Receive 4-Square FAQThe RFS-2P is a sophisticated receiving system that uses time delay phasing rather than the conventional narrow-band, frequency dependent phasing systems. The time delay phasing is directivity-optimized to produce wider and deeper rear nulls and a narrower main lobe. The result is that noise and undesirable signals are greatly reduced for a superior front-to-rear ratio (F/R). Better control of phase and currents provides a cleaner pattern than found on available transmit four square arrays.
The RFS-2P is optimized to use DX Engineering’s Active Vertical Antenna Package,
DXE-ARAV3-4P. The two products together offer great F/R response over octaves of bandwidth. DX Engineering’s Active Receive Antenna System offers excellent receiving performance from 100 kHz to 30 MHz while using only a 102 in. whip as the antenna element. A unique design makes it vastly superior to traditional active antennas in both strong signal handling and feedline decoupling. This results in significantly better weak signal reception due to lower spurious signal interference and reduced noise.
As an recommended accessory, the
DXE-RPA-1 preamp utilizes a push-pull amplifier design and robust components enable it to withstand high signal levels. The dynamic range of the RPA-1 is better than most receivers.
It can actually provide a high level of protection against high RF levels and ESD for many transceivers with unswitched, unprotected receive antennna inputs!
Finally, this system offers greater reliability in receiving applications. The RFS-2P uses sealed relays sized for receiving applications with silver contacts to prevent oxidation and contamination. Most transmitting four square switches use large open-frame relays where the contacts are exposed to air which can lead to contamination. Relays with brass contacts can oxidize leading to poor conductivity.
Advantages of the RFS-2P Receive Four Square Antenna System over other small or medium-size receiving arrays include:
- Reduced susceptibility to high angle signals compared to EWE, Flag, Pennant, and K9AY antennas
- Excellent directivity in a small space for better signal-to-noise ratio
- Switchable in four 90 degree spaced directions
- Directivity over a very wide frequency range using DX Engineering active elements DXE-ARAV3-4P
- Less physical space required than a Beverage antenna and active elements need only a minimal ground system
- Enhanced relay contact reliability
The DXE-RFS-2P includes the RFS-2 Receive Four Square Switch and a
CC-8A controller. The CC-8A interfaces to the RFS-2 through a 3 wire cable to select one of four directions on the RFS-2 and to power the active elements.
Additional Parts Required, But Not Supplied
DXE-CAVS-1P Mounting Clamp for RFS-2 Pre-drilled mounting bracket accepts pipe sizes from 1/2 inch to 1 3/4 inches.
Four-Conductor Power and Control Cable for RFS-2, Default Configuration 4-conductor cable (3 plus ground), 22 gauge minimum. Alternate configurations use a 1-or 2-conductor cable. See Power and Control Connections (page 17) for details.
75 Ω Coax Cable (CATV F-6 Style), Connectors and Installation Tools When calculating cable length, include connections from the phasing unit to each active element, the 3 delay lines and the distance to the operating position. You must use 75 Ω coax with a known velocity factor (VF) for all connections.
To learn more about low frequency receiving, also order "
ON4UN's Low Band DXing".
DXE-RFS-2P Receive Four Square Array Instructions (1.52M pdf)
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, adjustments 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.
; "Receive Four Square Array Controller & Switch Package")
