DX Engineering DXE-PS-3B-P Instruction Manual

Pro-Stack Broadband

Three Antenna

Phasing Relay Unit

DXE-PS-3B, DXE-PS-3BDIN, DXE-PS-3BN

DXE-PS-3B/DIN/N-INS Revision 2

© DX Engineering 2020

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Introduction

DX Engineering PS-3B PRO-STACK Three Antenna Phasing Units offer the ultimate performance
for combining three identical Yagi or Log Periodic directional antennas and may be used for three
vertical antennas in a phased array that cover any band, from 160 through 10 meters. Pro-Stack
frequency independent broadband phasing devices operate optimally with three properly spaced,
stacked mono-band beam antennas, or may be used with three identical stacked multi-band
directional antennas, to achieve pattern manipulation and null steering that wins contests and snags
the rarest DX..

This is a 50Ω system that is switched by applying 12 to 15 volts dc to control wires. The unit can be
used for other applications requiring the following basic antenna feed selections:

 Three antenna ports in phase (default position with no power to control console)
 Antenna port 1 only
 Antenna port 2 only
 Antenna port 3 only
 Port 2 out of phase, Port 3 in phase
 Port 1 out of phase, Port 3 in phase
 Port 1 out of phase, Port 2 in phase
 Ports 2 and 3 in phase
 Ports 1 and 3 in phase
 Ports 1 and 2 in phase
 Ports 1 and 2 in phase, Port 3 out of phase
 Ports 1 and 3 in phase, Port 2 out of phase
 Port 1 out of phase, Ports 2 and 3 in phase

Default is all three antenna ports in-phase (no power to control console). To ensure lowest SWR,

impedance matching automatically changes when any antenna is disabled.

Information on the appropriate distances for the separation between the three stacked Yagis, to
create a versatile, high performance array, is discussed fully in the “ARRL Antenna Book”.
Generally, stacked Yagi antennas are separated vertically greater than 1/2-wavelength, free space.
The bottom antenna should generally be as high above ground as the stack spacing distance.
Optimum spacing is generally around one wavelength.

Features

 Power Handling up to 5 kW
 Broad band coverage on 160-10 meters
 Weatherproof Housing
 DXE-PS-3B has High-RF tolerant, silver - PTFE UHF connectors
 DXE-PS-3BDIN has Amphenol Connex 7/16 DIN Panel Connectors
 DXE-PS-3BN has Type N panel connectors
 Proven DX Engineering RF Relays - high performance
 Safe 12 volt dc relay operation with MOV surge protection on control lines
 RoHS compliant assembly

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Using Antenna Pattern to your Advantage

Signals arrive at your antenna from different azimuth directions and different elevation angles,
depending on many variables. The ability to steer the major lobe of an antenna (or array of
antennas) in both planes moves the major lobe and nulls, not just the major lobe. Typically two dB
or slightly more is gained by stacking a second antenna. The largest advantage is not necessarily
additional gain, but the ability to move harmful pattern nulls away from primary signal arrival
angles. While gain makes a marginal improvement, moving a null can be a phenomenal change,
sometimes the difference between barely readable and having a strong signal which can provide the
performance edge needed to work rare DX - and win contests.

It is therefore desirable to not only change azimuthal direction by rotating the antenna, but also
elevation angle by switching between antennas at different heights above ground and/or changing
the phase relationship between multiple antennas. The old standard system in stacks was to activate
or disable specific antennas in the stack to change pattern. In general, gain remains higher when all
antennas are driven and phase is changed. This system allows either phase inversion or completely
disabling any antenna.

The DXE-PS-3B Pro-Stack Broadband Three Antenna Phasing Relay Unit provides the greatest
flexibility from three identical antennas. This relay unit contains a broad-bandwidth high-power 2:1

impedance matching transformer. This eliminates common requirements of using mixtures of 75Ω

and 50Ω cables for impedance matching.

A central relay unit location is best. Feedlines to each antenna from the relay unit should match the
antenna system impedance and have the same electrical length. Feedlines need only be long enough
to reach comfortably from each antenna to the relay unit. While it is best to have feedlines equal
electrical lengths, total errors of twenty electrical degrees or less have only a minor impact on
system performance. With such wide tolerances in cable lengths, cutting similar cables to equal
lengths will suffice. There is no need to closely phase-match cables.

This unit is RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) compliant. The components,
including the solder used are all lead free. If you decide to do any modifications or internal
repairs, you should use only lead free solder and lead free soldering tools. Lead free solder
melts approximately 100 degrees (F) higher than the old leaded solder, so you may need to
upgrade your current soldering system.

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.

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Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

 JTL-12555 - Jet-Lube™ Anti-Seize compound - used on the threads of Stainless Steel

Hardware to prevent galling and aid in proper tightening torque.

 Three equal length 50Ω coaxial cables to run from the DXE-PS-3B relay unit to each of the

three identical Yagi antennas.

 One length of 50Ω coaxial cable from the transmitter to the relay unit mounted on the tower.
 9-Wire Control Cable - DXE-CW9S Shielded Control Cable from the control console to the

relay unit mounted on the tower is ideal.

Stacking Yagis

In-phase

 Optimum spacing is usually around one-

wavelength stack spacing.

 Lower heights produce a cleaner pattern. Avoiding

nulls in the middle of useful propagation angles is
often more important than a small gain
improvement.

Note that increased heights result in maximum stack gain
improvement (maximum gain still occurs at about 1
wavelength antenna-to-antenna spacing) and lower wave
angles.

The lowest antenna should generally be significantly
higher than the antenna-to-antenna spacing above ground
for maximum stacking gain. Greatly increased height
produces more minor lobes and stronger minor lobes.

Figure 1

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Installation

Connector

Wire Color

G

8 7 6

5 4

3 2 1

G

Before installing the DXE-PS-3B Relay Unit with control cable onto the tower, connection of the
entire length of four (9) conductor control line between the radio room where the control console
will be located and the PS3B Relay Unit for testing purposes is recommended.

Following installation of the three equal length coaxial cables (PS-3B Relay Unit to antennas) on
the Relay Unit during testing take continuity measurements to insure the system is functioning
properly.

Make note of the color code used for the connector on the DXE-PS-3B Relay Unit so when the
control console is connected, the proper connections can be made. Use the table below to record
your color code used.

The green connector pulls straight off of the relay unit. Use a small screwdriver to open each wire
connection. Insert the stripped wire and tighten. Do not allow insulation inside the connector which
may cause an open. When installing the green connector, push straight in until fully seated.

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Secure the DXE-PS-3B to the tower between the three stacked antennas using the included DXE-
SSVC-2P V Saddle Clamp.

Use Jet Lube™ SS-30 Anti-Seize on all stainless steel hardware to prevent galling.

Install the DXE-PS-3B with the connectors facing down.

The coaxial cable from the upper Yagi is connected to ANT 3.
The coaxial cable from the middle Yagi is connected to ANT 2.
The coaxial cable from the lower Yagi is connected to ANT 1.
The feedline from the transmitter is connected to INPUT.

Fasten all cables to the
tower to relieve strain, and
gently droop the cables to form a
drip loop (do not use tight bends with
coaxial cable).

Note: Do not seal the green connector! The

connector is recessed inside a drip edge that
prevents water from getting into connector. The
cover-to-connector plate junction is not sealed so the
unit can "breathe” and eliminate condensation.

Optional Accessory Items

JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize 12555

Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize is the top choice of engineers and technicians in government, industry and leading Amateur
Radio contest stations, for protecting mechanical assemblies of aluminum tubing, general hardware and copper grounding systems.
On bonded metal surfaces Jet-Lube™ SS-30 assures electrical and RF conductivity while preventing oxidation and corrosion.
Surpassing the capabilities of other aluminum anti-oxidants, the wide temperature range of Jet-Lube™ SS-30 prevents long-term
drying and caking, and allows easy disassembly and effortless cleaning of parts. An environmentally preferred thread lubricant and
conductive termination compound, Jet-Lube™ SS-30 helps keep your equipment in serviceable condition. It contains a high
concentration of copper flakes, a requirement for heavy loads or compression; controlled frictional characteristics allow the surfaces
of nuts and bolts to be tightened to their design torque specifications. This anti-seize product assures full hydraulic
efficiency by allowing the metal surfaces to slide over each other without damaging metal-to-metal contact. Jet­Lube™ SS-30 is also designed to work as a similar and dissimilar component between two metal surfaces to prevent
seizing and galvanic action. The SS-30 compound formula improves conductivity and ground continuity - and will
not melt in high temperatures.
Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize Features include:

* Meets MIL-PRF-907E spec
* K-factor: 0.13
* Service rating: -65 degrees F (-54 degrees C) to 1800 degrees F (820 degrees C)
* SS-30 Resistivity (ohm-CM x 108) 5

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Technical Support

If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation,
contact DX Engineering at [phone]. You can also e-mail us at:

[e-mail]

This unit is RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) compliant. The components, including the solder
used are all lead free. If you decide to do any modifications or internal repairs, you should use only lead free
solder and lead free soldering tools. Lead free solder melts approximately 100 degrees higher than the old
leaded solder, so you may need to upgrade your current soldering system.

For 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 2020

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.

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