From The N3UJJ.COM Document Library
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1. Phone 303 526 1965 MAGNETIC LOOP ANTENNA ADVANTAGE Most active antennas are the whip type and respond mainly to the electrostatic field portion of an electro magnetic radio wave The Magnetic Loop responds primarily to the magnetic field and this ensures high rejection of nearby electric fields The intensity of the electric field is usually higher than the magnetic field when an antenna is close to interference sources Such as TVs florescent lamps power line wiring etc By rejecting the electric field there is a reduction in local interference compared to other types of active and passive antennas Interference reduction is further enhanced by the deep nulls of the antenna s Figure Eight directivity pattern see Figure 1 that can be used to null out or reduce interference coming from a specific localized direction INTERMODULATION Some active antennas generate intermodulation products which can appear as spurious signals interfering with reception This interference or second and third order intermodulation is caused by non linearity in the amplifier producing signals which are usually the sum and difference of strong AM or FM Broadcast stations and their harmonics The RF PRO 1B Loop has been specifically designed to reduce intermodulation products to a minimum The third order intercept point is typically 48 dBm OIP3 and the second order intercept point is greater than 100 dBm OIP2 typically 110 dBm The 1 dB compression point of th2. your receiver s input or damaging the loop s low noise amplifier Supplied Components see Figure 16 Description Loop antenna 30 dB preamplifier L bracket Saddle clamps U bolts Mounting Screws and washers Coaxial Seal package 24 VAC wall mount transformer 3 ft F male to F male jumper cable 1 ft F male to F male water proof jumper cable PL 259 Adapter 20 VDC power inserter Twin lead to F female adapter RCA plug to RCA plug cable and Y adapter Grounding Lug Nylon shoulder washers 375 inch Nylon washers 25 inch Instruction Manual ex 1 1 1 2 2 lo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 From The N3UJJ COM Document Library Figure 1 RF PRO 1B Active Loop Antenna Wiring Diagram SIXV JEDNA p 1 Ft Jumper Cable Input 27 dB Preamplifier Model RF30A Output RG 6 Cable Not EN Loop Antenna Pattern looking down edge on from above antenna CAUTION Do not inadvertently connect 20 VDC output of Power Inserter to Radio s antenna input The 20 VDC may damage the radio MODEL P 92A POWER INSERTER PL 259 TO AMP ADAPTER OUTPUT 20 TO RADI RADIO I KEY Powerlnserter 00000000 Dee TT IIIS ee 24 VAC Wall Mount Transformer ranere eee a an in Jann a nde Ng a nt ob B Alternate Interface for Radios with Twin 115 VA Lead Antenna Input To KEY output of transceiver optional see Figures 4 amp 15 Supplied Twi
3. a period of 1 year from the date of shipping If you require customer service you can contact us Monday through Friday from 8 00 AM to 4 00 PM Mountain Time at 303 526 1965 or e mail us at info PixelSatRadio com 16 From The N3UJJ COM Document Library Figure 14 Grounding Lug Mounting Details Grounding Lug for Lightning Protection Page 17 From The N3U COM Document Library ANT Power Indicator illuminates when the preamp is powered Connect to Receiver Antenna Input Connect to preamp output Master Power on off Connect to KEY output of Transceiver Optional Figure 15 Power Inserter Page 18 From The N3UJ COM Document Library Figure 16 Supplied Accessories Antenna Preamp Page 19 From The N3U0f COM Document Library Magnetic Loop for Improved Reception and Noise Rejection Model RF PRO 1B Receive Only Antenna Shielded Active Broadband Magnetic Loop Antenna 38 inches Figure 1 Loop Antenna Pattern looking down edge on from above antenna Unique Loop architecture provides enhanced performance Very low IMD 27 dB Low Noise Clifton Laboratories Norton Preamp insures good 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 deep nulls to further reduce interference Useable coverage range 50 kHz to 30 MHz Rejects power line noise Rugged construction easily mounts to a
4. 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 easy installation and maintenance Internal Transmit Receive Switch disconnects Antenna Preamp from receiver when transmitting Available preamp with internal remote controlled AM Broadcast band elimination filter High Pass Filter 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 see user reviews on page 1 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 Magnetic Pulse from nuclear weapons this design has wide application 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 with very high intermodulation distortion IMD specifications OIP3 48 dBm OIP2 gt 100 dBm that can operate without saturating in high AM and FM broadcast band signal environments
5. RF PRO 1B Installation Instructions This active magnetic loop 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 intermodulation 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 preamplifier s output The antenna should be oriented in the proper direction to maximize reception of the desired 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 input 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 follow the instructions below to avoid over driving or damaging
6. ally 10 dB If the cable 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 Water Proof F Connectors amp Weather Proofing The one foot long RG 6 jumper cable include with the accessories see Figure 6 is used to connect the output of the loop to its preamp This cable uses specially designed F connectors to eliminate moisture ingress hence no further weather protection is required for these connectors However the RG 6 cable that you supply to connect the output of the preamplifier will need to be weather proofed if you do not buy it from Pixel A package of COAX seal is supplied for this purpose Follow the instructions on the side of the package Mounting to a Rotator Figure 7 shows the antenna mounted to a rotator Many users utilize this configuration to take full advantage of the antenna s directional characteristics Typical low cost rotors are available from Radio Shack Model 15 1245 with Model 15 1150 control cable or HyGain Model AR 35 Mounting the Amplifier Figures 8 thru 13 show the details for pole mounting the preamplifier Nylon shoulder washers and nylon washers are used to electrically isolate the metal case of the preamplifier from the mounting pole This is required to avoid ground loops The preamplifier has a small weep hole in its base to drain any condens
7. ameter or attached to a flat surface or wall via the included L bracket Use with Near By Transmitting Antennas The antenna s low 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 wave vertical transmitting antenna we found that the worst case loop output power into the preamp was 10 dBm when the antenna was located 25 ft from a vertical radiator and adjusted for maximum coupling This would indicate 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 10 dBm the preamplifier 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 input protection and possibly an internal transmit 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 inserter is a relay that can be actuated by the KEY output of a typical transceiver When actuated the relay disconnects power from the antenna s preamp A green LED on the power inserter is illuminated when power is applied to the preamp An RCA plug to RCA plug cable is include
8. ation 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 moisture and corrosion A 1 foot jumper cable is supplied to connect the output of the loop antenna to the input of the preamplifier The preamplifiers output should be connected to the 20 VDC output of the power inserter via the lead in RG 6 cable From The N3UJJ COM Document Library Figure 6 One foot RG 6 Jumper cable with water proof F connectors Connects Loop Antenna Output to Amplifier Input Page 8 From The N3UJJ COM Document Library Figure 7 Loop Antenna Mounted on Rotator RG 6 Cable to Power Inserter Not Supplied Page 9 N sl API IM ant ihrar Nn COM Document Library Lightning ag RS Lug 1 Foot F male to F male L Bracket jumper 27 dB Low Noise preamplifier mounted to L Bracket iin Figure 8 Pole Mounting Details Page 10 From The N3UJ COM Document Library U Bolts and Saddle Clamps Nylon Shoulder Washer Nylon Washer 18 inches Preamplifier PER Figure 9 Pole as rotor Mounting Details mounting side view Page 11 Figure 10 Antenna amp Rotor Pole Mounting Details side view Coax Seal Service 1 i m Loop Page 12 From TBg N3UJJ CC ment Library Figure 11 Amplifier Mounting Details Nylon shoulder washers used to electrically is
9. d with the accessories to connect the KEY output of your transceiver to the RCA jack on the side of the power inserter An RCA Y adapter is also included to enable connecting the KEY signal from your transceiver to other equipment See Figures 2 and 3 The relay s actuation circuit is designed to operate with a typical transceiver s 12 VDC KEY signal The power inserter has internal DIP switches that can be programmed to harmonize relay actuation with the proper state of the transceiver 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 transceiver has a KEY output that goes high on transmit then you can reverse the polarity of the power inserter relay actuation by removing the power inserter s base plate and programming the DIP switches on the PC board in accordance with the table shown in Figure 4 A simplified schematic of the relay interface circuit is shown in Figure 5 Note that the KEY input is pulled up internally via a 10K ohm resistor to the high state If your transceiver s KEY output is not c
10. is amplifier is 27 dBm making the levels of the intermodulation products generally far below the atmospheric and man made noise ANTENNA DESIGN The RF PRO 1B Loop Antenna consists of a rigid light weight diameter anodized aluminum 38 inch diameter loop and a balanced broadband amplifier that is housed in a separate enclosure that can be mounted close to the antenna on its mast or to any nearby flat surface This configuration permits the insertion of an optional AM broadcast band elimination high pass filter in the amplifier that can be remotely controlled on or bypassed This is not normally required for good performance but is available to provide the ultimate performance in extremely high RF signal environments A 20 volt DC regulated power supply and power inserter unit are provided The antenna and amplifier have been designed to permit the use of low cost 75 ohm cable RG 6 quad shield recommended The maximum length is 1000 feet but the frequency response will be a function of the cable loss vs length specifications For best results the antenna should be positioned approximately 15 feet away from any buildings or other sources of interference TECHNICAL INFORMATION Frequency response 50 kHz 30 MHz Nominal Gain 27 dB 3 dB DC power 20 volts at 240 mA OIP3 typically 48 dBm OIP2 gt 100 dBm typically 110 dBm 1dB compression point 27 dBm NF typically 2 dB at 10 MHz Antenna Diameter 38 inches Antenna Weigh
11. n I Lead Adapter RADIO I Black x RECEIVER I I Page 2 From The N3U COM Document Library Positioning the Antenna This 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 loop rests should be vertical to the ground and should if extended pass through the general location of the signal 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 this antenna is less directional and the nulls are far less prominent For best results it should be located as far away as possible from any metal objects that could distort or shield the antenna s reception like gutters downpipes metal plumbing and aluminum foil backed thermal insulation It can be positioned indoors or outdoors at least 5 feet above ground level but for best results it should be as far as possible from sources of interference such as AC power cables cat 5 network cables fluorescent lights light dimmers computers and flat panel TV s If located 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 inches in di
12. olate preamplifier case from mounting pole NN Page 13 From The N3U COM Document Library Figure 12 Preamplifier Mounting Details Nylon Washer Amplifier Page 14 From The N3UFCOM Document Library Figure 13 Preamplifier Mounting Details Lock washer and Nut Page 15 From The N3U COM Document Library Power Inserter The power inserter contains a highly filtered linear DC regulator 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 input on your receiver Although the power inserter has a self resetting internal fuse that will trip at current draw above 400 milliamps this will put 20 VDC on the input of your receiver momentarily that could damage some receivers Grounding The loop antenna aluminum tubing should not be grounded It is electrically isolated from its metal L bracket mount via nylon shoulder 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
13. ompatible with this interface circuit and does not operate the power inserter relay please contact our customer service 303 526 1965 info pixelsatradio com for assistance From The N3UJJ COM Document Library Figure 2 KEY Wiring For RF PRO 1B Loop Antenna Typical Transceiver Back of Elecraft K3 To Loop Preamp RF PRO 1B Power Inserter To Key Input on Transmitter Amplifier if you have one Page 4 From The N3UPCOM Document Library Transceiver RF PRO 1A Power Inserter Ambplifier KEY In KEY Out KEY Y Adapter Figure 3 KEY Wiring For RF PRO 1B Loop Antenna Page 5 From The N3UPCOM Document Library peat KEY INPUT Switch 1 Switch2 _20VDCANTENNA POWER ut s Low or on oN Settings men om ov oe tow om or om mon om or ON HIGH gt 1 2 VDC LOW x 0 7 V DC DIP Switch ie SC i rom he NsoUpdedig Document Library Cable For best results the cable run from the indoor power inserter to the external amplifier should be quad shielded RG 6 cable with male F connectors on each end This is available in 50 ft 100 ft 150 ft and 200 ft lengths with attached water proof compression sealed connectors under the following Pixel part numbers C 50 50 feet C 100 100 feet C 150 150 feet C 200 200 feet Standard shield high quality RG 6 cable can also be used however the cable s ability to reject external interference is reduced by typic
14. t 3 Ibs 27 dB preamplifier 1 L bracket Available RG 6 Quad Shield Lead In Cable 2 Saddle clamps with attached waterproof connectors 3 U bolts Mounting Screws and washers CoAx Seal package R 24 VAC wall mount transformer Part H Length Price 1 1 1 3 ft F male to F male jumper cable 1 1 C 50 50 feet 19 99 C 100 100 feet 39 99 1 ft F male to F male water proof jumper cable C 150 150 feet 54 99 1 PL259Adaper Exi e 1 owce 1 twinteadtoF female adapter RCA plug to RCA plug cable Remote Controlled AM Broadcast Band High Pass Preamp Filter Model RF 30 FLT High pass 7 order Butterworth 99 99 Grounding Lug 1 GroundingLug 0 2 1 Nylon washers 25 inch INCE il RCA Y adapter TECHNOLOGIES www PixelSatRadio com To Order Call 303 526 1965 or e mail info PixelSatRadio com Phone 303 526 1965 Also available on line at www HighGainStore com Golden Colorado
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