Sky Sat 4O3A Signature Antenna Genius 8x2 Plus v2 User manual

ANTENNA GENIUS
User Manual
Version 3.1.4 rev 12

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 1 of 55
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WELCOME..............................................................................................................................................2
2. SPECS & FEATURES ................................................................................................................................3
3. LEGAL.....................................................................................................................................................4
3.1. Radio & Television interference.....................................................................................................4
3.2. European Community CE conformity............................................................................................4
3.3. Product updates ............................................................................................................................5
3.4. Limited warranty ...........................................................................................................................5
3.5. Trademarks....................................................................................................................................6
3.6. Copyright .......................................................................................................................................6
4. WHAT CAN ANTENNA GENIUStm DO?....................................................................................................7
4.1. Multiple control options................................................................................................................7
4.2. SO2R and multi-op with a single FLEX-6000..................................................................................7
5. HOW IT WORKS .....................................................................................................................................9
5.1. Tech................................................................................................................................................9
5.2. Hardware.......................................................................................................................................9
5.3. Software ........................................................................................................................................9
5.4. FlexRadio Ecosystem......................................................................................................................9
6. ONLINE RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................10
7. WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?.................................................................................................................10
8. HARDWARE..........................................................................................................................................11
8.1. Front panel ..................................................................................................................................11
8.2. Bottom panel...............................................................................................................................11
8.3. Top panel .....................................................................................................................................12
8.4. Where to put it? ..........................................................................................................................12
8.5. DC power connection..................................................................................................................14
8.6. Network cabling...........................................................................................................................14
8.7. DIP Switch configurations............................................................................................................15
8.8. LAN Control Mode.......................................................................................................................17
8.9. 4O3A Genius Series Devices Control ...........................................................................................18
8.10. BCD control..............................................................................................................................19
8.11. Pin-to-Port Control Mode........................................................................................................21
9. ANTENNA GENIUStm APP.....................................................................................................................22
9.1. Initial set-up.................................................................................................................................22
9.2. Device Information......................................................................................................................29
9.3. Is your firmware up-to-date? ......................................................................................................30
9.4. Initial Configuration.....................................................................................................................32
10. OPERATION......................................................................................................................................35
10.1. Local (LAN) operation..............................................................................................................35
10.2. Internet (WAN) remote operation...........................................................................................36
11. ADDITIONAL FEATURES ...................................................................................................................37
11.1. Custom Band Configuration.....................................................................................................37
11.2. Output Module Relay Control .................................................................................................37
11.3. Special features – Disable Band Protection.............................................................................44
11.4. Special features – 2xAG with OM control................................................................................45
11.5. Stacking multiple AGs into a superswitch by AB switches.......................................................46
11.6. Auto connect on startup..........................................................................................................50
12. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................53
12.1. Re-riving a bricked device........................................................................................................53
13. CHANGELOG ....................................................................................................................................54

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 2 of 55
1. WELCOME
Congratulations on your purchase of an Antenna GeniusTM 8x2 v2 Plus Network-Enabled
(TCP/IP) High-Isolation Antenna Switch, a member of the 4O3A Genius SystemTM advanced
station automation line including Power GeniusTM, Rotator GeniusTM, Station GeniusTM, and
Interface GeniusTM. More information on these products can be found at:
https://4o3a.com/products/genius-family
GENIUS TIP! Antenna GeniusTM is sometimes abbreviated as “AG” in this document.
AG is at home in all types of ham shacks: contest stations extravagant and modest, from single
op to SO2R to full blown Multi-Multi, DXers, remote operators controlling their station from
their living room via LAN or over the Internet from a hotel room thousands of miles away, to
anyone wanting a better organized and more efficient station.

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 3 of 55
2. SPECS & FEATURES
Manufacturer 4O3A SignatureTM by Sky Sat d.o.o.
Model Antenna GeniusTM 8x2 Plus v2
Functionality 8 antenna 2 radio RF matrix switch controlled via TCP/IP (LAN or WAN),
BCD, or +12 VDC Pin-To-Port
RF connectors UHF female (SO-239) standard, N female available by special order
Power handling → 3,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 5 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 30 MHz
→ 3,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 3 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 50 MHz
Ports → RJ-45 (LAN)
→ two DE-15 VGA-type (BCD band data or +12 VDC pin-to-port)
Network 100Base-T Fast Ethernet (100-Mbps), DHCP or manually-assigned
network address, TCP/IP
Power consumption 300 mA @ 13.8 VDC
Frequency range DC through 55 MHz
Port-to-port isolation → 90dB between ports worst case @ 14 MHz
→ 80dB between ports worst case @ 30 MHz
→ 70dB between ports worst case @ 50 MHz
CPU Microchip Technology 32-bit PIC processor
Automation Windows App, FlexRadio Systems SmartSDR API, Genius System devices,
BCD, Pin-to-Port
Features → hardware interlock prevents two radios connecting to same antenna
→ unselected antenna ports grounded
→ LEDs indicate antenna ports in use
→ firmware updates via LAN
Case rugged stainless steel chassis with wall mount flanges top and bottom
Dimensions 6.75” W x 13.25” H x 3.25” D including mounting flanges (21 x 17 x 6 cm)
Net weight approx. 4.4 lbs. (approx. 2 kg)

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 4 of 55
3. LEGAL
3.1. Radio & Television interference
(FCC Part 15 - §15.21 and §15.105)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You may also find the following FCC booklet helpful: "How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
Interference Problems" available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.
20402. Info also available online at FCC.gov:
https://www.fcc.gov/guides/interference-defining-source
Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant of this
equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications
Commission’s rules.
3.2. European Community CE conformity
Sky Sat d.o.o. declares Antenna GeniusTM 8x2 complies with the European Community EMC
standards:

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 5 of 55
ETSI EN 300 330-1
ETSI EN 300 489-1
ETSI EN 300 489-15
CE compliance reports are available upon written request to Sky Sat d.o.o.
3.3. Product updates
Sky Sat d.o.o. reserves the right to make hardware and/or software product improvement or
manufacturing changes without notice or any obligation to update units previously sold.
3.4. Limited warranty
This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one year from
the date of purchase. Sky Sat d.o.o. will repair or replace, at our option, any equipment proven
to be defective within the warranty period. Warranty F.O.B. Sky Sat d.o.o., Ratiševina bb, Igalo
85347, Montenegro. Please contact the appropriate party for your region and obtain a return
authorization (RA) number before returning any product for warranty service. RA number must
be indicated on box used to return product for service.
What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, 4O3A Signature will replace
defective parts free of charge (post-paid) for AG components only. Any replacement hardware
parts will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) calendar
days from the date of installation or repair, whichever is longer. 4O3A Signature will also correct
any failure caused by defective parts and materials. The complete unit must be sent to 4O3A
Signature at your expense in the original shipping container or other packaging sufficient to
prevent damage in transit. 4O3A Signature is not responsible for damage or lost shipments from
the customer. 4O3A Signature will insure the package and pay return shipping.
What is not covered: This Limited Warranty as it pertains to the Antenna Genius or components
does not cover repair or damage caused by (1) misuse, negligence or user modifications; (2) any
performance malfunctions involving non-4O3A Signature equipment; (3) connection to
improper or unstable voltage supply; (4) the incorrect installation of any and all cables
connected to the radio by the user; (5) the use of third-party software applications or hardware
that directly or indirectly controls AG functions and/or operating state by utilizing a
communication or control protocol, such as, but not limited to CAT or I2C commands, or (6)
random acts of nature such as flood, fire, water, weather related storm, lightning or
electrostatic discharge damage.
Limitation of Incidental or Consequential Damages: This warranty does not extend to non-
4O3A Signature equipment or components used in conjunction with our products. Any such
repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer. 4O3A Signature will not be liable or

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 6 of 55
responsible for reimbursement for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages,
including but not limited to any loss of business or profits, loss of property, loss of revenue, loss
of use, loss of data, inconvenience or cost of unauthorized service.
3.5. Trademarks
4O3A SignatureTM, Antenna GeniusTM, Rotator GeniusTM, Station GeniusTM, Interface GeniusTM,
and 4O3A Genius SystemTM are trademarks of Sky Sat d.o.o.
FlexRadio SystemsTM and SmartSDRTM are trademarks of Bronze Bear Communications, Inc.
d/b/a FlexRadio Systems
PIC32TM is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc.
All other products, company names, brand names, and trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
3.6. Copyright
This publication Copyright © 2015-2020 by Sky Sat d.o.o. All rights reserved. May not be
reproduced in part or in whole without Sky Sat d.o.o.’s prior written permission.

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 7 of 55
4. WHAT CAN ANTENNA GENIUStm DO?
Antenna Geniustm 8x2 v2 Plus is a matrix antenna switch which can route eight antennas to two
radios using a variety of control methods. Software and hardware interlocks - double protection
- prevent the same antenna from being connected to both radios. This, along with AG’s ultra-
high port-to-port isolation help protect your radios from front end damage.
AG in action with SmartSDR @ 4O3A (AG Always on top option engaged)
4.1. Multiple control options
You have five ways to control your AG:
1. FlexRadio over your TCP/IP network; AG will automatically follow two different Slice
band selections and obtain band data from them
2. Manual band switching from the AG Windows app connected via your network
3. Interface Geniustm (IG) connected to your radio(s) via a USB or serial port and connected
to AG via LAN; IG will connect to pretty much any modern radio via its serial or USB CAT
port
4. BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) signals via the DE-15 VGA-style connector
5. +12 VDC “Pin-to-Port” via the DE-15 VGA-style connector
4.2. SO2R and multi-op with a single FLEX-6000
AG’s extreme port-to-port isolation is perfect for SO2R (Single Operator 2 Radio) contesting with
a single Flex rig! With AG, you can operate SO2R with one radio using a single FLEX-6600 or
FLEX-6700 transceiver in full duplex mode. In other words, the ‘two radios’ in SO2R are both

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 8 of 55
inside your single Flex rig!
GENIUS TIP! All 4O3A Genius Systemtm products use standard TCP/IP protocols to communicate with
each other and with other suitably-equipped devices. The 4O3A Signature team believes in open
standards in ham radio and makes its APIs (library of commands) available freely to other
manufacturers and software authors.

4O3A Signature – Antenna Genius User Manual
Index Page 9 of 55
5. HOW IT WORKS
Antenna Genius brings together a powerful CPU, fast network interface, rugged, high power
relays and a programming/control App that runs in all supported versions of Windows. We are
confident AG is the best antenna switch you can buy.
5.1. Tech
AG is powered by a Microchip Technology PIC32 microprocessor, a 32-bit device. Why so much
horsepower in an antenna switch? Advanced technology radios demand high-horsepower
accessories! Also, the extra computing power enables the addition of new features via firmware
updates in the future.
AG has 100BASE-T networking built-in. Based on the Ethernet standard. but ten times faster
than 10BASE-T, it is often referred to as Fast Ethernet. Officially, the 100BASE-T standard is IEEE
802.3u. 100BASE-T devices will also work fine on older 10BASE-T networks albeit at slower
speeds.
5.2. Hardware
AG uses high quality 16 Amp relays rated at 12,800 W DC and conservatively rated for 3,000 W
RF at up to 50 MHz. AG’s relays are used for RF switching and also for the hardware lockout that
prevents two radios from being connected to the same antenna (there is also a software lockout
for redundant protection). The design priority was maximum port-to-port isolation coupled with
power handling ‘headroom’ - twice legal limit at high duty cycle - to enable reliable, long term
operation.
5.3. Software
The AG App runs on all Microsoft-supported versions of Windows and is an integral part of the
AG system. You will use the AG App for initial set up and programming of your AG and also for
alternate antenna selection when you have more than antenna available for a particular band.
The AG App can also serve as your AG control interface if you don’t want automatic band
selection controlled by FlexRadio Slice band changes.
5.4. FlexRadio Ecosystem
In the “FLEX-6000 Signature Series Ecosystem,” the AG App collects frequency and other data
directly from the SmartSDR (SSDR) API, a software-to-software connection performed inside
your PC or over your LAN at very high speed. No RS-232 cables to set up, no “stop bits,” nor
lethargic baud rates. It is a truly modern, intelligent, and high-speed solution.
AG will monitor any two SSDR Slices to determine the bands in use and use this data to select
the appropriate antenna(s) for each Slice.