Pixel RF PR0-1 B User manual

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--
~i:x.
~•-
-
.
~CHNOLOGI
S
RF
PR0-1
B
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
This
active
magnetic
1.
oop
antenna
is
designed
for
reception
of
signals
over
the
range
of
50
kHz
to
30
MHz
.
It
includes
a
very
high
dynamic
range
low-noise
preamplifier
that
can
be
mounted
to
a
pole
or
any
flat
surface.
The
preamplifier
is
designed
for
minimum
i
ntermodulation
distortion
in
the
presence
of
very
high
level
signals
that
would
normally
overload
most
amplifiers.
For
proper
operation
the
preamplifier
needs
to
be
powered
as
shown
in
the
diagram
shown
in
Figure
1
with
the
supplied
power
inserter
and
power
supply
that
duplexes
DC
power
on
the
same
cable
carrying
the
preamplifi
.
er
's
output.
The
antenna
should
be
oriented
in
the
proper
direction
to
maximize
reception
of
the
des
i
red
signals
(see
details
below)
.
For
best
performance
,
the
amplifier
should
be
installed
near
the
antenna
to
avoid
amplifying
low
level local
interference
that
may
enter
the
coaxial
cable
leading
from
the
loop
antenna
to
the
preamplifier
's i
nput.
Cautions:
This
is
a
receive-only
antenna.
Do
not
connect
it
to
a
transmitter
as
it
will
be
damaged
and
void
your
warranty
Do
not
inadvertently
connect
the
20
VDC
output
of
the
power
inserter
to
your
receiver's
antenna
input
as
your
receiver
may
be
damaged.
See
attached
cautions
and
warnings
relative
to
lightning
protection
and
antenna
installation
near
high
voltage
power
lines.
When
operating
with
nearby
transmitting
antennas,
foHow
the
instructions
below
to
avoid
over-driving
(or
damaging)
your
receiver's
input
or
damaging
the
loop
's
low-noise
amplifier.
Supplied
Components
(see
Figure
16)
QTY
Description
Loop
antenna
30
dB
preamplifier
1i
L-bracket
2
Saddle
clamps
2
U-bolts
lot
Mounting
Screws
and
washers
1
Coaxial-
Sea
package
1
24
VAC
wall
mount
transformer
1 3 ft
F-male
to
F-male
jumper
cable
1 1 ft
F-male
to
F-male
water-proof
jumper
cable
PL-259
Adapter
1
20
voe
power
inserter
1
Twin
lead
to
F-female
adapter
1
RCA-
plug
to
RCA-
plug
cable
and
Y
adapter
1
Grounding
Lug
2
Nylon
shoulder
washers
(.375
.
inch)
2
Nylon
flat
washers
(.25
inch)
1
Instruction
Manual

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Figure 1. RF PR0-1 B Active Loop Antenna Wiring Diagram
0
1 Ft Ju mpe r Cable
27 dB
Pre amp li fi er
M od el RF30A
RG-6 Cable
(sold separat ely )
~
Pow er Ins erte r
Out put
MOO EtP ·92A
POWEA
INSERTER
TO AM P
OUTPUT(20
VDC)
KE Y
(see Fi gur es4 & 15)
TO
RADIO
180
Loop Antenna Pattern (l oo k in g down edge - on fr om a bove anten na)
CAUTION: Do not inadvertently connect 20 VDC
output of Power Inserter to Radio's antenna input.
The 20 VDC may damage the radio.
P l- 2 59
ADAP TER
RADIO
RECEIVER
I t
S upplied T wl n
24 VA C Wa ll Moun t
Transformer
2
RADIO
RECEIVER
I
I----- -------------- ------- ----~
llSVAC
Alternate Interfa ce for Radios with Twi n
Lead
Antenna Input
To KEY output of transceiver (optional)

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Positionin
g
the
An
te
nna
Th
is
antenna
has
a
directional
'
Figure
Eight'
pattern
with
two
deep
25-
30
dB
nulls
as
shown
in
the
diagram
in
Figure
1,
so
for
maximum
daytime
low-angle
ground
wave
reception
of
a
desired
signal
it
should
be
oriented
so
that
the
Imaginary
plane
In
which
the
l
oop
rests
should
be
vertical
to
the
ground
and
should,
if
extended,
pass
through
the
general
location
of
the
s
ig
nal
's
transmitter
.
There
is
a
label
on
the
antenna
's
upper
junction
box
that
shows
the
proper
pointing
directions
for
maximum
signals
and
the
nulls.
At
night
,
for
reception
of
high-
angle
sky
waves
th
is
antenna
is
less
directional
and
the
nulls
are
far
l
ess
prominen
t.
For
best
results
it
should
be
located
as
far
away
as
possible
from
any
metal
objects
that
could
distort
or
sh
ield
the
antenna
's
reception
like
gutters,
downpipes
,
metal
pl
umbing
and
aluminum
fo
il
backed
therma
l
insulation.
It
can
be
positioned
indoors
or
outdoors
at
least
5
fee
t
above
ground
l
evel,
but
for
best
results
it
should
be
as
far
as
possible
from
sources
of
i
nterference
such
as
AC
power
cables
,
cat
5
network
cabl
es
,
fluorescent
lights
,
light
dimmers.
computers
and
flat
panel
TV
'
s.
If
l
ocated
outdoors
it
can
be
camouflaged
with
shrubbery.
Ideally
a
location
outdoors
at
least
20
feet
away
from
any
buildings
will
yield
superior
results
.
It
can
be
mounted
to
any
pole
up
to
2
in
ches
in
diameter
or
attached
to
a
flat
surface
or
wall
via
the
included
L-bracket.
Us
e
with
N
ea
r-
By
Tr
an
smitting
Antennas
The
antenna
's l
ow-noise
preamplifier
will
withstand
RF
input
levels
of
at
least
30
dBm
without
failure.
In
tests
with
a
1,
500
Watt
transmit
amplifier
and
a
¼
wave
vertical
transmi
t
ting
antenna
we
found
that
the
worst-
case
loop
output
power
i
nto
the
preamp
was
10
dBm
when
the
antenna
was
located
25
ft
from
a
vertical
radiator
and
adjusted
for
maximum
coupling.
This
would
indic
ate
that
at
25
ft
separation
there
is
a
20
dB
safety
margin.
The
other
factor
to
consider
however
is
that
with
this
kind
of
input
signal
(+1
O
dBm)
the
pr
eam
pl
if
ier
's
27
dB
gain
will
cause
it
to
saturate
and
output
1.3
watts
into
the
connected
receiver
.
This
high
saturated
output
level
is
a
byproduct
of
the
excellent
intermodulation
distortion
performance
of
this
preamplifier
,
but
while
most
receivers
have
some
sort
of
in
pu
t
protection
and
possibly
an
internal
transmit
I
receive
switch
that
disconnects
or
shorts
the
input
when
transmitting
,
we
cannot
be
sure
of
what
the
radio's
protection
limits
are
and
we
don't
want
to
be
responsible
for
any
damage
that
may
result.
Hence
included
In
the
loop
's
power
in
serter
is
a
relay
that
can
be
actuated
by
the
"
KEY
"
output
of
a
typical
transce
iv
er.
When
actuated
,
the
relay
disconnects
power
from
the
antenna
's
preamp.
A
green
LED
on
the
power
inserter
is
i
lluminated
when
power
is
applied
to
the
preamp
.
An
RCA
-
plug
to
RCA-plug
cable
is
included
with
the
accessor
i
es
to
connect
the
KEY
output
of
your
transce
iv
er
to
the
RCA
jack
on
the
side
of
the
power
ins
erte
r.
An
RCA
Y-
adapter
is
also
i
ncluded
to
enable
connecting
the
KEY
signal
from
your
transce
i
ver
to
other
equ
i
pment.
(See
Figures
2
and
3).
The
relay
's
actuation
ci
rcuit
is
designed
to
operate
with
a
typ
ica
l
transce
iv
er
's
12
VDC
"K
EY
" sig
nal.
The
power
in
serte
r
has
internal
DIP
switches
that
can
be
programmed
to
harmonize
relay
actuation
with
the
proper
state
of
t
he
trans
cei
ver's
KEY
signal.
The
default
setting
Is
such
that
when
the
KEY
output
is
"low''
(less
than
0.7
VDC
)
the
relay
turns
on
and
disconnects
the
preamp
's
power
and
the
connection
to
your
receiver
is
grounded
through
a
resistor.
If
the
KEY
signal
is
"
high
"
or
greater
than
1.2
VDC
the
relay
is
not
actuated
and
power
is
applied
to
the
amplifier
and
connection
is
made
to
your
receiver.
If
the
KEY
input
to
the
power
inserter
is
left
open
or
disconnected
,
then
power
is
always
applied
to
the
preamp.
If
your
transcei
v
er
has
a "
KEY
"
output
that
goes
high
on
transmit
,
then
you
can
reverse
the
polar
i
ty
of
the
power
ins
erter
re
la
y
actuation
by
removing
the
power
i
nserter
's
base
plate
and
programming
the
DIP
switch
es
on
the
PC
board
in
acco
rdan
ce
with
the tab
le
shown
in
Figure
4.
A s
im
pl
ifi
ed
schematic
of
the
relay
int
erface
circuit
is
shown
in
Figure
5.
Note
that
the
KEY
inp
ut
is
pulled
up
int
ernally
via
a 1
OK
ohm
resistor
to
the
"
high
"
state
.
If
your
transceiver
's
KEY
output
is
not
compatib
le
with
this
interface
circuit
and
does
not
operate
the
power
insert
er
relay
,
please
contact
our
customer
serv
ic
e
(303
526
1965
,
in
fo@pixelsatradio
.
com)
for
assi
stanc
e.
3

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Figure 2. KEY Wiring for RF PR0-1 B Loop Antenna
To Loop Preamp
-.
Typical Receiver
RF PR0-1 B Power Inserter
To Key Input on Transmitter Amplifier
(if you have one)
4

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Figure
3.
KEY
Wiring
for
RF
PR0-1
B
Loop
Antenna
Tran
sc
eiver
KE
Y
Out
RF
PRO
-
1B
POWER
INSERTER
KEY
Y
Ad
a
pter
5
Amplifier
KEY
In

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Figure 4. Power Inserter DIP Switch Settings
Default
Settings
KEY INPUT
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
Switch 1
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
Switch 2
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
HIGH~ 1.2 voe LOW$ 0.7 V DC
Figure 5. Simplified Relay Interface Schematic
20 VDC ANTENNA POWER
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
To Loop Preamp
(+20VDC)
Output to Receiver
+J.- 20_ V_DC _ _..,/,--_-7_- - ---i i-- - +- 20---<IV,_DC __ - , '--, CJ
+2 0
SW1
10k
K ey from Transciev er
-:-
-:-
6

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Cable
For
best
results
the
cable
run
from
the
indoor
power
inserter
to
the
external
amplifier
should
be
quad
shielded
RG
-6
cab
le
with
male
F
connectors
on
each
end.
This
cable
is
available
with
high-quality
compression
fit
water-proof
F-connectors
pre-attached
that
have
internal
0-rings
to
keep
moisture
out
.
Pi
xel
part
numbers
:
C-50
50
feet
C-100
100
feet
C-150
150
feet
C-200
200
feet
Standard
shield,
high
qual
i
ty
RG-6
cable
can
also
be
used;
however
the
cable's
ability
to
reject
external
in
t
erference
is
reduced
by
typically
10
dB
.
If
the
cab
le
run
from
the
power
inserter
to
the
antenna
's
preamplifier
is
longer
than
200
feet
,
then
RG-6
cable
that
has
a
solid-core
copper
center
conductor
should
be
used
such
as
Belden
1829AC
to
minimize
DC
loss.
Waterproof
F -
Connectors
&
Weather
Proofing
The
one
foot
long
RG-6
jumper
cable
included
with
the
accessories
(see
Figure
6)
is
used
to
connect
the
output
of
the
loop
to
I
ts
preamp
.
Th
is
cable
uses
spec
i
ally
des
i
gned
F-connectors
to
el
i
minate
moisture
ingress
. A
package
of
COAX
sea
l
is
supplied
for
additional
weatherproofing
.
Follow
the
instructions
on
the
side
of
the
package
.
Mounting
to
a
Rotator
Figure
7
shows
the
antenna
mounted
to
a
rota
to
r.
Many
users
utilize
this
conf
ig
uration
to
take
full
adva
nta
ge
of
the
antenna
's
directional
characteristics.
Because
of
the
antenna
's
low
weight
and
wind
loading
a
very
low
power
rotator
can
be
used
typ
i
cal
of
the
type
used
with
TV
antennas
.
Mounting
the
Amplifier
Figures
8
thru
13
show
the
details
for
pole
mount
i
ng
the
preamplifier
.
Nylon
shoulder-washers
and
nylon
flat
washers
are
used
to
e
le
ctrically
isolate
the
metal
case
of
the
preamplifier
from
the
mounting
pole.
This
is
required
to
avoid
ground
loops.
The
preamplifier
has
two
small
weep
holes
in
its
base
to
drain
any
condensation
that
may
accumulate
internally
and
should
be
orientated
in
the
proper
vertical
direction
as
indicated
by
an
arrow
on
its
case
.
(The
preamplifier
circuit
board
is
conformal
coated
to
protect
it
from
mo
i
sture
and
corros
i
on
).
A 1
foot
j
umper
cable
is
supplied
to
connect
the
output
of
the
loop
antenna
to
the
input
of
the
preamplif
i
er
.
The
preamplifier
's
output
should
be
connected
to
the
20
voe
output
of
the
power
inserter
via
the
l
ead-in
RG-6
cab
le
.
7

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Figure 6. One foot RG-6 Jumper Cable with water-proof F-connectors.
Connects Loop Antenna Output to Amplifier Input .
8

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Figure
7.
Loop
Antenna
Mounted
on
Rotor
Coax-Seal
Rotor
~
(Not Supplied)
9
Preamplifier
~-----
Service
Loop
~
RG-6
Cable
to
Power Inserter
(Not Supplied)

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Figure 8. Pole Mounting Details
P •~- , w•
.....,_.__.,._,,~
----~-- ·-
10

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Figure 9. Pole Mounting Details (side view)
U-Bolts and /
Saddle
Clamps
Nylon Shoulder
Washer
V\
a,
~
u
C
·-
00
~
Mast for rotor
mounting
11
Nylon Washer
Preamplifier

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Figure 10. Antenna & Rotor Pole Mounting Details (side view)
12

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I
Figure 11. Amplifier Mounting Details
Nylon shoulder washers used to electrically isolate
preamplifer from mounting pole
13

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Figure 12. Preamplifier Mounting Details
Nylon Washer
Amplifier
14

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Figure
13.
Preamplifier
Mounting
Details
Lock
washer
and
nut
15

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Power
Inserter
The
power
inserter
con
tains
a
highly
filtered
linear
DC
r
eg
ulator
with
an
internal
self
resetting
fuse
that
provides
protection
from
short
circuits.
It
is
designed
for
indoor
use
only.
The
wall
mount
transformer
provides
24
VAC
for
the
power
supply
.
Connection
Diagram
Before
applying
any
AC
power
,
connect
the
antenna
to
the
receiver
as
shown
in
Figure
1.
Be
extremely
careful
to
avoid
inadvertently
connecting
the
20
VDC
antenna
output
of
the
power
inserter
to
the
antenna
in
put
on
your
receiver
.
Although
the
power
in
serter
has
a
self-resett
i
ng
internal
fuse
that
will
trip
at
a
current
draw
above
400
milliamps
,
this
will
put
20
VDC
on
the
input
of
your
receiver
momentarily
that
could
damage
som
e
receivers.
Grounding
The
loop
antenna
aluminum
tubing
should
not
be
grounded.
It
is
elect
ricall
y
isolated
from
its
metal
L-bracket
mount
via
nylon
shou
l
der
washers
.
Do
not
remove
these.
A
grounding
lug
is
provided
(See
Figure
14)
that
can
be
used
to
ground
the
mounting
pole
and
L-
bracket
for
lightning
protection
.
Warranty
and
Customer
Service
This
product
is
warranted
for
defects
in
materials
and
labor
for
a
period
of
1
year
from
the
date
of
shippi
ng
.
If
you
requ
ire
customer
service
,
you
can
contact
us
Monday
through
Friday
from
8:
00
AM
to
4:
00
PM
(Mountain
Time
at
(30
3)
526
1965
or
e-mail
us
at
info@
P
ixelS
atRadio
.
com
16

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Figure
11.
Grounding
Lug
Mounting
Details
17
Grounding
Lug
for
Lightning
Protection

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Figure 15. Power Inserter
ANT Power Indicator
(illuminates when the preamp is
powered)
Connect to
Connect to KEY output of
Transceiver (Optional)
18
Connect to Receiver
Antenna Input
Master Power on/off

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Figure 16. Supplied Accessories
Receiver
connectcable
PowerInserter
. . ..
- t, ~
. -· -~ . ~ ..
---• -- •H• ,,~
e
0 •
•
,.
.'...k!::t?"! 4r !'5 I i ~-
iu:a:,.wloj;,......,- ~--...i;..._.... ___ Antenna Pream .:._. P _____ .._,:;,...,;....,...;..-..:.a..;;r........a
19

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Magnetic Loop for Improved Reception and Noise Rejection
Model: RF PR0-1B (Receive-Only Antenna)
Shielded Active Broadband Magnetic Loop Antenna
38 inches
• Unique Loop architectureprovides enhanced performance
0
1
80
Figure 1. LoopAntenna Pattern (looking down)
edge- on from above antenna
• Very low IMO, 27 dB Low-Noise Clifton Laboratories Norton Preamp insuresgood performance in both strong
and
weak signal environments
•
Up to 30 dB rejection of locally radiated noise compared to whip antennas
• Figure eight directivity and deepnulls
to further reduce interference.
• Useablecoverage range:
50 kHz to 30 MHz
• Rejects power line noise
• Rugged construction,easily mounts
to a pole or flat vertical surface, 38 inch dia. aluminum loop, supplied
with LNA, power inserter and DC power supply
•
No manual tuning necessary
•
No Home Owners Association problems; low profile, easy to camouflage and works at ground level
•
Modular design for easyinstallation and maintenance
• Internal
Transmit/ Receive Switch disconnects Antenna/ Preamp from receiver when transmitting
Made in the USA
NOT YOUR FATHER'S LOOP ANTENNA
Based on the work of Dr Carl Baum for the US Air Force his "Moebius Strip Shielded Magnetic Loop Antenna"
architecture outperforms much larger antennas.
Dr Baum was a Senior Scientist at the US Air Force Research Laboratory and is the recipient of several awards from
the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) for his work. Originally developed for a classified US Air
Force project involving the measurement of EMP (Electro Magnet ic Pulse) from nuclear weapons, this design has
wide appl i cation to antennas for low- noise, interference-free radio reception over a wide frequency range . Pixel has
coupled this antenna with a custom made low-noise amplifier developed for Pixel by Clifton Laboratories w i th very
high intermodulation di stortion (IMD) specifications (OIP3 = +48 dBm, OIP2 > +100 dBm) that can operate without
saturating in high AM and FM broadcast band signal environments .
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