DX Engineering DXE-ARAV4-1P, DXE-ARAV4-2P, DXE-ARAV4-4P, DXE-ARAV4-8P User Manual

Download

Active Receive Antenna

Vertical Configuration

DXE-ARAV4-1P - Single Vertical Antenna

DXE-ARAV4-2P - Two Vertical Array Package (for use with NCC-2)

DXE-ARAV4-4P - Four Vertical Array Package

DXE-ARAV4-8P - Eight Vertical Array Package

Used under US Patent No. 7,423,588

DXE-ARAV4-INS-Revision 0a

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200

Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail: DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com

- 1 -

Introduction

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.

Ideal for Amateur Radio or Shortwave Listening, the DXE-ARAV4 Active Receive Antenna systems (ARAV4) offer excellent receiving performance from 100 kHz to 30 MHz using a 3-piece aluminum antenna element only 102 inches long. 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 noise.

The ARAV4 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 ARAV4 antennas in conjunction with the DXE-NCC-2 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 reradiated 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 reradiated 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 much higher frequencies above 25 MHz, where the active element length becomes a partial wavelength, coupling increases further. Placing a DXE-ARAV4 on the same mast or tower as a Yagi or other transmitting antenna is not recommended for this reason.

When installed closer than 1/2-wavelength on the lowest frequency from a transmit antenna, to assure highest protection for the active antenna, a DXE-TVSU-1B Time Variable Sequencer Unit should be used to ensure the correct transmit-to-receive switching. The ARAV4 series active vertical antenna system grounds the antenna element when power is turned off.

- 2 -

General Information

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 ARAV4 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. If the noise source is directional in nature, using two ARAV4 antennas in conjunction with the DXE-NCC-2 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller would allow the user to phase out the noise being received. 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.

Systems Packages

There are 4 Vertical Active Receive system packages. (DXE-ARAV4-1P, -2P, -4P, -8P)

DXE-ARAV4-1P

 Non-conductive mounting plate  Aluminum 3-piece antenna element  AVA-2 Active matching system w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relay  DXE-FVI-1 - Feedline Voltage Injector − powers the matching system and provides radio

connections

 Wall mounted transformer +12 Vdc (120 Vac 60 Hz to +12 Vdc @ 1A)  Stainless steel clamps and hardware

DXE-ARAV4-2P - The two active antennas system package DXE-ARAV4-2P is intended to be

used with the optional DXE-NCC-2 Noise/Phase Controller to make a steerable dual vertical array. The NCC-2 can also provide power (internal jumper selectable) for the active antennas and the proper transmit power-off sequencing.

 (2) Non-conductive mounting plates  (2) High quality tapered aluminum antenna elements  (2) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays  (2) Element connection wires, pair, with ring and fork terminals  (2) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware

- 3 -

DXE-ARAV4-4P - The four active antennas system package DXE-ARAV4-4P is intended for

use with the optional DXE-RFS-SYS-2P Receive Four-Square system to build a Four-Square Receiving Array. The RFS-SYS-2P which has provision for powering the active antennas

 (4) Non-conductive mounting plates  (4) High quality tapered aluminum antenna elements  (4) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays  (4) Element connection wires, pair, with ring and fork terminals  (4) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware

DXE-ARAV4-8P - The eight active antennas system package DXE-ARAV4-8P is intended for

use with the optional DXE-RCA8C-SYS-2P Receive Eight Circle system to build an Eight Circle Receiving Array. The RCA8C which has provision for powering the active antennas

 (8) Non-conductive mounting plates  (8) High quality tapered aluminum antenna elements  (8) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays  (8) Element connection wires, pair, with ring and fork terminals  (8) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware

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.

Manual Updates

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.

Features

 Close Spacing from Transmit Antennas – Receive element is grounded at power-off  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  Long Life − High quality stainless steel mounting hardware, full metal enclosure  Compact − Three piece aluminum element has low visual and environmental impact and

ideal for portable use and easy to transport

- 4 -

 Easy Mounting and Installation Flexibility − Pre-drilled mounting plate and stainless

steel U-Bolt Saddle clamps for mounting to your ground rod

 May be connected to a transceiver which lacks a receive antenna input using the optional

DXE-RTR-2 Receive Antenna Interface for transceivers

 Frequency response optimization included - internal jumpers

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 DXE-ARAV4 Active Receive system requires well filtered +10 to +15 Vdc @ 60 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-1B Time Variable Sequencer Unit or DXE-NCC-2 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller will supply power for multi-element arrays. The DXE-TVSU-1B Time Variable Sequencer Unit and the DXE- NCC-2 Noise Canceling Receive Antenna Controller will interrupt the power to the DXE-ARAV4 for proper antenna grounding during the transmit operation of the transceiver.

- 5 -

Installation

NOTE: The following describes the use of the DXE-SSVC-1P and DXE-SSVC-1PG V-Clamps

that are included with the ARAV4. These are used for mounting the ARAV4 on a typical ground rod from 1/2" OD to 3/4" OD.

If you plan to mount the ARAV4 to a larger mounting mast, you will need two optional

DXE-SSVC-150P and one optional DXE-SSVC-150PG V-Clamps which will accommodate a mounting mast that is 1" OD to 1-1/2" OD.

Location

Basic Tools Required

 1/4”, 3/8”, 5/16", 7/16", 1/2" wrenches or nut drivers, and a 5/8" wrench  # 2 Phillips Head Screw Driver  7/64” and 3/32” Allen Wrenches - Included in this kit -

- 6 -

Low Frequency Response - Internal Jumpers

Frequency

MHz

Inductor Jumpers

Capacitor Jumpers

L1MF

L1HF

C1HF

C1MF

C1LF

3.10 *

■ ■

2.90

■

2.60

■ ■ ■

2.40

■ ■

2.35

■ ■ ■

2.15

■ ■

2.10

■ ■ ■ ■

1.98

■ ■ ■ ■

1.93

■ ■ ■

1.85

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1.80

■ ■ ■

1.65 **

■

1.40

■ ■

1.30

■ ■

1.15

■ ■ ■

Table 1 - Low Frequency Jumper

Locations and Settings

1.10

■ ■ ■

0.98

■ ■ ■ ■

The sensitivity response of the AVA2 system does not need to be changed for almost all installations. However, jumpers may be required to optimize or increase sensitivity or eliminate interference from strong broadcast stations. Set the jumpers to the lowest operating frequency desired only if high power broadcast interference is suspected. Refer to Table 1 for various jumper settings.

For access to the jumpers, loosen the two #2 Phillips Screws on each side of the AVA-2 unit and remove the chassis from the bottom.

The circuit board and jumper headers will be visible as shown in Table 1. The AVA-2 has five internal jumpers that modify frequency versus gain response. The L jumpers change the inductance values and C jumpers change the capacitance values. As shipped, all jumpers are deactivated for full frequency coverage - 100 kHz to 30 MHz.

Installing jumpers in L1MF, L1HF or both, will configure the antenna for a sensitivity peak near the frequencies listed. The frequency response above the peak frequency does not change significantly. Below the peak frequency, sensitivity reduction is reasonably fast. Installing a jumper in any C1 position when jumpers are being used in L1 will move the peak response lower in frequency, decreasing sensitivity at higher frequencies (this is not normally recommended).

* Broadcast Interference and 160 meter rejection setting - 80 Meter high pass. ** Broadcast Interference rejected high pass setting for 160 meters and above.

- 7 -

Assembly

The assembly described is for a single DXE-ARAV4-1P. Use JTL-12502 - Jet-Lube SS-30 on the joints between the antenna elements and on all stainless steel hardware threads to prevent galling and to ensure proper torque.

Orient the black mounting plate with the antenna mounting holes close to the top, as shown in Figure 1. Mount the AVA-2 matching unit with the ANT + terminal toward the top and the F- Connector toward the bottom. Use the 5/8" hex head bolts, flat washer under each bolt, flat and split washer under each hex nut.

Figure 1

Loosely install the two stainless steel U-Clamps on the black mounting plate using the U-Bolt, VClamp, Flat washers, Split Washers and Hex nuts as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

- 8 -

Antenna and Antenna Mounting Parts List

Item

Description

QTY

Item

Description

QTY

Mounting Plate

#6-32 x 3/4” Socket Head Cap Screw

1/2” Tube, Drilled

#6 Flat Washer

3/8” Tube, Drilled

#6-32 Nylon Lock Nut

2 4 1/4” Tube, Drilled

#4-40 x 1/2” Socket Head Cap Screw

2 5 #10-24 x 1-1/2” Hex Head Cap Screw

#4 Flat Washer

#10 Flat Washer

#4-40 Nylon Lock Nut

2 7 #10-24 Hex Nut

1/4” Vinyl Cap

1 8 #10-24 Nylon Lock Nut

REF

#10 Terminal with Wire (Ref. Item)

#10 External Tooth Washer

1 - 7/64” Allen Hex Wrench

5/16” Aluminum Spacer, 11/32” long

2 - 3/32” Allen Hex Wrench

NOTE: This parts list and drawing (Figure

3) does not include all of the parts that are included in this kit.

The parts list (above) and drawing (shown to the right) only show the parts for the antenna and antenna mounting.

Other parts in this kit include the ARAV unit, ARAV mounting hardware, ground mast mounting clamps and ground clamp and are described in the assembly of the ARAV4.

Figure 3

- 9 -

Bottom Antenna Element Assembly

Refer to the drawing shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 for the antenna assembly.

Figure 4

Install 2 hex head bolts (#10-24 x 1-1/2” long) in the mounting plate using flat washers and hex nuts as shown in Figure 5, tighten in place.

Figure 5

- 10 -

Place a flat washer and a spacer on each of the hex head bolts. The bottom antenna element has

NOTE: The following describes the use of the DXE-SSVC-1P and DXE-SSVC-1PG Clamps that

are included with the ARAV4. These are used for mounting the ARAV4 on a typical ground rod from 1/2" OD to 3/4" OD.

If you plan to mount the ARAV4 to a larger mounting mast, you will need two optional

DXE-SSVC-150P and one optional DXE-SSVC-150PG V-Clamps which will accommodate a mounting mast that is 1" OD to 1-1/2" OD.

larger holes on one side, these larger holes face the spacers. The bottom

antenna element is installed so the spacers are inside of the element. Refer to Figures 3, 4, 5 and Figure 6 for details.

On the bottom hex head bolt, install an external tooth washer, one of the wires with a ring terminal, followed by a flat washer, split washer and a hex nut as shown in Figure 5. Note the direction of the wire in the photo. On the top hex head bolt, install a flat washer, split washer and a hex nut. Tighten in place.

Figure 6

The other end of the wire has a fork lug, is connected to the ANT+ on the AVA2 as shown in

Figure 7 between the two flat washers. Tighten in place.

Figure 7

- 11 -

Mounting the V-Clamp with Tab to a Ground Rod

Attach the wire with ring terminal using the hardware described in Figure 8 to the tab on the included DXE-SSVC-1PG.

Figure 8

Install the customer supplied 1/2” OD to 3/4” ground rod where the Active Receive Antenna will be placed, You want approximately 2 feet of the ground rod or mounting mast above ground level to mount the antenna. Depending on soil conductivity, increasing ground rod depth beyond a few feet for an active receive antenna rarely improves RF grounding because skin effect in the soil prevents current from flowing deep in the soil. Avoid ground rods less than 5/8" in diameter.

Install the DXE SSVC-1PG on the ground rod approximately 9-1/2” from the top of the ground rod as shown in Figure 9. Note the position of the DXE-SSVC- 1PG and the ground wire tab in as compared to the mounting plate of the active antenna (Refer to the completed assembly in Figure 10). Use the included UBolt, flat washers, split washers and hex nuts.

Figure 9

- 12 -

Mount the AVA-2 assembly to the ground rod as shown in Figure 10. Position the assembly on the ground rod and adjust the height so the ground rod top is not higher than the black insulated panel. This prevents unwanted interference with the active element. Tighten the two U-Clamps to hold the assembly in place.

Figure 10

Connect the wire coming from the ground tab to the AVA-2 antenna ANT - connection, use the wing nut and hand tighten only. The forked terminal goes between the two washers on the ANT -

terminal as shown in Figure 10.

- 13 -

Installing the upper two Antenna Elements

The upper two elements are installed to the antenna element that is in place on the black mounting plate. 3/8” element fits inside

the 1/2” element mounted to the black mounting plate. Use the #6

hardware and the included Allen wrench to secure this element in place. Note: The head of the socket head cap screws will fit

inside of the larger hole and make contact with the element that was inserted. Refer to Figure 11 for details.

The upper 1/4” element fits inside the 3/8” element, Use the #4

hardware and the included Allen wrench to secure the upper element in place. Install the black vinyl cap in place on the top element.

Figure 11

- 14 -

Providing a Good RF Ground

This active vertical antenna works well with just a single copper ground rod used as the mounting rod.

You can test ground quality by listening to a steady local signal. Attach 15 feet of wire laid in a straight line away from the coaxial feedline. If you observe a change in signal or noise level, you need to improve the ground. A second rod spaced a few feet away from, and connected to the first one may correct the problem. If a good ground cannot be established, use a DXE-RFCC-1 Feedline Current Choke that will further decouple the feedline from the antenna and reduce common mode current and associated noise from the feedline.

If you locate your ground mounted antenna where ground rods cannot be used effectively, you must use a radial system. A suitable radial system consists of four to twelve equally spaced radials, with each radial being at least 15 feet long, but not longer than 20 feet.

Only if the antenna is located over rock, on a roof, or otherwise installed where conductive soil conditions do not exist, you must use a ground screen. Welded-wire galvanized screens are okay for this receive antenna only and are not recommended for transmit antennas. Screen radius must at least equal the element height and be placed around the antenna as symmetrically as possible, but should not exceed a radius of 20 feet. The active receive vertical radial system should never be connected to any metal structure to assure low noise operation.

Do not use elevated radials or grossly asymmetrical radial configurations. The ground system is an integral part of this receiving system, and if it is asymmetrical or exhibits pronounced resonances, the antenna system may not function properly.

Connections

For single antenna installations, the DXE-FVI-1 - Feedline Voltage Injector is installed near the operating position. When using the Active Receive Antenna, the FVI-1 powers the AVA-2 active antenna through its ANT+ feedline connection. See Figure 12.

If possible, bury the feed line for some distance from the antenna. This helps to decouple the feedline from unwanted noise. A DXE-RFCC-1 Receive Feedline Choke 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-2 connection and securely attach the feedline to the mast below the mounting plate.

Figure 12 - Connections to the

ARAV4 system using the FVI-1

- 15 -

The feedline connectors must remain dry. Do not place any intentional DC shorts or opens on the feedline between the FVI-1 and the AVA-2. This includes lightning arrestors, splitters, or any other accessory not intended for feedlines that carry power or control voltages.

After final testing and setting of jumpers (if needed, see page 17 for internal jumper information) to enhance weather resistance, place a bead of non-corrosive, marine grade silicone along the seams where the two halves of the 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. Recommended sealant is the PTX-82180 - Approved RTV Sealant.

Weather proof the coaxial cable connection using Loctite Dielectric Grease (LCT-37534) and if additional weatherproofing is required for your installation, use Temflex Tape (TES-2155) and Vinyl Tape (TES-06153) as a UV overwrap.

For single systems, the included 120 Vac 60 Hz, to 12 Vdc, 500 mA wall mounted transformer DC power supply connects to the +12 Vdc input. The center of the

2.1mm power plug is positive. Larger power supplies or station power may also be used provided there is an in-line 1 ampere fast-blow fuse. The RCA phono-style plug on the DXE-FVI-1 connects to the receiver input of your radio.

Active antenna circuitry needs a good voltage supply to operate properly. When supplying power to an active antenna, you want to have +12 VDC, 60 milliamps at each active (under load).

The DXE-FVI-1 is not included or used in the ARAV4-2P or ARAV4-4P Vertical Array Packages which obtain their power from a controller unit such as the DXE-NCC-2.

Coaxial Cable Feedline

Flooded 75 Ω CATV type feedline cable (F-6) is recommended for use with the ARAV4 systems. DXE-F6 Flooded 75 Ω CATV type feedline cable has a bonded foil to improve shielding. Moisture

typically seeps in around the shield and can cause increased noise. Flooded style cables have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small accidental cuts or lacerations of the jacket.

Flooded cable also prevents shield contamination and has a gummy liquid inside that seals cuts or nicks, displaces water, and can be direct buried.

The feedline is used to provide power for the ARAV4's matching unit. We recommend the use of DXE-SNS6-25 Snap-N-Seal type F connectors to ensure high quality and weather resistant feedline connections. Use the proper tool to crimp these connectors.

To help decouple the feedline from radiated noise, bury the feedline for some distance from the antenna when the feedline reaches the ground. A DXE-RFCC-1 DX Engineering Receive Feedline Choke will also ensure feedline decoupling, which may be installed in-line, preferably at the station end.

- 16 -

Using the Active Receive Verticals in a 4 Square or 8 Circle Array

For Example: If operating at 1.80 MHz, multiply 1.80 times 0.95. That equals 1.71 MHz. Select jumper configurations no higher than 1.7 MHz.

In this example, use jumper L1MF. Do not use C1 jumpers.

When four ARAV4 units are used in a four square array optimized for 160 meters or 80 meters, with 98 feet side lengths, the only jumper typically used is L1MF.

Configure all four ARAV4's units in the array with the same jumper settings.

Use the DX Engineering Receive Four Square System and four Active Receive Antennas to configure a four square vertical array. Power and receiver connections are provided through the Four Square system. Use the Receive Eight Circle system and eight Active Receive Antennas to configure an eight circle receiving array. Power and receiver connections are provided through the Receive Eight Circle system.

In a multi-element array, the internal jumpers are used to increase sensitivity at specific frequencies or to reduce interference from strong broadcast stations.

When the ARAV4 is used in a DX Engineering Four Square Receiving Array or the Receive Eight Circle System, select a jumper setting at least 5% below the frequency in use.

The general rule is to use only L1 and not C1. For multi-band applications, use capacitors as a last resort. Capacitors peak the response and reduce sensitivity on higher bands.

Table 1 (Page 7) gives the approximate peak response frequency for various jumper settings using the vertically configured 3-piece aluminum antenna.

Alternate Mounting

If you plan to mount the ARAV4 to a larger mounting mast, two optional DXE-SSVC-150P and one optional DXE-SSVC-150PG V-Clamps are required which will accommodate mounting pipes from 1" OD to 1-1/2" OD. Refer to Figure 13 for examples.

Figure 13

- 17 -

Using the Active Receive Verticals with the DXE-NCC-2

ARAV4-2P Active Receive Vertical Antenna System (two ARAV4 Receivers) using a DX

Engineering NCC-2 Noise Canceling Receive Antenna Controller. ARAV4 Active Receive Verticals must be at least 1/10-wavelength away from any transmit antenna. The NCC-2 switches the power off during transmit. This configuration allows the operator to selectively null out interference, and thereby enhance the desired received signal direction ability. Every radio manufacturer and every amateur radio operator's location is different. Refer to the DXE-NCC-2 manual for details. Also, you should consult your radio manufacturer's manual for details and further requirements.

Troubleshooting Information

When using the DXE-ARAV4-1P Active Receive Vertical antenna, the actual received signal level will be lower than a transmit antenna. Depending upon a few variables, including the frequency of the measured signal, your DXE-ARAV4-1P Active Receive Vertical is probably operating normally.

The DXE-ARAV4-1P is designed to be a very low to no gain, low noise system for greatly improved signal-to-noise performance over a very wide range of frequencies.

The installation location should be away from towers, transmitting antennas, metal structures and metal fencing in order to take advantage of the DXE-ARAV4-1P Active Receive Vertical antenna capabilities.

Normally the Active Receive Vertical antenna will properly reject high angle sky wave signals, which is the goal for a low band DXing receive antenna. Low angle, long range DX signals are easier to copy using an Active Receive Vertical antenna system.

Here are a few things that you may check to be sure that the Active Receive Vertical antenna is operating normally:

1) Measure the voltage arriving at the antenna end of the feedline. The DXE-FVI-1 Feedline

Voltage Injector unit should be providing in excess of +13.5 Vdc, and the Active is expecting around +11 Vdc or more for proper function. Bench tests on the DXE-ARAV4-1P are normally about 60 mA, so with some voltage drop on the line, 40 to 50 mA should be okay. If the measured voltage at the end of the line is under +11 Vdc, then there may be a resistive connection along the feedline being used. As a point of reference, DX Engineering has many customers using the DXE-6UF-1000 high quality 75 Ω “flooded” F6 type coax. Flooded style cables have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small accidental cuts or lacerations of the jacket. Flooding also prevents shield contamination and can be direct-buried. This lowloss cable features dual shields and an 85% Velocity Factor and is ideal for long runs on four and two antenna arrays without trouble.

2) Double check the jumpers inside the AVA-2 unit at the base of the Active Receive Vertical

antenna. As shown in the manual, for full range coverage, a default condition of no jumpers

- 18 -

installed should be found and used for broadcast band reception. If any jumpers are installed, you can expect signal levels to be dramatically reduced in the broadcast band. However, even with no jumpers, there is a significant roll-off of signal level from the top to the bottom of the broadcast band.

3) After tuning in a steady, non-fading reference signal on the broadcast band and noting the signal level, add 4 radials that are about 15 feet long to the negative terminal ground rod connection on the AVA-2. If this significantly increases signal level, then adding another ground rod and/or more radials, as described in the manual for the DXE-ARAV4-1P, should improve your signal results for all bands.

4) When disconnecting the power to the Active Receive Vertical antenna, there should be very little or no signal. In other words, verify that powering the Active Receive Vertical antenna results in improved signal level and signal-to-noise enhancement, without a large increase in noise. If there is almost the same amount of signal without and with power, there are two possible issues:

a) Proper operating voltage is not arriving at the Active Receive Vertical antenna, or;

b) If you seem to have a high amount of common mode signal or noise arriving on the

shield of the Active Receive Vertical antenna feedline that is running on or above ground or similar noise as your transmit antenna, for some installations the DXE- RFCC-1 Receive Feedline Current Choke may help. The use of the DXE-RFCC-1 Receive Feedline Current Choke will remove common mode signal and noise collected by the shield of the feedline in order to realize normal signal-to-noise improvements available from an Active Receive Vertical antenna.

Given that all connections are good, voltage at the AVA-2 is good and that the other tests indicate everything is normal, it is likely the signal level you are receiving is normal.

In most circumstances, the DXE-ARAV4-1P Active Receive Vertical antenna used singly, or in two and four antenna arrays, offers low level low band signals that have significantly improved signal-to-noise. It is sometimes necessary to enhance these results to listening levels by using the DXE-RPA-1Plus or DXE-RPA-2 Receive Pre-Amplifier in line, without losing the signal-to-noise benefits of the no-gain Active Receive Vertical antenna. Only the DXE-RPA-1Plus or DXE-RPA- 2 Receive Pre-Amplifier operates with a third order intercept and dynamic range that is far superior to most receiver front-ends.

- 19 -

Technical Support

If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation, contact DX Engineering at (330) 572-3200. You can also e-mail us at:

DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com

For the best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call.

Warranty

All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a

period of one (1) year from date of shipment. DX Engineering’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue

credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or any other work, unless such charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering. If DX Engineering’s products are claimed to be defective in material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to DX Engineering (transportation-charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered defective by reason of improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as prolonged exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyer’s specifications.

In addition, DX Engineering’s warranties do not extend to other equipment and parts manufactured by others except to

the extent of the original manufacturer’s warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under the foregoing warranties

are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other remedies including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING.

DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc.®, Hot Rodz®, Maxi-Core®, DX Engineering THUNDERBOLT®, DX Engineering Yagi Mechanical®, EZ-BUILD®, TELREX®, Gorilla Grip® Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, Butternut®, SkyHawk™, SkyLark™, SecureMount™, OMNI-TILT™, RF-PRO-1B®, AFHD-4® are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or other trademarks is given or implied. All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

- 20 -

DX Engineering DXE-ARAV4-1P, DXE-ARAV4-2P, DXE-ARAV4-4P, DXE-ARAV4-8P User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual