DX Engineering DXE-ARAV3-1P User manual

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Active Receive Antenna
Vertical Configuration
.
DXE-ARAV3-1P - Single Vertical Antenna
DXE-ARAV3-2P - Two Vertical Array Package (for use with NCC-1)
DXE-ARAV3-4P - Four Vertical Array Package
DXE-ARAV3-8P - Eight Vertical Array Package
(Export Models: DXE-ARAV3-1PE, DXE-ARAV3-2PE, DXE-ARAV3-4PE, DXE-ARAV3-8PE)
Used under US Patent No. 7,423,588
DXE-ARAV3-INS-Revision 4c
© DX Engineering 2013
P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
Introduction
3
Location Considerations
3
General Information
4
Systems Packages
4
DXE-ARAV3-1P Single Active Receiver
4
DXE-ARAV3-2P Two Active Receivers
5
DXE-ARAV3-4P Four Active Receivers
5
DXE-ARAV3-8P Eight Active Receivers
5
Warning
5
Manual Updates
6
Features
6
Technical Description
6
Basic Tools Required
7
Installation
7
Location
7
Assembly
7
Ground Mounting Rod
9
Three Piece 102" Receiving Element - WP-102E
11
Providing a Good RF Ground
12
Connections
12
Coaxial Cable Feedline
14
Low Frequency Response - Internal Jumpers
14
Using the Active Receive Verticals in a 4 Square or 8 Circle Array
15
Alternate Mounting
16
Using the Active Receive Verticals with the DXE-NCC-1
17
Troubleshooting Information
17
Appendix A -Diagrams
18
Optional Items
23
Technical Support
24
Warranty
24

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Introduction
Ideal for Amateur Radio or Shortwave Listening, the DXE-ARAV3 Active Receive Antenna
systems (ARAV3) offer excellent receiving performance from 100 kHz to 30 MHz using a whip
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 of noise.
The ARAV3 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 ARAV3 antennas in
conjunction with the DXE-NCC-1 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 re-
radiated 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 re-
radiated 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 higher frequencies, where the active element length becomes a
partial wavelength, coupling increases further. Placing a DXE-ARAV3 on the same mast or tower
as a Yagi or other transmitting antenna is not recommended for this reason.
To assure highest protection for the active antenna, a DXE-TVSU-1A Time Variable Sequencer
Unit should be used to ensure the correct transmit-to-receive switching. The ARAV3 series active
vertical antenna system grounds the antenna element when power is turned off.
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.

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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 ARAV3systems 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
ARAV3antennas in conjunction with the DXE-NCC-1 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.
The DXE-ARAV3 active antennas may be used in installations when spacing from transmit
antennas is at least 1/10-wavelength or more. 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 re-radiated by the transmit antenna. The DXE-ARAV3 series
active vertical antenna system grounds the antenna element when power is turned off for protection
of the active devices.
When using active receive antenna radio systems with RF amplifiers a sequencer such as the DXE-
TVSU-1A Time Variable Sequencer Unit should be used. This will ensure the correct timing
while switching from receive to transmit, and back to receive, so the active receive antenna is
protected from high energy fields from the transmit antenna.
Systems Packages
There are 4 Vertical Active Receive system packages. (DXE-ARAV3-1P, -2P, -4P, -8P)
Note: Export versions have a -E after the part number and contain the DXE-WP102E three
piece antenna element rather than the one piece antenna element. The three section
tapered stainless steel whip with machined couplers was designed to be compact in size
for economical export shipping purposes.
DXE-ARAV3-1P
Non-conductive mounting plate
Solid brass element mounting block
High quality, 102 in. tapered stainless steel whip 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
DXE-PSW-12D1A +12 Vdc wall mounted transformer (120 Vac 60 Hz in, +12 Vdc @ 1A)
Stainless steel clamps and hardware

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DXE-ARAV3-2P - The two active antennas system package DXE-ARAV3-2P is intended to be
used with the optional DXE-NCC-1 Noise/Phase Controller to make a steerable dual vertical array.
The NCC-1 can also provide power for the active antennas and the proper transmit power-off
sequencing.
(2) Non-conductive mounting plates
(2) Solid brass element mounting blocks
(2) High quality, 102 in. tapered stainless steel whip antenna elements
(2) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays
(2) Element connection wires
(2) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware
DXE-ARAV3-4P - The four active antennas system package DXE-ARAV3-4P is intended for
use with the optional DXE-RFS-3P Receive Four-Square system to build a Four-Square Receiving
Array. The RFS-3P which has provision for powering the active antennas
(4) Non-conductive mounting plates
(4) Solid brass element mounting blocks
(4) High quality, 102 in. tapered stainless steel whip antenna elements
(4) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays
(4) Element connection wires
(4) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware
DXE-ARAV3-8P -The eight active antennas system package DXE-ARAV3-8P is intended for
use with the optional DXE-RCA8-SYS-4P Receive Eight Circle system to build an Eight Circle
Receiving Array. The RFS-3P which has provision for powering the active antennas
(8) Non-conductive mounting plates
(8) Solid brass element mounting blocks
(8) High quality, 102 in. tapered stainless steel whip antenna elements
(8) AVA-2 Active matching systems w/ Internal Antenna Disconnect Relays
(8) Element connection wires
(8) Sets of Stainless steel clamps and hardware
The DXE-ARAV3 active antennas may be used in installations when spacing from transmit
antennas is less than 1/2-wavelength but more than 1/10-wavelength (on the lowest frequency). The
ARAV3active vertical antenna grounds the antenna element when power is turned off. Ideally,
receive antennas should be over 1/2 wavelength from transmit antennas.
A DXE-TVSU-1A Time Variable Sequencer Unit should be used to ensure the correct transmit to
receive switching.
WARNING!
INSTALLATION OF ANY ANTENNA NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS

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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 and brass mounting hardware, full metal
enclosure
Compact − Stainless steel tapered element has low visual and environmental impact
Easy Mounting and Installation Flexibility − Pre-drilled mounting plate and stainless
steel U-Bolt Saddle clamps for mounting to your 4 foot ground rod
May be connected to a transceiver which lacks a receive antenna input using the optional
DXE-RTR-1A Receive Antenna Interface for transceivers.
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-ARAV3 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-1A Time
Variable Sequencer Unit or DXE-NCC-1 Receive Antenna Variable Phasing Controller will supply
power for multi-element arrays. The DXE-TVSU-1A Time Variable Sequencer Unit and the DXE-
NCC-1 Noise Canceling Receive Antenna Controller will interrupt the power to the DXE-ARAV3
for proper grounding during the transmit operation of the transceiver.

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Basic Tools Required
5/16", 7/16", 1/2" wrenches or nut drivers, and a 5/8" wrench
# 2 Phillips Head Screw Driver
Installation
Location
The best place to install your active antenna is where you have the recommended space. The DXE-
ARAV3should be located a minimum of 1/2-wavelength (at the lowest frequency used) away from
any 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. A
sequencer such as the DXE-TVSU-1A should be used to ensure the correct transmit-to-receive
switching.
With this close spacing, coupling from nearby transmit antennas or metal structures becomes more
pronounced. At higher frequencies, where the active element length becomes a partial wavelength,
coupling increases further. Placing a DXE-ARAV3 on the same mast or tower as a Yagi or other
transmitting antenna is not recommended for this reason.
Assembly
The assembly described is for the DXE-ARAV3-1P. Use UMI-81343 - Anti-Seize on stainless
steel hardware threads to prevent galling and to ensure proper torque.
Orient the black mounting plate with the two brass element mounting block holes closer to the top
left, as shown in Figure 1. Use the 7/16" x 1-1/2" bolts, flat washers, split washers, and nuts to
mount the brass element block to the mounting plate. Make sure the threaded hole in the element
block for the antenna element is facing upward. Use a flat washer under each bolt head and a flat
and split washer combination under each nut. Do not over-tighten.
Figure 1

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Mount the AVA-2 matching unit with the ANT + terminal toward the top up. Use the 5/8" bolts, a
flat washer under each bolt and a flat and split washer under each nut. Refer to Figure 2.
Figure 2
Loosely install the two stainless steel V-Clamps on the black mounting plate as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Upper Clamp Lower Clamp
NOTE: The following describes the use of the DXE-SSVC-1P and DXE-SSVC-1PG V-Clamps
that are included with the ARAV3. These are used for mounting the ARAV3 on a typical
ground rod from 1/2" OD to 3/4" OD.
If you plan to mount the ARAV3to 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 pipe that is 1" OD to 1-1/2" OD. Refer to Figure 10 for
examples.

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Refer to Figure 4 and install one of the two wires (both are the same length) from the brass block to
the AVA-2 antenna ANT + connection, use the wing nut and hand tighten only. The wire is held
in place on the brass element block with one 5/16" x 1/2" bolt and one star washer. The closed lug
goes on the brass element and the open lug goes on the AVA-2.
Figure 4
The other wire goes from the ANT - (use the wing nut and hand tighten only) on the AVA-2 to the
ground tab on the stainless steel V-Clamp installed on your ground rod as explained in the next
section. The closed lug goes on the ground tab and the open lug goes on the AVA-2 as shown in
Figures 5 and 6.
Ground Mounting Rod
Drive your four foot copper clad steel ground rod into the ground far enough to provide a sturdy
mount for the antenna system. Ensure the ARAV3 unit will be above any potential standing water.
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.
Position the ARAV3unit on the ground rod adjust the height
so the ground rod top is not higher than the ARAV3 black
insulated panel. This prevents unwanted interference with the
active element. Tighten the two V-Clamps to hold the ARAV3
in place.
Attach the V-Clamp with the tab to the ground rod just below
the bottom of the ARAV3as shown in Figure 5. The V-Clamp
can work with ground rods from 5/8" to 3/4" in diameter.
Figure 5

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Install the ground wire hardware and ground wire on the
stainless steel V-Clamp with the tab. The other end of this
wire goes to the AVA-2 ANT- connection as shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 6