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

- 1 -

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.

- 2 -