DX Engineering DXE-RR2X8 User manual

2 x 8 Remote Antenna Switch
DXE-RR2X8
DXE-RR2X8-INS Revision 0
© DX Engineering 2011
P.O. Box 1491 · Akron, OH 44309-1491
Phone: [phone] · Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] · E-mail: [email protected]

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Introduction
The DXE-RR2X8 is a dual 8-port switch designed to switch coaxial lines in low to medium-power
RF systems typically used in a Single Operator - 2 Radio (SO2R) environment.
The DXE-RR2X8 allows the user to switch inputs from either Master or Slave radio to two of the
eight output ports using 1 of 8 logic inputs. The logic high required for switching is +12 Vdc at 100
mA. A switching time of less than 15 ms is normal.
The DXE-RR2X8 is intended to be interfaced with a customer supplied logical switching unit. The
logical switching unit used should provide for protection against hot switching and to prevent
attempts at the Master or Slave from selecting the same output port at the same time. The DXE-
RR2X8 contains no internal logic or T/R switch sensing for transmit protection.
When selecting the various switch positions, the Master has precedence. This means if the Master
selects output port #3, the Slave cannot use port #3 at the same time.
Slave will then be transmitting to an open
Another example would be if the Slave has selected port 5 and you are transmitting, and the Master
then selects port 5, the Master takes port 5 and Slave will then be transmitting into an open.
Features
Enclosed relays provide exceptional performance and are moisture resistant. The RR2X8 can be
used to simultaneously select multiple output ports as well as conventional one-of-eight antenna
switching. This allows the RR2X8 to be used in complex antenna systems as well as traditional
switching arrangements.
The RR2X8 also uses removable screw terminals for the control
cables. The removable plugs greatly simplifies installation by
eliminating the need for soldering. Disassembly is not required for
control wiring access.
The RR2X8 also offers the following features:
•Stainless Steel Weatherproof Housing - unique
protection
•Excellent Port-to-Port Isolation; greater than 70 dB at
30 MHz, worst case.
•High-RF tolerant UHF connectors
•Enclosed 16-ampere RF relays
•Safe 12-volt relay operation
•16 MOVs for surge protection on control lines
•16 RF bypass capacitors
•Includes one DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-
Clamp for mounting

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Specifications
Power Rating: 6 kW ICAS all modes, under 2:1 SWR, 4 kW CCS all modes, under 2:1 SWR
Control Voltage: 10-14 Vdc at 100 mA per port
Port-to-Port Isolation: >70 dB below 30 MHz, >60 dB below 60 MHz
Loss: <0.3 dBm below at 52 MHz
Impedance: 50 ohms
Dimensions: 10.375" x 9.875" x 4.375" and the mounting flange hangs down 2.25"
Control Line: Dual 8-wire line larger than #24 for runs up to 500 ft. (or 9-conductor for
dedicated ground). When using 8-conductor wire the feedline serves as a ground return. Use
of two DXE-CW9 CAT-5 or standard low voltage control wiring, such as telephone wire, is
acceptable.
General Information
The DXE-RR2X8 uses a dual star arrangement of 24 relays to select one or more of eight output
ports when voltage is applied from two 8-wire control lines.
The 24 relays provide greatly improved power handling, port-to-port isolation and SWR over
conventional switches and allows connection between any of the eight antenna output ports from
either the master or slave input ports.
The system offers virtually no loss at HF and excellent low-loss performance (less than 0.16 dB loss
on six meters).
Installation
1. Secure the RR2X8 switching unit using the included DXE-
SSVC-2P stainless steel V-Saddle Clamp. For outdoor
installations or in moist environments, connectors must face
downward. Use Never-Seez or Anti-Seize on all stainless
steel hardware to prevent galling.
2. Fasten all cables to the mounting mast or tower to relieve
strain, and gently droop the cables to form a drip loop (do not
use tight bends with coaxial cable). Install the RR2X8 with
the connectors facing down and use gradual bends or loops in
heavy wires. If the RR2X8 is mounted to a wooden pole or
building, a wide copper flashing or heavy wire or strap
should be connected from the mounting bracket to a good
ground.

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3. Wire the two plugs making a note of wire colors at each pin. Write them in the Connector Wire
Reference Table below. Either "G" is ground.
The green connectors are in two parts and the tops part can be removed by
pulling it straight off. This will allow easier wire replacement or servicing as
needed. When pushing a connector back in place, ensure you press straight
inward.
M = Master, S = Slave
DXE-CW9 Shielded CAT5 cable can be used. The shield is used as the signal ground return.
Adhering to a logical standard allows people unfamiliar with a system to troubleshoot with minimal
difficulty.
For DXE-CW9 shielded CAT5 cable we suggest working your way up through the pairs by
ascending color: brown, brown/white, orange, orange/white, green, green/white, blue, and
blue/white.
M = MASTER Connector Wire Reference Table
G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G
S = SLAVE Connector Wire Reference Table
G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G
The ground wire can be omitted if the DXE-EC-8 control console or the DXE-CC-8A control
console or other switching voltage source is grounded to the feedline. The feedline shield and
equipment grounds provide the ground path. Note: The total loop resistance of the control cable
path must be under 30 ohms for reliable operation. .
Note: Do not seal the connectors! The connectors are recessed inside a drip edge
that prevents water from getting into connectors. The cover-to-connector
plate junction is not sealed so the unit can "breathe” and eliminate
condensation.

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Control
The DXE-RR2X8 allows the user to switch inputs from either Master or Slave to the eight output
ports using 1 of 8 logic inputs. The logic high required for switching is +12 Vdc.
When selecting the various switch positions, the Master has precedence. This means if the Master
selects output port #3, the Slave cannot use port #3 at the same time.
Slave will then be transmitting to an open
Another example would be if the Slave has selected port 5 and you are transmitting, and the Master
then selects port 5, the Master takes port 5 and Slave will then be transmitting into an open.
A very simplified schematic is shown:
Master selection always takes precedence.
Master and Slave can never use the same
output port at the same time (See Green Box above).
Caution: Never switch antennas while transmitting. Hot switching with power will create a sustained arc
that damages relay contacts. When switching ports, allow 15 ms before transmitting to avoid damaging the
switch. This type of damage is NOT covered under warranty.

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Notes:

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Optional Items
DXE-CW9S - Shielded Control Wire, 9 conductor stranded, per foot
DXE-CW9S is a high quality shielded outdoor cable. It features 9 #24 AWG stranded conductors with aluminum
foil shielding plus a #24 stranded tinned copper drain wire. This gives you 8 switch positions plus common ground -
plus the separate shield. It has a gray PVC jacket. This cable is ideal for DX Engineering Remote Antenna Switches
and Four Square arrays, and should be considered for any low-current custom remote switching application you have
- such as receiving antenna arrays. Order by the foot in the length you require. Price shown is per foot.
A nice feature is the "rip cord", which allows for easy stripping of the heavy jacket without worry about nicking or accidentally
cutting the conductors.
DXE-CW9-1K - Shielded Control Wire, 9 conductor, 1000 ft reel
DXE-CW9 - Shielded Control Wire, 9 conductor, per foot
DXE-CW9-1K is a 1000 foot box of high quality shielded outdoor FTP (Foil Twisted Pair) Cat5e cable. It features 4
Twisted pairs of 24 AWG solid wire with Al foil shielding plus a solid tinned copper drain wire - providing a total of 9
conductors for DC switching applications. It has a polyethylene jacket and is rated for direct burial. This cable is ideal for
DX Engineering Remote Antenna Switches and Four Square arrays, and should be considered for any low-current custom
remote switching application you have - such as receiving antenna arrays. A nice feature is the "rip cord", which allows for easy
stripping of the heavy jacket without worry about nicking or accidentally cutting the conductors. Excellent for use in all
outdoor applications of switching, networking, data transfer and phone lines. As a data transfer line, it supports
10/100/1000Mbps.
DXE-81343, NSBT8 - Anti-Seize & Never-Seez
An Anti-seize compound MUST be used on any Stainless Steel nuts, bolts, clamps or other hardware to prevent galling
and thread seizure. Any of these products can be used for this purpose.
*DXE-81343 Anti-Seize, 1 oz. Squeeze Tube
*DXE-81464 Anti-Seize, 8.5 oz. Aerosol Can
*DXE-NSBT8 Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top
*DXE-NMBT8 Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top, Marine Grade
* These products are limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only
DXE-900031 - Automatic Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 24-10 Ga.
Our DX Engineering wire stripper uses a spring-loaded design to make quick work of wires ranging from 24 to 10
gauge. Just insert the wire, squeeze the handle, and listen for the click. That’s the sound of another perfect wire
stripping job performed in about 2 seconds- a fraction of the time it takes your pocket knife to do the same job. An
adjustable wire length guide helps you make uniform strips, and a built-in wire cutter and crimper helps you
complete your wiring job.
Spring-loaded design
•Strips wires ranging from 24 to 10 gauge
•built-in wire cutter and crimper
DXE-11055 - Klein-Kurve Wire Stripper / Cutter 11055, 18-22 AWG
Klein Tools Klein-Kurve wire strippers are ideal for stripping solid (10-18 AWG) and stranded (12-20 AWG)
wire cleanly and easily. The 7 1/8 in. strippers also have precise shear-type blades to cut copper wire nicely, easy-
to-read markings on both sides, and extra-soft grips and curved handles for comfort.

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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:
[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 2011
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 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.