DX Engineering DXE-RBSA-1P Instructions manual

Reversible Beverage System

DXE-RBSA-1P

DXE-RBSA-1P-INS Rev 4b

© DX Engineering 2021

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

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

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

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Table of Contents

Introduction

3

Features

3

Specifications

3

Typical Reverse Beverage System Layout - Figure 1

4

Additional Parts Required

5

Hardware

5

Ground Rods

5

Feedline

5

Antenna Wire

6

Power Supply

6

Installation

6

Site Selection

6

Proximity to Transmitting Antennas

7

Lightning Protection

7

Adding #26 Wire - Figure 2

7

Grounding

7

Antenna

8

Antenna Performance Chart - Table 1

8

Feedline

9

75 Ohm Termination - Figure 3

9

Mounting

9

Feed point and Reflection Units

9

Antenna Ladder Line

9

450 Ohm Ladder Line Insulated Support - Figure 4

10

Connections

10

Antenna

10

Polarity of Feedline - Figure 5

10

Feedline

11

Reversible Beverage System - Figure 6

11

Operation and Configuration

12

Control Voltage

12

Basic Troubleshooting

12

Additional Applications

14

Directional Beverage Layout - 4 Directions - Figure 7

14

Directional Beverage Layout

15

Port Selection Control Voltage Matrix - Table 2

15

Detailed System Troubleshooting

15

Technical Support and Warranty

20

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Introduction

The DXE-RBSA-1P allows two Beverage antennas receiving in opposing directions to share the
same space. With the DXE-RBSA-1P, you can build a 2-wire reversible Beverage antenna system
with superior signal-to-noise ratio, most useful on the 40, 80 and 160m bands. The W8JI design
consists of a DXE-RBSA-1FP Feed Point System and a DXE-RBS-1RT Reflection Transformer.
You can operate and even confirm the F/R ratio of this antenna at any time from the operating
position.

This system is immune to strong signal overload and core saturation common in multi-transmitter
contesting environments, and is used by winning contest stations and low-band DXers.

The DXE-RBSA-1P has two 75Ω antenna ports that use type F connectors. This allows the use of
DX Engineering DXE-F6-CTL/1000 high quality, low loss F-6 flooded coaxial cable as the
feedline.

The standard configuration of the DXE-RBSA-1P uses the AWAY port for receiving and
directional control. The TOWARD port is terminated (termination included).

Applying negative 10 to 18 Vdc (or AC) to the feedline reverses the direction of reception. For
simultaneous reception from opposing directions, feed lines from both ports can be connected to
separate receivers. Having both feed lines available at the operating position also allows the use of a
noise canceling device.

While the DXE-RBSA-1P is optimized to use DXE-LL-450-5C/-1K high quality multi-strand
copper 16 gage 450Ω ladder line for the antenna element, the system will work with any 300-600Ω
two-wire line.

The DXE-RBSA-1P chassis is custom made from stainless steel and has a special UV resistant
cover with an integral RF Shield coating applied to the inside surfaces.

Features:

 Broad operating range, 0.2 to 30 MHz
 Fully isolated grounds used to prevent common-mode noise and unwanted signals
 Wide foil traces and air gaps for increased lightning protection
 75Ω design enables the use of high quality, low cost RG-6 coaxial feedline
 RF Shielded Weatherproof Housing - unique protection

Specifications

 Operating Range: 0.2 to 30 MHz
 Reversing voltage (Required for remote direction switching):
 9 to 12 Vac or negative 10 to 15 Vdc at 80 mA max.
 Antenna Impedance: 450Ω nominal (accepts 300Ω to 600Ω balanced line)
 Feedline Impedance: 50Ω to 75Ω (75Ω recommended)

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Figure 1 depicts a typical DXE-RBSA-1P system layout. A DX Engineering DXE-FVC-1 is used
to provide the switching voltage
on the feedline required for the
DXE-RBSA-1P system to reverse
directions.

Figure 1 - Typical Reversible

Beverage System Layout

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Additional Parts Required But Not Supplied

Hardware

Supports and insulators for mounting the DXE-RBSA-1FP Feed Point unit, the DXE-RBS-1RT
reflection transformer and the antenna wire.

For the antenna run, non-conductive supports are best, however metal tubing can be used if the
antenna line is kept a couple of inches away from the metal supports using non-conductive spacers.
This prevents any degradation of system performance due to mutual coupling. DX Engineering
offers a very convenient insulator (See Figure 4) for securing the 450Ω ladder line to wood
supports. They also lock the line in place. Part number DXE-LL-INS includes 25 insulators.

The use of a non-conductive mounting configuration for the DXE-RBSA-1FP and DXE-RBS-1RT
is also highly recommended. Use pressure treated posts or perhaps a handy tree. If mounting these
units on conductive supports (i.e., a metal fence post or pipe) keep the feedline a couple of inches
away from the support using non-conductive spacers as well. If a pipe is used to mount the DXE-
RBSA-1FP Feed Point unit, use a Stainless Steel V-Clamp, part number DXE-SSVC-2P, that
accepts pipe sizes from 1/2” to 2”. The DXE-RBS-1RT reflection unit is flanged for mounting and
requires two wood or metal screws.

Ground Rods

A minimum of two, 5 foot by 3/4 inch OD or larger copper ground rods and clamps are required.
One rod is needed for each end of the antenna. In poor soil, adding an additional ground rod to each
end may improve performance. As an alternative, 3/4 inch OD copper water pipe works well.

Feedline

Use 75Ω coaxial cable with F-type coaxial cable connectors from the feed point unit to the
operating position. We recommend using a high quality 75Ω “flooded” RG-6 type coax such as DX
Engineering DXE-F6-SPL. Flooded style cables have the distinct advantage of automatically
sealing small accidental cuts or lacerations of the jacket. Flooding also prevents shield
contamination and the coaxial cable can be direct-buried. This coaxial cable is available with F­Connectors installed and in any desired custom length from DX Engineering.

Preparing flooded F-6 cable for connectors not difficult with the correct tools. DX Engineering
offers an inexpensive stripping tool, part number DXE-CPT-659, that strips the F-6 coaxial cable in
one operation and the tool includes an extra cutting cartridge.

It is essential that the feedline connections are of high quality and weather resistant. The feedline is
used not only for the received signal, but also carries the voltage used for directional control. For
this reason, we recommend the use of compression type F connectors.

The compression connectors cannot be installed with normal crimping tools or pliers. An
installation tool like the DXE-SNS-CT1, available from DX Engineering, and is essential for proper
F type compression connector installation.

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Antenna Wire

Antenna wire is a suitable length of balanced ladder or open wire line with impedance between 300
and 600Ω. See Table 1 for suggested lengths. The line that most closely approximates 450Ω
impedance is #18 gauge. Ladder line constructed of #16 gauge wire, with standard 1-inch spacing,
has about 420Ω impedance, but is considerably stronger, can use fewer supports and is less likely to
break during weather events. DX Engineering offers the #16 gauge ladder-line, part number DXE-

LL450 in both 500 and 1000 foot spools.

Power Supply

Applying 9 to 12 Vac or negative 10 to 15 Vdc at 80 mA to the coaxial feedline will cause the
antenna to reverse receiving direction. The DX Engineering DXE-FVC-1 Feedline Voltage Coupler
which includes the required 12 Vac wall transformer can be used.

If using a Bias Tee, since a negative voltage is required for direction change, do not use a DC
source that is used for other station equipment; a separate wall transformer is recommended. The
source should be current limited or fused for no more than 1 amp. The DX Engineering DXE-PSW-
12D1A AC Adapter, 12Vdc 1000 mA Wall Transformer may be used, with the appropriate fusing
and polarity reversal handled before connection to a bias tee.

Installation

Site Selection

Like any antenna, the DXE-RBSA-1P will couple to everything around it. This system should be
located more than a wavelength from other large metallic structures, such as towers or noise sources
like power lines, electric fence wires and neighbors’ houses in order to achieve peak performance.
Most installations involve compromise of some sort, so do the best you can.

The DXE-RBSA-1P antenna is versatile in that you can make reasonable height changes, drape it
over tree branches (insulated balanced line only!), and deviate its path from a straight line by about
10 degrees without significantly degrading performance. Avoid placing the antenna near
transmitting antennas, power lines, large metal fences, or over buried cables. Install the balanced
line 5 to 8 feet above the ground. It is not necessary to strictly follow the contour of the land
because small hills, ravines and ditches generally will not affect the performance of the antenna.

While the impedance of the antenna is affected by its height above ground, the effect on
performance is minimal. A perfectly level (with respect to the ground) antenna looks better but is
not absolutely necessary!

Contrary to popular belief, a gradual slope of the antenna as it approaches its feed and termination
points does not improve performance. Simply bring the ends down to the termination and feed
boxes at any convenient angle, even if it is perfectly vertical. In the worst case the vertical portion
will be only a few feet. Signal reception in the few feet of wire comprising the vertical ends is
insignificant when compared to the signal reception from the entire length of the antenna. Unless
the antenna is more than 0.05-wavelength high, the vertical ends will not compromise antenna
performance.

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Proximity to Transmitting Antennas

This system will not be damaged by a transmitted signal as long as it is more than 1/2-wavelength
from the transmitting antenna, and the power is not more than 1500 watts.

Do not transmit directly into this antenna with more than 10 watts.

Lightning Protection

This system features small air gaps and wide foil trace areas, as well as entrance gaps at all terminal
feed-throughs. The gaps act as safe, short paths for lightning. The DXE-RBSA-1P is normally
immune to nearby lightning, although a direct strike might cause significant damage.

Figure 2

For additional lightning protection, use a 1-foot length of #26 wire between the antenna terminals
and each side of the balanced line, at both ends of the antenna as shown in Figure 2.

Grounding

The antenna GROUND terminals on both the feed and reflection units are intentionally insulated
from the metal enclosure and whatever the enclosure is mounted to. This isolation prevents the
feedline from becoming an unintentional ground path and introducing unwanted signals and noise
into the antenna system via a common feedline and antenna ground.

The shields of both the AWAY and TOWARD coaxial feedline connectors are common to the
DXE-RBSA-1FP enclosure. Do not connect the DXE-RBSA-1FP enclosure to the ground
terminal, since that would connect the feedline shields to the antenna ground and possibly increase
noise or reduce the front-to-back ratio. If you want to ground the metal housing, it should be
grounded to its own separate ground rod. That rod should be two to five feet from the nearest
antenna ground.

Connect the ground terminal only to earth ground using at least one copper ground rod. Use a large
diameter ground rod when possible. We recommend using 3/4 inch OD or larger rigid copper water
pipe if possible, although conventional copper coated steel rods will also work. Avoid small
diameter ground rods. A good ground system improves performance and enhances lightning
survivability.

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In poor conductivity soils, better performance may be realized with multiple ground rods spaced a
few feet apart. Remember that increasing ground rod depth beyond five feet rarely improves RF
grounding because skin effect in the soil prevents current from flowing deep in the soil.

Follow national and local wiring codes for grounding where cables enter a building.

Antenna

You will need at least 3/8-wavelength of a nominal 450Ω balanced ladder line for the antenna.
Ideally, the entire antenna run should be of the same type balanced line such as DXE-LL450-1K
450Ω Ladder Line. Mixing two similar appearing, but different impedance lines can compromise
system performance.

The performance difference between the various 450Ω lines is generally negligible, especially for
lengths near a multiple of 240 feet (73.1 meters) on the 160 Meter band, a multiple of 120 feet (36.5
meters) on the 80 meter band, or a multiple of 60 feet (18.2 meters) on the 40 Meter band. It is
possible to use home-made parallel line, although close spacing should be used.

The following combinations are examples of relative performance for various antenna lengths. The
antenna can be any length between 3/8-wavelength through multiple wavelengths.
The DXE-RBSA-1P performance is excellent even when it is not cut to the ideal length.

Antenna Performance Based on Band / Length

Antenna Length

160 Meters

80 Meters

40 Meters

20 Meters

120 feet (36.5 meters)

Too short

Marginal

Good

Good

240 feet (73.1 meters)

Marginal

Good

Best

Good

360 feet (109.7 meters)

Fair

Best

Best

Good

480 feet (146.3 meters)

Good

Best

Good

Good

600 feet (182.9 meters)

Better

Good

Good

Good to Marginal

720 feet (219.4 meters)

Best

Good

Good

Marginal

Table 1 - Antenna Performance Chart

The DXE-RBSA-1P is forgiving in many installation parameters. Nevertheless, attention to detail
will yield better performance.

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Feedline

75Ω coaxial feedline from the DXE-RBSA-1FP to the control voltage coupler and station is
strongly preferred, but any impedance from 50 to 75Ω unbalanced is acceptable. We recommend

using a high quality 75Ω “flooded” RG-6 type coax such as DX Engineering part number DXE-F6-
SPL. Bury this feedline a few inches deep for 10 feet or more approaching the DXE-BS-1FP.

Grounding the feedline shield to a separate ground rod near the feedpoint may also be done, but is
not necessary. Use a 5-foot ground rod, but not the same ground rod used for the ground terminal on
the DXE-RBSA-1FP. These two ground rods should be spaced a minimum of three to four feet
apart.

If you use a single feedline, be sure the unused port is
terminated with the supplied termination as shown in
Figure 3. Failure to terminate the unused port will
significantly reduce the antenna system's front-to-back
ratio.

Figure 3

Mounting

Feed Point and Reflection Units

The DXE-RBSA-1FP feed point and DXE-RBS-1RT reflection units can be mounted on trees,
pressure treated lumber, or landscaping timbers. Pressure treated wood posts or landscaping timbers are
a convenient way to mount the units and also support and attach the ends of the antenna wire. When
setting end-posts, a power auger or post-hole digger works well. Line the hole with copper flashing
which will become part or all of the feed point (and termination) ground connection. If you choose to
use a metal pipe for mounting, use a DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp or other suitable hardware. Note: JTL-
12555 Jet-Lube SS-30 Anti-Seize should be used on all clamps, bolts and stainless steel threaded
hardware to prevent galling and to ensure proper tightening. Do not use the metal mounting pipe for
the antenna ground. Use a separate ground rod placed at least two or more feet away from the base of
the metal pipe. The DXE-RBSA-1FP and the DXE-RBS-1RT cases do not require grounding.

You may orient the feed point unit so the connectors labeled AWAY and TOWARD are at the
bottom and the antenna connections are at the top, but it is better if all connectors face downward.
Never mount this unit with the connectors facing up. The far-end reflection unit is normally
mounted with the two antenna terminals toward the top.

Antenna Ladder Line

The only requirement for the antenna wire support is it must hold the antenna up, and it can not
connect the antenna to ground. A metal pole with a small PVC stub for an insulator is every bit as
good as a full non-metallic pole. Trees make good supports, especially if you use electric-fence
insulators for use with wooden posts.

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The support shown in Figure 4 can be nailed or screwed to either wood or plastic. The window in
the ladder line fits over the support and then a plastic pin locks it in place, while allowing it to float
horizontally. These DXE-LL-INS supports are available from DX Engineering, in packages of 25
insulators. The ladder line used for the RBS system may require more supports than a single wire
Beverage because of the limited tension you can apply to the wire, mainly due to the size of the
window in the line. The ladder line need not be perfectly parallel to the ground along its length, and
a half twist every 20 to 30 feet in the line will help maintain balance in the antenna.

Figure 4: 450Ω Ladder Line Insulated Support

Connections

Antenna

The antenna ladder-line is connected between the feed point and reflection units observing the
polarity between the units. The + side of the ladder line on the feed point unit is connected to the +
side of the reflection unit, refer to Figure 5. Since you may be twisting the ladder line multiple
times along its length, correct polarity should be verified using a meter. An incorrect connection
will result in poor front-to-back ratio or sensitivity.

Figure 5

Note: The antenna connection wing nuts on the units should be

hand tightened only, do not use any sort of pliers or other
tool as this places excessive force on the terminals.

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Feedline

The factory-set configuration uses a single feedline, connected to the AWAY port, which is used for
the receive signal and to supply the reversing voltage to the DXE-RBSA-1P.

The TOWARD port is terminated using the supplied terminating connector. With no reversing
voltage applied, the DXE-RBSA-1P is responsive to signals coming from the far-end (AWAY)
direction as depicted in Figure 6. This is consistent with the receiving direction of a conventional
Beverage

The default receiving direction can be changed to the opposite direction (TOWARD) by moving the
terminating connector from the TOWARD port to the AWAY port and connecting the feedline to
the TOWARD port. Now the DXE-RBSA-1P is sensitive to signals coming from the feed point end
or TOWARD direction with no reversing voltage applied. An internal jumper must also be changed
to allow the reversing voltage to be sent through the TOWARD port. Failure to change this internal
jumper will result in no directional reversing. Jumper selection is further discussed in the next
section.

Feedlines for both the AWAY and TOWARD ports can also be run back to the operating position.
This would allow receiving both directions simultaneously (requires two receivers) or the use of a
phasing unit for pattern modification or a noise attenuation device. No reversing voltage or jumper
changes are needed when using two feedlines.

Figure 6

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Operation and Configuration

By default, with no reversing voltage applied, the DXE-RBSA-1P is responsive to signals coming
from the far-end (AWAY) direction as depicted in Figure 6. When the reversing voltage (–12 Vdc
or 12 Vac) is continuously applied, the DXE-RBSA-1P reverses direction. It now responds to
signals coming from the general direction of the feedpoint end (TOWARD) of the antenna. The
TOWARD port must be terminated using the supplied termination connector to ensure maximum
front-to-back and signal-to-noise ratio.

The default or un-switched receiving direction can be reversed by moving the feedline to the
TOWARDS port, moving the terminator to the AWAY port and by changing the internal header
jumper in the DXE-RBSA-1P feed point unit to the TOWARDS side. This jumper determines
which port is used to supply the directional control voltage. This header jumper is set at the factory
to the AWAY port.

To access the jumper, remove 6 screws from the DXE-RBSA-1FP unit and pull the cover out of its
housing. The jumper is located directly underneath the AWAY and TOWARD ports on the circuit
board. To change directional control to the TOWARD port, pull the small black jumper block
straight out, move it to the 2 pins closest to the TOWARD label on the circuit board. Always be
sure the jumper is installed with the notched end of the jumper block away from the circuit board.
Changing jumper position to the TOWARD port side is necessary only when the coaxial cable
supplying reversing voltage is moved to the TOWARD port. Be sure to terminate the unused port
with the supplied terminating connector.

Control Voltage

A negative 10 to 15 DC or AC voltage (AC contains negative voltage) must be continuously applied
to reverse the antenna receiving direction. The DX Engineering DXE-FVC-1 Feedline Voltage
Coupler which includes an AC wall transformer, couples this voltage to the coax feedline going to
the DXE-RBSA-1FP.

Alternatively, a separate wall transformer may be used as the voltage source. Do not use a DC
source that is used for other station equipment; a separate wall transformer is recommended. The
source should be current limited or fused for no more than 1 amp such as the DX Engineering

DXE-PSW-12D1A AC Adapter, 12Vdc 1000 mA Wall Transformer.

Basic Troubleshooting

The completed DXE-RBSA-1P Beverage should exhibit a 1:1 SWR with 75Ω SWR meter, or
around 1.5:1 or slightly more with a 50Ω meter or antenna analyzer. Most of the antenna analyzers

available are 50Ω.

If you experience poor sensitivity, check the feedline connections, the polarity of the antenna ladder
line may be crossed, the antenna ground system may not be sufficient or may be improperly
connected (Refer to Figure 5). Do not ground the cases of the units to the antenna ground. The

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Beverage length may also be marginal for the band, see Table 1 for suggested lengths. Make sure
the unused port is terminated.

If the DXE-RBSA-1P directivity seems poor, ensure the jumper setting for directional control is on
the proper port. The jumper determines which port is used for directional control and should
coincide with the port used for the feedline. The DXE-RBSA-1P requires a nominal –12 Vdc or AC
at the feed point unit to reverse direction. The sensitivity may also be marginal, see above.

The optional DX Engineering DXE-RPA-2 preamp may be used to provide up to 16 dB of gain to
the received signal if needed. Generally, if the DXE-RBSA-1P produces enough signal to be heard
above the noise floor of the receiver, then the signal to noise ratio of the system will not be
improved with a preamp, it will just be louder. With the DXE-RBSA-1P system, the DXE-RPA-2
must be installed at the operating position.

Additional detailed system troubleshooting is described at the end of this manual.

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Additional Applications

Use two DXE-RBSA-1P Reversible Beverage Systems, along with a DX Engineering DXE-RLS­2, 2-port receiving antenna switch, to build a four direction Beverage system using a single feedline.

See Figure 7. One or more DXE-RLS-2’s can be used to expand larger Beverage arrays and share
the feedline back to the operating position.

Figure 7 - Directional Beverage Layout - 4 Directions

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Directional Beverage Layout

1. Single feed line from each DXE-RBSA-1FP to the DXE-RLS-2 and from the DXE-RLS-2
to the receiver. The jumper in the DXE-RLS-2 must be reset for voltage pass through.

2. Uses voltage on the feedline to switch the DXE-RLS-2 and the DXE-RBSA-1FP's.

3. DXE-RLS-2 switches when +12 Vdc is applied to feedline.

4. Port Selection Matrix:

Voltage Applied to

Feedline

Selected Port

0 Vdc

Beverage A, Away

-12 Vdc

Beverage A, Toward

+12 Vdc

Beverage B, Away

12 Vac

Beverage B, Toward

Table 2 - Port Selection Control Voltage

5. The required DXE-FVC-1 applies the correct voltage to the feedline for a four direction
system. Controlling directions can be done with the DXE-CC-8A Control Console or a
simple ground closure arrangement using a 4-position rotary or other switch, with the
internal jumper reset in the DXE-FVC-1.

6. The DXE-FVC-1, DXE-CC-8A and DXE-RPA-2 pre-amp are normally located near the
receiver. The DXE-RLS-2 is normally located close to the DXE-RBSA-1FP units as is the

DXE-RFCC-1 Feedline Choke to minimize the required feedline.

Detailed Reversible Beverage System Troubleshooting

There are several possible causes for a malfunction of a Reversible Beverage System (RBS), but
testing the system is not difficult and can be completed in an hour or so. Separate circuits for
directional switching and RF are combined onto a single feedline, even in a four-direction double
Reversible Beverage System. Antenna directional switching can each be affected by a variety of
cabling, connection, and or component problems. All of the descriptions and references to RBS
below reference the new RBSA units which have only appearance changes that do not affect
performance.

The following are the most common causes of Reversible Beverage System malfunction:

A) Broken and/or shorted conductors due to animal or weather related damage or other damage,

including chewed, punctured, stretched and broken ladder line conductors and feedline
conductors.

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B) Regressed center conductors in the feedlines causing disengagement from the female center

capture pin of the F connector. This can happen in antenna or main feedline connections. Many
times a compression F connector that seemed to have a long enough center conductor when it
was originally made has regressed to the point that it is not long enough to make connection. A
properly installed F connector should have the center conductor protruding 1/4 inch beyond the
shell when viewed from the side. Check all F connectors!

C) Shorted or opened conductors caused by water migration into a feedline.

D) Improper switching is often caused by the use of a +12 Vdc (DC) wall transformer or

power supply connected to the Feedline Voltage Coupler model FVC-1. The FVC-1 and
the Reversible Beverage System requires 12 Vac (AC) to be connected to the FVC-1 power
input for proper directional operation of the system.

E) A burned out RBS-1FP Feed Point unit or RBS-1RT Reflection Transformer or a damaged

RLS-2 Two Port Switch used in a double Reversible Beverage, due to lightning pulse is

possible, or due to high power RF overload, which is less likely. High transmit power radiated
from a transmit antenna into a Beverage system that is installed within one-quarter wavelength
can cause component damage. Transmit and receive antennas should be separated by one-half
wavelength or more to prevent overload, induced broad band noise, and Beverage antenna
pattern degradation or distortion. As shown in the RBS manual, a very small gauge wire in
series with the end of each antenna wire can offer some measure of lighting protection to the
components of the system.

F) The FVC-1 green 5-pin connector screw connections can inadvertently be tightened onto the

insulation of control conductors and not the wire, causing non-switching results. If these screw
connections are over tightened, the conductor can be nicked which can cause a later break.

Over 90% of all Reversible Beverage System malfunctions have been caused by the above
system problems.

A thorough inspection and subsequent testing of the FVC-1 control cable, the RF feedlines, the
antenna ladder line, and their respective connections, will usually uncover the cause of most
RBS troubles.

A damaged FVC-1 unit, due to lightning, has been reported only a couple of times and is
extremely unlikely.

Now you are well informed about the areas and components that need to be checked in a Reversible
Beverage System. Additional troubleshooting as described below will most likely uncover the cause
of a problem.

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System Troubleshooting Procedure

1) Depending upon the switching method used for the Feedline Voltage Controller model FVC-1,

make sure the jumper inside the unit is set to respond to your method of switching, BCD voltage
or 1-of-4 ground switching. By default, the FVC-1 is set for BCD voltage control with the jumper
JMP1 connecting to the two pins below EXT. If you are using your own 4 position grounding
switch for FVC-1 control, JMP1 inside the FVC-1 must be reset to jumper setting INT.

Additional information on the connections to the FVC-1 unit is available in this manual.

Only when a DX Engineering CC-8 or CC-8A Switch Control Console unit or other BCD

voltage control is used, the JMP1 jumper must be set to EXT. Also check that the connections
from the BCD voltage source and the FVC-1 control. From the CC-8 or CC-8A to the FVC-1,
connections correspond to A to NEG, B to POS, and G to G. When rotating the switch from
position 1, 2, 3, and 4, or 5, 6, 7 and 8, if all LEDs light normally, measure BCD output
voltages. Normally, +12 to 18 Vdc is output on the rear panel green 5-pin connector pins
reference to ground pin G. Voltage measured may be as high as +18 Vdc unloaded. If the CC-8
or CC-8A has only a couple LEDs lit with the control cable disconnected, then it may have
sustained lightning pulse damage and will need to be repaired or replaced. A new CC-8A is
available separately from DX Engineering.

After checking the FVC-1 control switching, continue troubleshooting the RBS with the entire

system connected normally.

2) With the main Reversible Beverage System feedline connected to the FVC-1, test the voltages
between the OUT terminal and the ground G terminal of the FVC-1, while switching through
the four positions. The sequence that should be measured is 0 V, - 12 Vdc, +12 Vdc, and 12
Vac. The voltage will read on a multi-meter at about 6 to 7 V because they are half-wave
rectified, pulsating dc. These are the same voltages that are being sent out onto the feedline.
Only -12 Vdc is used to switch a single RBS.

If the voltages measured are not normal with the feedline line connected, then disconnect the

feedline and retest. If voltages are still incorrect, there is a problem with FVC-1 power supply
(must be 12 Vac, NOT 12 Vdc), jumpering (see #1 above), or switching control (wrong or bad
connection). Correct FVC-1 operation as discussed above.

If voltages were wrong with the feedline connected but are now okay with the feedline
disconnected from the FVC-1, this indicates:

a) A short circuit in the feedline,
b) A bad RLS-2 in a four-direction double RBS,
c) Or a short or an open in a feedline or a section of the RBS, which includes the RBS-1FP

Feedpoint Unit, a break or a short in the ladder line Beverage antenna wire, or a short or
open in the RBS-1RT Reflection Transformer.

The first direction of reception is with no voltage sent on the feedline. The default direction of
reception (jumper selected inside the RBS-1FP Feedpoint Unit and feedline connection
dependent) is Away from the unit.

- 18 -

On a single RBS, switching to position 2, the FVC-1 sends the -12 Vdc required to switch the
relay in the RBS-1FP Feedpoint Unit from the Away to the Toward receiving direction. On a
double RBS, the RLS-2 does not respond, stays on N/C port, for 0 V first direction or -12 Vdc
second direction, and passes the -12 Vdc which switches the first RBS-1FP Feedpoint Unit
from Away to Toward for the second receiving direction.

When the third switch position is selected, the FVC-1 sends +12 Vdc and the RLS-2 switches to
the N/O port, connecting the second RBS-1FP Feedpoint Unit, which does not respond to the
+12 Vdc, so it receives its default Away direction.

On the fourth position, the FVC-1 sends 12 Vac, which the RLS-2 responds to it as +12 Vdc,
passes the AC voltage to the second RBS Feedpoint Unit, which responds as if it were -12 Vdc,
and switches from Away to Toward for the fourth direction of reception.

5) Determine if the main feedline line is intact by resistance testing for shorts with the far end of
the feedline disconnected from the RBS-1FP unit in a single system, or disconnected from the
RLS-2 unit in a double system. Test additional feedlines of the double system before
reconnecting the voltage source.

6) Next test the voltages sent by the FVC-1 on the main feedline and through the RLS-2 on a
double system. Remember that voltages measured will not appear as full 12 V, since half-wave
rectification produces a pulsating DC, which reads about 6 to 8 Vdc on a multi-meter. The AC
voltage may vary from 6 to 12 volts.

Replace or repair feedlines and connectors that show shorts or loss of proper voltages as discussed
above.

7) If all voltages tested at the ends of disconnected feedlines appear as expected, but full system
functionality is not restored, then carefully inspect and test each conductor of the ladder line
with battery power.

Many cases of malfunction have been traced to breaks in one or both conductors of the
ladder line, or shorts across both conductors of the ladder line, caused by hidden damage.

A simple short may not be easily detected by measuring resistance at the feedpoint end. A

complete inspection and comprehensive measurements of the antenna ladder line should be
done. Undetected intermittent breaks and shorts in antenna ladder line have caused a few hams
to believe problems existed in their RBS-1FP or RBS-1RT. When their units were sent in, they
actually tested good. Later, it was discovered that there was an intermittent problem with the
antenna ladder line.

8) If all Beverage antenna ladder line conductors have been thoroughly tested, reconnect then to
the RBS-1FP and RBS-1RT. If functionality has not been restored, a problem inside one of
these units is possible. If a double system is being used, substitution of Feedpoint and Reflection

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Transformer Units from a known good system may help determine which piece is bad, by a
process of elimination. Service for an RBS unit, as well as a replacement unit, is available from
DX Engineering

Proper Reversible Beverage System operation depends upon proper installation, correct
grounding and lightning precautions, and correct voltage switching.

Use a steady, non-fading ground wave signal from a low to medium power daytime AM Broadcast
station that is over 10 miles away, on a frequency high in the band, or a constant signal source on
160 or 80 meters, well away from the array, to test that the Reversible Beverage System is receiving
at proper levels and is offering expected directivity. Do not use sky-wave AM broadcast or night
signals for tests. Strong sky-wave signals arriving at high angles of propagation may overpower the
Reversible Beverage System directivity that is very apparent on low angle DX signals. When
installed and operating correctly, the Reversible Beverage System can enhance forward low and
medium angle signals, and reject rearward and high angle signals, to create signal-to-noise results
that can far exceed transmit antennas, for greatly improved weak signal DX operations.

At this point, any problem in your Reversible Beverage System should have been identified.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to call or write DX Engineering technical support.
Detailed descriptions of system function, connections and troubleshooting is best handled by
telephone, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, at 330-572-3200. Or you can
email to: [e-mail].

- 20 -

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]

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 2021

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.

Date Printed: 2 March 2021