Here is additional information on the 9-circle low-band receiving array. It
was originally designed for operation on both 160 and 80 meters.
It was based on a couple articles I wrote for NCJ in the September/October
and November/December issues in 2011. The design was turned into a set of
electronics kits that were produced and sold by DX Engineering in
collaboration with the Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC) and myself.
There were a few changes made in the DX Engineering implementation relative
to the NCJ design, the most significant being a reduction in the circle
diameter from 140 to 120 feet. This reduction had negligible effect on 160m
but it improved the 80m performance and also allowed the array to produce
"usable" performance on 40m.
The DX Engineering kits eventually sold out and were discontinued after
that. However, there are still a few direction switch box kits left over
that you can order from DX Engineering:
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-yccc-switch. You can also download
a copy of the system user's manual from DX Engineering:
https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/instructions/dxe-yccc-switch.
pdf. The manual has a lot of technical information about the system,
including circuit diagrams and beam pattern calculations, as well as
assembly instructions for the DX Engineering kits.
More recently, PI4CC has produced 9-circle PCB's that you learn about here:
https://www.pi4cc.nl/tech-info/rx-array/. VE6WZ also created his own
version of the PCB's and he will share the info with you, or he may chime in
here. You can learn more about the VE6WZ system on his qrz.com page.
Disclaimer: I have no commercial interest in or affiliation with any of the
sources of electronics mentioned above.
73, John W1FV
-----Original Message-----
From: Topband
[mailto:topband-bounces+john.kaufmann=verizon.net@contesting.com] On Behalf
Of Joe
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 2:16 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!
Any links to this system?
Joe WB9SBD
On 12/4/2022 1:34 PM, Jim Miller wrote:
> Thanks to Steve's, VE6WZ, excellent YouTube videos, I decided to tackle a
> better RX antenna. I've been using a 2 element array phased by an NCC-2
> which is better than what I've had in the past (BOG, K9AY) but I wanted
> better.
>
> After evaluating my space available and finding it too small I asked my
> neighbor for seasonal use of their adjoining lot and they graciously
> agreed! My N, NW and W elements are on their property.
>
> Steve's videos include KiCad files for the combiner and preamps and he was
> very helpful by email with any of my questions.
>
> I just completed the array last night and got it on the air and I was
> astonished by how well it worked.
>
> Of course it isn't going to create signals out of thin air but it is much
> quieter due to better RDF and the front to back is very impressive. Strong
> signals on the waterfall just disappear when the antenna is reversed!
>
> I'm very happy to get such an improved antenna for 80 and 160 in a 120ft
> diameter circle!
>
> As a bonus I use it with PSTRotator and a USB controlled relay box so no
> manual switch box is required on my desk. Just a mouse click selects the
> desired direction or it can track my logger automatically.
>
> FYI, most of the cost is in the aluminum, the combiner and preamps were
> pretty cheap to build.
>
> Many thanks to VE6WZ!!
>
> 73
>
> jim ab3cv
> _________________
> Searchable Archives:http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
Reflector
>
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