DX Engineering RSEAV Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas

DX Engineering Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas (the RSEAV Antennas) offer excellent low noise radio frequency reception from 40 kHz to 30 MHz. Every DXE-RSEAV-1 model includes a high-quality three-section 8.5 ft. (2.6m) aluminum tubing whip, insulated mounting plate and the completely new DXE-AVA-3 Active Matching Unit. When deployed in the appropriate location, RSEAV antennas provide significantly better weak signal reception than other active receive antennas and full-size transmit-capable antennas, with substantially reduced noise and lower spurious signal interference. Class-leading performance makes the DXE-RSEAV-1 Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas the best choice on the market for VLF through HF reception, including long-distance AM broadcast, Medium Wave and Shortwave (SWL), and new low-frequency Amateur bands, DXing, contesting, and everyday HF operations.

DXE-RSEAV-1 Receive Short Element Active Verticals set a new standard for “Active Receive Vertical Antennas” replacing legacy DXE-ARAV-3, ARAV-2, ARAV-1 and AL-24 versions. Use multiple DXE-RSEAV-1 for all 4 and 8 element DX Engineering Receive Arrays – all 3, 4 and 8 element Hi-Z Antennas Arrays – and 2 element receive arrays with DXE-NCC-2 and NCC-1 Variable Phasing Controllers.

Please Note: To achieve the expected reception pattern, multi-element phased arrays depend upon identical gain and phase response from each element. Every individual element amplifier, its grounding, and even its feedline characteristics and length, must be identical to the others in the array. Therefore, when unrepairable failures occur, it is essential to replace or upgrade all the elements in the array with identical, fully compatible DXE-RSEAV-1 antennas orDXE-AVA-3 units.

Sleek and stealthy RSEAV Antennas feature:

• Long Life − High-quality stainless steel mounting clamps and hardware

• Compact and Stealthy − Thin three-piece aluminum 8.5 ft. (2.6m) element provides low visual and environmental impact

• Low cost shipping - package length is less than 40 inches (<100cm)

• Easy to transport - Ideal for portable and DXpedition use

• Easy Installation − Pre-drilled insulated mounting plate, WHD: 4.500 x 8.625 x 0.250 in. (114 x 219 x 6.35mm)

At the heart of the RSEAV Antenna is the DXE-AVA-3 Active Matching Unit. Its state-of-the-art broadband operational amplifier design works as a high-impedance buffer for the connection between a short element and RG6U 75-ohm coax. Achieve unparalleled weak signal reception with these specifications and features:

• Ultimate frequency coverage of 40 kHz* to 30 MHz for VLF through HF (including the 2200m and 630m Amateur bands)

• High Third Order Intercept (TOI) Performance +39dBm for superior strong signal handling equal to top transceivers

• Consistent unit-to-unit gain and phase for greatly improved array performance

• Virtually Flat Gain (+/-0.4 dBm) across the entire frequency range

• Internally settable gain (default -6, 0, or +6 dBm) for different ambient noise locations and element sizes

• Direct DC via second F connector – internal settable choice for separate DC and RF coaxial cables for best performance, or standard Bias Tee DC on the RF coax for most users

• Each DXE-AVA-3 Active Matching Unit operates on 12 -15 VDC at 25mA

• Element is grounded when power is removed

• 75 ohm F connectors support field serviceable RG-6 Quad Shield suitable up to 1,000 feet for VLF through HF

*Frequency coverage below 100 kHz requires Direct DC on a separate DC only coaxial cable.

Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas are intended to be mounted on a ground rod at ground level in a clear area away from all metal, towers and other antennas. They are sold individually (DXE-RSEAV-1), or with a bias tee (DXE-RSEAV-1FVI) and in convenient 2, 4 and 8 multiple element sets (DXE-RSEAV-2, DXE-RSEAV-4 and DXE-RSEAV-8) for use in phased arrays such as with the DXE-NCC-2 and for receive four square and eight circle systems from DX Engineering and Hi-Z Antennas.

The DXE-RSEAV-1 includes:

• DXE-AVA-3 Active Matching Unit

• Non-conductive mounting plate

• High-quality aluminum 3-piece antenna elements, 8 feet 6 inches long

• Pair of element connection wires, with ring and fork terminals

• Stainless steel clamps and hardware

DXE-RSEAV-1 is a Single Active Antenna with no power source included. It is intended for use with devices that have a built-in Bias Tee to send +13.8 Vdc on the RF coaxial cable, such as DXE-RTR-2 Receive-Transmit Interface or the DXE-NCC-2 Receive Antenna Phasing Unit.

The DXE-RSEAV-1 is the model for those who will be using the Direct DC feature of the second F connector to power the DXE-AVA-3 with DC on a separate coaxial cable.

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DXE-RSEAV-1FVI is a Single Active Antenna that includes a DXE-FVI-1 Feedline Voltage Injector bias tee and 120VAC to 12VDC power source; for use directly with any receiver or a transceiver that has a receive antenna (RX ANT) input.

The DXE-AVA-3 features an internal jumper selection of relative gain settings, with the factory default of -6dB, as well as 0dB and +6dB settings, to match the ambient noise conditions for the antenna location, and to adjust for the size of the antenna element to be used. As a rule of thumb, always use the lowest gain setting with the minimum discernible ambient background noise that is at or just above the noise floor of the receiver. This setting will allow the greatest signal-to-noise improvement for all signals, especially weak signals.

The versatility of the AVA-3 also includes the option of using the Direct DC F connector for installations where the use of the AVA-3 internal Bias Tee is undesirable.

NOTE: For optimal receive performance, especially on VLF frequencies from 40 to 200 kHz, Direct DC is required. For installations where the DC is intended to be applied at all times for uninterrupted reception, such as for skimmers and remote receivers, Direct DC via the separate coax to the “OPTIONAL DC POWER” input is recommended, so the “75 Ω OUTPUT” coax carries only received RF. However, for typical Amateur installations receiving 1.8 to 30 MHz at intermittent operations, where the DC supply is normally turned off, standard internal bias tee DC over the RF coax is perfectly acceptable.

The best place to install this ground-mounted active antenna is where there is a yard or acreage away from power lines and away from your house, tower, antennas and any structures that are sources of RF noise. Even passive wiring in a wood building, a metal building or "grounded" metal fence can act as a reradiating antenna for broadband noise. Each RSEAV-1 antenna should be placed 10 ft. (3m) or more away from any tree or fence and must be a minimum of 25 ft. (8m) away from any transmitting antennas, if RSEAV antenna DC power is removed when transmitting. Much greater spacing is necessary when active are continuously powered, and is crucial for limiting induced noise and pattern distortion. Optimal placement of this VLF through HF receive antenna is hundreds of feet (over 100 meters) away from noise sources. The minimal signal loss in a long run of RG6U is well worth the modest expense, to achieve the best possible low-noise reception. In some locations where standing waves of ambient RF noise is a problem, repositioning the receive antenna by 1/20 or 1/10 wavelength, up to 1/2 of a wavelength, will provide a profound improvement in weak-signal reception.

Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas typically work well with just a single copper ground rod (5/8 to 3/4 in. OD by 4 to 6 ft. length) used as the mounting post for most installations. If two ground rods do not provide sufficient signal, or if this antenna must be installed where ground rods cannot be used, a suitable radial system is required. Install four, eight, or twelve equally spaced radials, with each radial about 15 feet long but not longer than 20 feet. Do not use elevated radials or asymmetrical radial configurations or the antenna system may not function properly. For multiple RSEAV Antennas used in an array, each element must have an identical ground, with the same number of ground rods or radials, if used.

A quality RG6U 75 Ω feedline cable is recommended for use for the RSEAV antennas. DXE-RG6UFQ Flooded 75 Ω Quad Shield Coaxial Cable has improved shielding. Flooded-style cables have the distinct advantage of automatically sealing small accidental cuts or lacerations of the jacket. This type of cable also prevents shield contamination and has a gummy liquid inside that seals cuts or nicks, displaces water, and can be direct buried.

The DXE-RSEAV-1 is designed to be a very low-gain, low-noise antenna for greatly improved signal-to-noise performance over a very wide range of frequencies. In a proper single or multi-element array installation, this Receive Vertical antenna will attenuate high-angle skywave signals, which is the goal for a low band DXing receive antenna. Low-angle, long-range DX signals are easier to copy with a good radio and DX Engineering Receive Short Element Active Vertical Antennas.