DX Engineering 2x8 Dual Input Remote Antenna Switches

DX Engineering 2x8 Dual Input Remote Antenna Switches are two-radio 8-antenna switches designed to switch coaxial lines in RF antenna systems from 100kHz to 60 MHz. With excellent performance from 160 through 6 meters, and RF power handling exceeding 4kW, they are typically used in single operator two-radio (SO2R) or multi-two contesting stations. They offer high levels of port-to-port isolation and reliability, the same as the famous DX Engineering RR8 series single input 8-port remote antenna switches.

Manual dual-control operation of the DXE-RR2X8B is possible with two separate 1-of-8 control consoles that send +13.8VDC to the selected port, such as the DXE-EC-8. In this instance, the main transceiver has precedence over the secondary when attempting to use the same antenna port, so manual switching care must be exercised. An alternative first come, first served switching approach is available with the optional DXE-MX2X8 Interface Unit. It accepts BCD signals from two DXE-CC-8A Deluxe Control Consoles, and it locks out the selected port from the other radio, rather than main port precedence.

DX Engineering RR2X8B Dual Input Switches may be interfaced with a customer-supplied logical switching unit. A third-party antenna controller with dual 1-of-8 switching may be used directly with the DXE-RR2X8B Switch or with BCD to the DXE-MX2X8 Interface Unit. If the DXE-MM2X8 Interface Unit is not used, the third party unit must provide protection against hot switching and prevent the main or secondary radio ports from attempting to select the same antenna port at any time.

DX Engineering Dual Input Remote Antenna Switches feature a custom-made stainless steel chassis, and a special RF shielded high impact thermoplastic cover. They have a custom conductive gasket to complete the seal between the cover and stainless steel housing base. Disassembly is not required for control wiring access. DX Engineering RR2X8B switches use removable screw terminals for the control cable plugs. These removable plugs greatly simplify installation by eliminating the need for soldering or opening the enclosure. The internal, covered relays are moisture-resistant, providing many years of exceptional performance.

The circuitry of the DXE-RR2X8B switches allows the simultaneous selection of multiple antenna port with the required control signals. They can be used in complex antenna systems including stacked and phased arrays. Also, conventional one-of-eight antenna switching for two separate stations is possible using separate 1-of-8 switching arrangements. For example, the main radio Input "M" may select and be connected to any of the 8 ports while the secondary Radio Input "S" can simultaneously select any of the ports that the main isn't using. The main controller always has precedence over any selection made by the secondary controller, unless the DXE-MX2X8 is employed.

Features of DX Engineering Dual Input Remote Antenna Switches include:

* Rugged, attractive, fully shielded weatherproof housing

* DX Engineering stainless steel V-clamp included for easy mounting to tower legs or masts from 1-2 in. diameter

* Multi-conductor external cable plugs for easy removal, connection and maintenance

* Excellent port-to-port Isolation; greater than 70 dB at 30 MHz, worst case; greater than 60 dB up to 60 MHz

* High RF tolerant UHF connectors

* Enclosed 16 ampere RF relays

* Safe 12V DC relay operation

* 16 MOVs for surge protection on control lines

* 16 RF bypass capacitors

Note: Whenever the DX Engineering "Documentation" is available, please look at the associated files for additional product information.

DXE-RR2X8B Specifications

Power Rating: 6 kW ICAS all modes, under 2:1 SWR, 4 kW CCS all modes, under 2:1 SWR

Control Voltage: +10-14 Vdc at 100 mA per port

Port-to-Port Isolation: >70 dB below 30 MHz, >60 dB below 60 MHz

Ports Not Selected: Are Grounded

Loss: <0.3 dBm below at 52 MHz

Impedance: 50 ohms

Dimensions: 10.375 x 9.875 x 4.375 in. and the mounting flange hangs down 2.25"

Control Line: Dual 8-wire line larger than #24 for runs up to 500 ft. (or 9-conductor for dedicated ground). When using 8-conductor wire the feedline serves as a ground return. Use of two DXE-CW9 CAT-5 or standard low voltage control wiring, such as telephone wire, is acceptable.

Make your SO2R or other multi-radio multi-antenna operations easy with a DX Engineering Dual Input Remote Antenna Switch.