Array Solutions Dual Feedline Option

This option is basically a high isolation DPDT relay.  It gives the user access to a single antenna in a stack of antennas for a second radio.

Used with the StackMatch control switch it is possible to pull a single antenna out of a stack of 2 or 3 antennas and give it to the second radio.

Controls

The 12 position StackMatch switch has an "AUX" position which meant for the dual feedline option.

Their is an AUX marked terminal on the terminal strip mounted on the circuit board as well.   Basically when in this position 12V DC is applied to the terminal which will  have a control wire that goes up to the StackMatch on the tower.  The Dual feedline option is mounted to the antenna port that you wish to have the second radio utilize as a single antenna when desired.

When set to AUX  the StackMatch defaults to ALL STACK position and the LED's are turned off.  Depending on if 2 or 3 antennas are in the stack the switch will be wired differently. See wiring below.

Wiring the StackMatch and the Dual Feedline Option

The StackMatch control cable should contain at least 6 wires, or 5 wires and a shield . 18 gauge wires will work for even very long runs since the relay currents are small 120ma or less. You will also need a 2 wire 12VDC cable that you will wire to the terminal strip inside the box.

The control box cover should be removed. A grommet is provided in the back to push the control cable through.

Remove the circuit board on the face of the switch box by unscrewing the nut holding the rotary switch to the panel.

Strip the insulation of the 6 wires and terminate them with small spade lugs, or simply just tin them. You will find a terminal strip on the board with 7 terminals marked AUX, 1,2,3,IN, 12V and GND (Ground). Make a chart of your wire colors so you can do the same with the StackMatch box which will be mounted on the tower or at the hub of your antenna system. Use the Ty-Wrap™ supplied to secure the cable from pulling out of the box.

Replace the circuit board and assemble the box with the hardware provided. Also attach the knob to the shaft of the rotary switch using a small screwdriver to tighten the knob to the shaft.

Terminate this cable with a plug such as a Cinch Jones Plug a foot or so after it leaves the box to make it easy to disconnect the box from the cable.

Use the TY-WRAP™ supplied to secure the wires from pulling out of the boxes. Replace the covers and screws.

Do the same with the StackMatch. You will find a terminal strip on its circuit board. Match the same colors to the 1,2,3,IN, and GND wires you have on your chart made earlier. The AUX wire will need to be spliced to the 2nd feedline options control wires.  Bring this control wire into the StackMatch through the grommet and splice directly to the AUX wire.  Screw the other control wire to the GND terminal on the terminal strip.  Polarity is not important either wire is OK.

Important, If you have only two antennas in the stack two diodes must be used as jumpers on the terminal strip.  Jumper such that 12V DC is applied to the "IN" terminal and other antenna relay that the 2nd feedline option is NOT being used on. 

EXAMPLE:  A two high stack using antenna relays 2 and 3.   3 is the top antenna and is the antenna that the Dual Feedline Option is using.   TWO  diode jumpers are needed to go from "AUX" to "2" and "AUX" to "IN".  When the AUX position is selected 12VDC will now be on AUX, 2, and IN.  Verify you have the diodes installed correctly.

The Dual feedline box should be connected directly to the antenna port that is desired to be shared with a second radio.  It is connected to the antenna port from the normally closed relay contact marked "StackMatch".  Use adapters such as a dual male PL259, ( or N type if you use N) and a barrel to allow the box to be secured below the StackMatch.  The barrel is necessary to keep it low enough to allow other coaxes to be attached to the other antenna ports.  You may also chose to just make a 4 or 5 inch coax stub to accomplish this. 

Connect the antenna to the "Antenna" port, and the Second Feedline to the "2nd Feedline" port.

Weatherproofing

A word about weatherproofing the cable connectors and box. There are many viable techniques to weatherproof your connectors, please use your favorite one to keep your outside connectors protected. If you live in a very harsh and wet environment you may wish to add a bead of silicon rubber, to the top cover edges of the StackMatch itself. Do not seal the bottom since the ability of having the box breathe will keep it dry from condensation which normally builds up in outdoor boxes. It will also allow water to weep out of the box if you do have a leak. The board is coated and suspended above the box, and all hardware is stainless steel. All relays are sealed. This unit should give you very long service.

This completes the installation.

We hope you enjoy your WX0B StackMatch and Dual Feedline option.   If you have any question whatsoever, please phone or email us. We are glad to assist you in whatever way we can.

Return to Stackmatch page