DX Engineering DXE-RSC-2 User manual

Two-Port Splitter/Combiner
DXE-RSC-2
DXE-RCS-2-INS Revision 4
© DX Engineering 2012
P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

2
Introduction
The DX Engineering RSC-2 can be used to combine two receiving antennas to form an array or to
split the signal from an antenna to feed two receivers. The RCS-2 can reduce problems and
performance shortfalls caused by impedance errors in less-than-perfect antenna systems.
Features
• Metal housing for superior shielding and longer life
• High quality components
• Internal spark gaps and large ground planes for improved lightning protection
• Reliable type F connectors
• Broad 300 kHz to 30 MHz operating range with 75 Ω systems
• Economical solution to potential impedance errors
Operation
Like all passive splitters and combiners, maximum isolation between port 1 and 2 occurs when the
common port is terminated or sourced at 75 Ω. If you disconnect or do not use one of the ports, it
is important that you terminate that port at 75 Ω.
Note: The RSC-2 will not pass-through feedline control voltages.
Combining
The RSC-2 can be used to combine, with negligible loss, two 75 Ω antenna systems into a single 75
Ω feedline. Unlike feedline or hybrid combiners, the RSC-2 is not frequency dependent and can
operate over a broad frequency range.
The RSC-2 provides equal voltage, equal current, or equal power to matched or unmatched loads on
ports 1 and 2. By forcing equal currents, a 1/2-wavelength transmission line can be used to feed a
directional array instead of the more typical odd-1/4-wavelength line. With a 2:1 resistive load
unbalance, less than 0.1 dB current error was measured in such an application.
There are also a number of advantages of using the RSC-2 for combining antenna systems
compared to standard parallel connections:
• The RSC-2 matches the entire antenna system to 75 Ω. A parallel connection divides the
impedance to 37.5 Ω.
• Unlike 1/4-wavelength matching sections that only work on one band, the RCS-2 has an
extremely wide bandwidth of 300 kHz to 30 MHz
• With antennas connected in parallel, if either one develops a high impedance open, becomes
shorted, falls down, or has a feedline problem, the entire antenna system may become unusable.
When combining antennas using the RSC-2, only the problem antenna is unusable because of the
built-in isolation and balancing. The antenna on the other port can still be used because the RSC-
2limits the total signal loss to approximately 6 dB
• The RSC-2 provides very high isolation between ports 1 and 2. This prevents either antenna from
interfering with the other during normal operation

3
Splitting
The RSC-2 can also be used to split an antenna signal in two, typically to feed two receivers.
The primary advantage of the RSC-2, when feeding multiple receivers from one antenna, is each
individual receiver will not seriously affect the signal level of the other receiver. This prevents
receiver band filters attached to one port from “shorting” or loading the signal of another receiver
tuned to a different band. In addition, any spurious signals generated in one receiver are greatly
attenuated by the RSC-2 before reaching the second receiver.
When used as a splitter, typical signal level loss through the RSC-2 is just over 3 dB per port. This
is because each port receives half the available input power, and the RSC-2 has a very small
additional loss in its internal components. When splitting in-phase signals, the loss is somewhat
less.
Like many receiving systems, losses are based on source and load impedances being 75 Ω.
Installation
The RSC-2 is a passive device and therefore requires no power to operate. When used as a
combiner, the RSC-2 is typically located near the antenna field. Any location with ambient
temperatures below 150°F (65°C) is acceptable.
Connect the antennas (combining) or receivers (splitting) to connectors 1 and 2. If only one antenna
or receiver is used, the unused port must be terminated at 75 Ω. Connect the feedline to the
Common port.
In outdoor applications, a bead of non-corrosive, marine grade silicone, like DX Engineering part
number DXE-RTV598335, should be used along the seams of the enclosure. Be sure to leave a
small opening in the bead, at the lowest point, for a condensation drain. Silicone which contains
acetic acid has a vinegar-like smell, is corrosive to aluminum and should be avoided.
We recommend using a 75 Ω high quality, “flooded” RG-6 type coax (part number DXE-F6-SPL,
available from DX Engineering). 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. Moisture ingress into the shield often occurs at the
connector and can cause increased system noise and poor or intermittent performance so care
should be taken to ensure the coax connections are moisture-free. Snap-N-Seal connectors are long-
lasting and weather-tight. (DX Engineering part number DXE-SNS6-25 contains 25 Snap-N-Seal
connectors)
Snap-N-Seal connectors cannot be installed with normal crimping tools or pliers, so an installation
tool like the DXE-SNS-CT1, also available from DX Engineering, is essential for proper
installation.

4
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:
[email protected]
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 2012
DX Engineering®, DXE®, Hot Rodz™, Maxi-Core™, THUNDERBOLT™, Antenna Designer™, Yagi
Mechanical™, and Gorilla Grip®Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No
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Specifications subject to change without notice.