-239 (50 Ω) inside, PL259 (50Ω) Coax

• Max. Input power : 150 W (PEP) 100 W (continuous)

• Automatic tuning time : Approx. 2–3 sec. (general condition) Max. 15

• Automatic tuning accuracy : Less than VSWR 2:1 (after tuning, except for

Antenna terminal

Control cable receptacle

Antenna cable receptacle

Mounting plate

element)

cable

sec. Approx. 1 sec. (re-tuning for a memorized
frequency)

multiples of 1⁄2 λ)

14

Manufacturer :

RoHS

ALINCO,INC.

4-9, 4-Chome, Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0043, Japan
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
http://www.alinco.com/
E-mail: [e-mail]

Information and specifications are subject to change without notice.

We will replace the manual if manufacturing/printing may be defective, but can’t be responsible of eventual typographical

errors and misinterpretations.

Alinco and ALINCO logo are registered trademarks of Alinco Incorporated in Japan,the United States, EU States, Russia,

China and many other countries.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective holders.

Copyright © All right reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, translated or transcribed in any form

or by any means without the prior written permission of Alinco. Inc., Osaka, Japan.

Head Office: Yodoyabashi-Dai Building 13th Floor

EDX-3 com plies with e ssential requirements of the 89/ 336 /
EEC directive for Electro-M agnetic Compatibility.
This compliance is based on confo rmity with EN610 00 -6 -4
and EN61000-6-2.

ALINC O and ALI NC logo are registered trade marks of Alinco Inco rporated (Japa n) in the
United States, the European Com munities, China, Ru ssia and other countries.

Printed in Japan

Copyright Alinco, Inc. PS0923

FNEL-NE