SGC STEALTH Kit User manual

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The STEALTH Kit
Thank you for choosing the American made, SGC STEALTH
Kit. We are confident that you will be happy with your purchase and
assure you of our full commitment to customer service. Since 1971,
SGC has been designing and manufacturing a wide range of HF SSB
communications products. Our goal is to provide reliable equipment,
which is competitively priced and which fits the need of the radio user.
With the STEALTH Kit, SGC has provided an all-in-one,
convenient antenna solution. The STEALTH Kit is perfect for emer-
gency use, when an urgent communications command center must be
setup in minutes. The STEALTH Kit contains everything a novice or
professional needs to erect an antenna in any location—and provides
performance equivalent to most dipole antennas!
And, in keeping with its’ name, the STEALTH Kit is an ideal
antenna solution for restricted areas, such as condominiums and gated
communities where dipoles and towers are forbidden. Or, use the
STEALTH in city apartments where access to roofs or large open areas
is restricted. The STEALTH Kit is also a great antenna solution when
you are on vacation. Whether in an RV or a hotel room, the STEALTH
Kit is a “Grab and Go” box - filled with everything you need to com-
plete your communications center.
We are proud of the STEALTH Kit as it provides an antenna
system that is automatic, easy to install and easy to use. Any location,
any radio and any situation - the STEALTH Kit is the perfect choice
for a quick and convenient antenna solution.
Pierre Goral
President
KI7UA
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Mailing: PO Box 3526, Bellevue, WA 98009
Shipping: 13737 SE 26th St., Bellevue, WA 98005
Toll-Free: 800-259-7331 • Phone [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.sgcworld.com • Email: [e-mail]
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Table of Contents
Quick Start.............................................................4
1.0 Introduction.......................................................5
2.0 Specifications....................................................6
3.0 Supplied Items..................................................7
4.0 Installation.........................................................7
4.1 Advance preparation for emergency use...........7
4.1 Antenna Installation ..........................................8
4.1.1 Antenna Orientation.......................................8
4.1.1.1 Horizontal - for less than 500 miles.............9
4.1.1.2 Vertical - for more than 500 miles..............10
4.1.2 Shape of the antenna loop...........................10
4.1.3 Antenna Directivity.......................................10
4.1.4 Height of antenna.........................................11
4.1.5 Inside or outside...........................................11
4.1.6 Environment.................................................11
4.2 So what should I do?.......................................11
4.2.1 One Loop Configurations.............................12
4.2.2 Two Loop Configurations.............................13
4.2.3 Three Loop Configurations...........................14
4.2.4 Four Loop Configurations.............................14
4.2.5 Coupler Connection Point ............................14
4.3 Sample Installation..........................................15
4.4 SG-237 Smartuner Coupler Installation...........19
4.5 Tips: Do’s & Don’ts .........................................19
5.0 Adjustable Directive Loop Antenna .................21
5.1 Antenna Setup with Four Brooms....................25
5.2 General Applications.......................................27
6.0 SGC Limited Product Warranty.......................29
7.0 Appendix.........................................................30
8.0 Global Reference Database............................38
9.0 Conclusion......................................................38
10.0 Further Reading............................................39
11.0 Special Thanks .............................................39
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
Quick Start
1. Locate a proper area where you would like to erect your loop
antenna. Initially the system could be operated with the antenna
lying on the floor.
2. Connect your coupler to the transceiver and a suitable 12VDC
power supply. This can be the same source as the power supply to
the radio if it is a 12VDC unit. Avoid regulated linear or switch-
ing power supplies as they may be susceptible to RF radiation
and may lose regulation and apply higher voltage than permissi-
ble. Power supplies may also lose regulation at peak modulation
and cause intermittent operation.
3. Connect your loop antenna to the two terminals of the coupler;
one hot side, one ground side. Both have a wing nut terminal to
allow easy attachment.
4. If urgent operation is required, transmit on an emergency fre-
quency with the antenna on the ground. Although this setup is not
efficient, it will allow you to easily establish a communication
link in an emergency.
5. Configure your antenna in single or multiple loops (not to exceed
four loops).
6. Elevate your system to any surrounding high points such as a
tree, roof, top of car, ceiling, mast, etc. Attach with 4 ropes and
clips provided. The coupler can also be elevated using the fifth
piece of rope.
7. After your initial contact, you may improve your antenna installa-
tion following the guidelines in this manual.
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1.0 Introduction
The Smart Tuning, Emergency Antenna Loop, Tactical HF Kit -
STEALTH - antenna kit is a high-frequency antenna for situations
where a full size antenna is not possible. Its main features are:
• Easily configured to the space available
• Groundless - no RF ground required
• Easy to install - kit contains all necessary items
• Automatic operation
• Easy to use - no meters or lights to watch, no buttons to
push
• Wide bandwidth - 2.5 (and lower for non-amateur radio
usage) to 30 MHz
• High performance - can match the performance of a full
size dipole
STEALTH is a loop antenna chosen for its radiation efficiency and
because it does not require an electrical ground. It can be horizontal or
vertical mounted for short and long range communications needs.
An important use of STEALTH is as an emergency antenna.
STEALTH is easy to install and easy to operate. Its small size makes
it easy to transport and quick to install.
But STEALTH was also designed for...
The amateur radio user who is struggling with Homeowners’
“Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions”. A stealth antenna can be
installed with no visible signs of its presence, in developments where
erected antennas are forbidden.
Those living in an apartment or similar limited environment.
STEALTH provides an effective antenna in small spaces. It can be
installed in an area as small as 5 feet by 5 feet.
Use as an effective, ready to go, compact vacation antenna.
Offices, farms, etc. It can be used where other antennas are not practi-
cal.
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
1.1 Disclaimers
RF Burns can occur if the output terminals or antenna wire of the SG-
237 are touched while transmitting. Use caution to avoid injury and
burns.
Prolonged exposure to RF should be avoided. Those persons using
heart pacemaker devices should avoid RF exposure.
To avoid injury and damage to equipment: Whenever possible, we
strongly recommend reducing transmit power. Preferably, 10 to 25
watts should be used and will generally provide good communica-
tions. If using an outside antenna, 100 watts can be used without any
harmful consequences.
If for any reason a particular setup or frequency does not provide the
expected results, minor changes can significantly improve perform-
ance. For example: move the radio as far away as possible from the
coupler or antenna; avoid coiled power or coaxial feed cables; recon-
figure setup, etc.
SGC accepts no responsibility for performance or results from the
STEALTH Kit. SGC accepts no responsibility for any unlikely dam-
age or injury resulting from the use of the STEALTH Kit.
2.0 Specifications
• Antenna loop perimeter: 80’ (24m)
• Maximum square configuration - 20’ (6.1m)
• Minimum square configuration - 5’ (1.5m)
• Number of turns - 1 to 4
• HF frequency range - 2.5 to 60 MHz.
• Maximum power - 100 watts
• Package size 3.5” x 10” x 15” (8.9cm x 25.4cm x 38.1cm)
• Package Weight 5lbs. (2.3kg)
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Performance and results may vary and SGC does not warrant any in-
stallation or any result. SGC reserves the right to change the specifica-
tions without notice.
3.0 Supplied Items
• SG-237 Smartuner HF Antenna coupler and manual.
• 80’ (25m) of loop antenna wire.
• 4 - antenna mounting clips and 20’ (6m) ropes attached
• 30’ (9.14m) of nylon support rope with clip
• 12 - Releasable cable ties
• 2 - spare antenna mounting clips
4.0 Installation
4.1 Advance Preparation for emergency use
Plan your emergency station before you need it! You should consider
things like:
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
• Equipment - Have you selected the equipment to be used
in an emergency situation? Is that equipment able to
withstand possible abuse? Do you have all power
sources immediately available and, in the case of batter-
ies, are they fully charged?
• Cable extensions - Do you have AC cords long enough
for typical situations? Is your coax long enough or
should you have some extensions? If your installation
will be battery powered, do you have cables to reach
them and also the cables needed to maintain the charge
on them?
• Connector installation(s) - Have you installed all con-
nectors on all the cables which might be needed?
• Where are your emergency supplies - Are they in one,
quickly retrievable location? Or do you have them scat-
tered around?
Do not wait for an emergency to happen - be ready. Test
everything including STEALTH. Be fully prepared to react
in the event of an emergency.
4.1 Antenna Installation
There are several factors which need to be considered before install-
ing the antenna and some can affect others.
4.1.1 Antenna Orientation
Because the signal radiation of a loop antenna is perpendicular to the
plane of the loop, how you orient the antenna should be determined
by your communication needs.
WARNING!
Never mount any antenna near power lines or utility wires. Any
materials, ladders, ropes, feedlines, etc., which come in contact
with power lines can conduct voltages that can be fatal.
Stay away from all power lines.
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This is called polarization. A loop mounted horizontally is considered
to be vertically polarized as the signal is primarily radiated vertically
and will provide more effective short distance communications. Like-
wise, a loop mounted vertically is horizontally polarized as its signal
is primarily radiated horizontally and is better for long range commu-
nications.
4.1.1.1 Horizontal - for less than 500 miles
(830km)
If your needs are expected to be less than 500 miles (830km), the best
results can be obtained by orienting the antenna so the plane of the
loop is horizontal.
Horizontal triangular plane - for vertical radiation, the coupler is
supported by rope, approx. 25 ft. in the center of the back segment.
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
4.1.1.2 Vertical - more than 500 miles
(830km)
Use this type of antenna when you need to maintain long range com-
munications of 500 to 5000 miles (830km to 8300km).
4.1.2 Shape of the an-
tenna loop
The ideal shape of the antenna for
this situation would be a single turn
circle. However, this would require
complicated mounting.
Most needs can be fulfilled with a
one-turn square, rectangle or trian-
gle shape. When there are limitations on what the size and shape of
the loop can be, it might be necessary to reduce the size by making
the loop two, three or four turns.
4.1.3 Antenna directivity
Like any antenna, a loop antenna is directional. As the size of the loop
is reduced, by configuring it as two, three or four turns, the directivity
becomes more significant.
Vertically mounted two-turn
loop. The coupler is installed in
center of lower section antenna.
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4.1.4 Height of antenna
As is the case with all antennas, the rule of thumb is “the higher the
better”. You should attempt to make the lowest point of the loop at
least 10 feet (3mtr) above ground.
4.1.5 Inside or outside
If possible, the antenna should be located outside and clear of any
structures for maximum effectiveness. If you find this impossible, and
you must locate the antenna inside, consider the following:
• Ensure that the antenna will be at least 4 inches (10cm.)
away from any larger metal objects such as a corner
column or window support.
• Does the ceiling or roof of the room contain metal mate-
rial? This can have a negative effect on the performance
of the antenna.
• Is there any metal within the outside walls of the build-
ing? This can also have a negative effect.
4.1.6 Environment
Your physical environment can influence how you mount STEALTH.
For example, in a rainy area, an outside mounted antenna would need
to be mounted as high as possible to avoid interaction with the wet
ground. In a desert, where it is dry, this would be less of a considera-
tion.
4.2 So what should I do?
The above descriptions are the ideal situations and may not always be
obtainable. You should make every effort to install the antenna in an
optimum way.
Although a square or rectangular antenna loop is generally more ef-
fective, a triangular loop can also be used. If necessary, shape the an-
tenna as two-turn or three-turn loop and lay it on an inside floor. It
will not be as efficient as possible but you should be able to conduct
effective communications.
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
The sketches below show possible shapes.
One Loop Configurations
These configurations are the most common and
are used for installations outside and away from buildings.
Configuration 101
Configuration 102
Configuration 103
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Two Loop Configurations
The two turn loop is primarily used for inside situations. It is also a
very convenient installation for vacationing, a small patio, or even a
greenhouse.
Configuration 201
Configuration 202
Configuration 203
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
Three Loop Configurations
Four Loop Configurations
The three and four turn loops are almost always indoor antennas and
are very convenient for situations where there is a limited amount of
space available. This will be of significant importance for the office or
apartment user where they can be mounted near a window or door.
Coupler Connection Point
In the case of the triangular configurations above, the coupler is
shown connected at a mid point of one of the legs which is the sug-
gested point. If necessary, it can also be connected at a corner of the
triangle. Testing has shown that the corner connection performs better
when the coupler is connected at a midpoint of one of the legs or seg-
ments. (Configurations 501, 502 & 503 will perform better than 302
& 402.)
Configuration 302
Configuration 301
Configuration 402
Configuration 401
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Tip: one drawback when connecting the coupler at a corner of a tri-
angular configuration is that the support ropes for the coupler can
become long and difficult to install properly.
If you have obtained the STEALTH for emergency use, practice
installing the antenna. This will benefit you when it comes to an
actual emergency situation.
4.3 Sample installation
For the limited space available, a three-turn square loop antenna,
mounted vertically, for long range communication needs, is to be as-
sembled with the coupler resting on the floor.
This will show how to construct the antenna so that emergency opera-
tions can begin as quickly as possible. You will then be shown how to
finish the installation for better performance.
WARNING!
Never mount any antenna near power lines or utility wires. Any
materials, ladders, ropes, feedlines, etc., which come in contact
with power lines can conduct voltages that can be fatal.
Stay away from all power lines.
Configuration 501
Configuration 503
Configuration 502
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
• Form the antenna wire into the approximate desired shape and
size and slightly knot the ends of the wire together for later at-
taching to the coupler.
• Attach four support ropes at corners of antenna using the supplied
antenna clips. The wires will easily snap into the clips.
• Raise the antenna as much as possible and secure the ropes.
• Secure the lower corners of the antenna.
The two loops of
the antenna
wire have been
strapped into a
support clip.
The antenna,
which was
formed on the
floor, is being
raised to its
final position.
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• Attach the coupler to ends of antenna wire and lay it on the floor.
• Attach the cable from the coupler to the radio and connect the
coupler power leads - see section 4.4.
Do not coil any cables! Doing so can make them susceptible to the
radiated signal from the antenna and they can have a negative
effect on the performance of the antenna and radio system.
At this point in the construction of the antenna, which required 15
minutes to accomplish, emergency operation is possible.
When time permits, the installation should be completed to improve
the performance of the antenna by...
• Only in an emergency should coupler be hung by antenna wire. A
30 foot rope has been provided to support the coupler mechani-
cally and provide relief to the antenna wire. Attach a section of
rope through mounting holes on each side of the coupler.
The antenna has been
raised to its final posi-
tion and ends have
been connected to the
coupler which is lying
on the floor.
In this sample installation, the
support ropes were attached to
2 chairs.
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
And secure the ropes so the coupler is supported.
• The corners of the antenna loop located near the floor can be
raised.
The test results of this three-turn vertically mounted antenna can be
found in Appendix A
A support rope
has been passed
through the
mounting holes
of the coupler.
The lower cor-
ners of the an-
tenna have been
attached to two
chairs which are
then moved to
form the an-
tenna into its
final shape.
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4.4 SG-237 Smartuner HF Antenna Coupler In-
stallation
Read the SG-237 manual, which is included, as it provides detailed
information which can be helpful to your installation.
The coaxial connector at the end of the coupler cable can then be se-
curely attached to the radio equipment.
The red wire should be attached to a +12 volt power source and the
black wire to ground.
4.5 Tips, Do’s and Don’ts
• Do not coil any cables, even those which are not part of the an-
tenna. Doing so can make them susceptible to the signal radiated
by the antenna and could impact the performance of the antenna
and the radio system.
• If an “RF Burn” - it feels like a sting - is experienced by touching
the radio while transmitting, eliminate potential RF by grounding
the radio by attaching one or more 15 to 40 foot wires (not sup-
plied) to the ground terminal of the radio.
• When shaping the wire for a multi-turn antenna, it will be much
easier to accomplish if you can get another person to help. Form
the loops, them alternate shaking and gently pulling the wire until
all of the loops are the same length.
• To verify that the antenna is radiating a signal, any 5 to 100 Watt
fluorescent light tube can be used. By moving the bulb around the
perimeter of the antenna you will find spots where the bulb lights
up indicating the presence of radiated RF power. Intensity of light
increases with power in the antenna and on lower frequencies.
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© March 2002 - SGC, Inc.
• Knot the ends of the supplied antenna wire together before at-
tempting to shape or install the antenna. Once the antenna has
been raised into position, the knot can be removed and the cou-
pler attached to the ends of the wire.
• Whenever nylon rope is cut, the ends will quickly become unrav-
eled. This can be eliminated by slowly warming the ends with a
small flame until the rope is melted slightly. You may use a
match or a lighter for this purpose.
• The coupler should be supported by a section of rope passed
through its mounting holes. Do not allow it to hang unsupported
from the antenna wire.
• When the installation of STEALTH will be a two-turn or three-
turn configuration, forming the loops first will make the installa-
tion much easier to accomplish.
Appendix A (pg. 31) contains photographs of sample configurations
and performance test results.
For RF radiation
detection, the fluo-
rescent tube has
been moved
around the loop
until a position was
found where the
bulb glowed.
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