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| Reviews Summary for DX Engineering DXE-RTR-1 Receive Antenna Transceiver Interface |
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Reviews: 3
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $139.95
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Description: This unit allows you to add a dedicated receive antenna to HF transceivers which lack a separate RX antenna input port.
It is a unique multi-purpose switch unit which automatically or manually switches the RF output antenna connector on any HF transceiver between a separate receiving antenna system and a standard transmitting antenna. The switching is fast enough - about 4 ms. - to allow QSK CW operation. In its simplest application, it allows you to add a receiving preamp to improve reception of those really weak ones.
The DXE-RTR-1 enables operators to enjoy the improved reception that a low noise receiving antenna system offers. Connection to a Beverage, Receive Four-Square, Active Receive Antenna, and other receiving antennas and accessories is now possible, safely, only with the DXE-RTR-1.
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=3357&PLID=300&SecID=151&DeptID=42&PartNo=DXE%2DRTR%2D1
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write your own review of the DX Engineering DXE-RTR-1 Receive Antenna Transceiver Interface.
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W5DQ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 2, 2011 16:00
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Excellent design!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Note to Self: Learn to UNDERSTAND the manual.
I am one of those rare individuals that actually takes time to read the manual before using a new piece of equipment, being it a toaster, a leaf blower or a new piece of ham gear. The RTR-1 was no exception ... or so I thought. I actually downloaded the manual and read it through before deciding to buy the RTR-1. I have a TS-940S and it has a RX ant input port but it is switched in and out of the input via a physical slide switch on the BACK apron of the radio. Accessibilty to do this is NOT a luxury in my shack nor anyone's I would think the way the 940 is laid out in back.
So I like the idea of being able to switch in the new Pixel RF PRO-1A Magnetic Loop RX Antenna I won at Visalia this year. The RTR-1 layout was ideal and simple but effective - actually to effective for my simple understanding :(. Like I said I had read the manual and thought I understood it. I received the RTR-1 very quickly from DXE and opened it up and put it on the bench for a quick switching test. 12V in..check, shorting cable for keying line attached ..check, so far so good. Switch the RTR-1 on, put it in a RX ant active position and .. NADA, nothing, the red LED that was supposed to light up showing the RX ant port was active and ready didn't light up. I went through a series of things to figure out why and still nothing. Not happy so far, I shot an email to DXE on Tues evening and waited. No reply came all day Wednesday. So I called on Thurs morning and talked to Ron. After talking with Ron about my issue, I soon realized although I had read the manual, I had failed to understand the manual. I guess this is a common thing with many people who buy the RTR-1. By the time I had hung up, I was wearing egg on my face realizing my folly.
My misunderstanding came from the design of the keying socket. It is insulated from ground and uses the shield of the coax from the radio to the RTR-1 as a return path for the keying ground. Just shorting the keying line socket on the RTR-1 won't do it and without the return path, the RTR-1 won't go into a RX active switch mode thereby protecting the RX antenna and the RTR-1 from RF when it isn't expecting it. A very ingenious design but can lead to confusion in the new user.
After I understood the design and how it was supposed to work, all was well and the RTR-1 works excellent. It is solidly built and somewhat weighted so it doesn't slide around at all. It is a convenient size so it fits well into my layout without getting lost in the controls or looking like a big brute box. The front panel design is well laid out with power on one side and antenna switch on the other to avoid accidently reaching for the wrong switch. The LEDs for POWER ON and RX ANT ACTIVE are bright and well placed.
The RTR-1 is fast at switching, rated at 4ms delay. I used it on CW at 30wpm and it had no problems keeping up with that speed. One of the best features I think is the ability to 'sample' the MAIN ANT while using the RX ANT by simply pushing down on the ant switch to the momentary (non-locking) position to hear the MAIN ANT. Releasing goes back to the RX ANT with no further actions needed. The RTR-1 can remain in line at all times and need no be removed to work with the main antenna solely. I have 4 antennas that can be switch between 2 radios. The four antennas can be switched in seperately from the RTR-1 and then the chosen one can be switch between it and the Pixel RX ant for RX.
I feel that the RTR-1 has the excellent quality and workmanship I have come to expect for a great comapny like DX Engineering. I look forward to using it as an integral part of improving my low band capabilities from now on.
Gene W5DQ
Ridgecrest, CA
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N3LCW
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Rating: 5/5
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May 29, 2010 16:44
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DX Engineering adds another excellent transceiver accessory.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Using this accessory lets me switch from my regular QRO transmit antenna to my much quieter magnetic loop receive antenna safely. Using a vertical has been great for DX but my magnetic loop antennas have always been magnitudes quieter on receive helping me hear DX near the noise floor. Ever since adding this to my FT-847 I have been able to copy the DX that I was missing with my transmit antennas. The safety feature ensures I don't accidentally transmit into my receive loop and arc-over the loop tuning capacitor.
The user manual also gives other uses, including switching in things like preamps.
The workmanship is first class, rugged, and professionally built.
I highly recommend this to anyone whose transceiver does not have a separate receive connector.
Andrew
N3LCW
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SM7JKD
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 10, 2009 10:50
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Don't have a seperate RX input, then this is for you.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Having previously had a seperate RX input on other rigs for such antennas, I was a little surprised that my FT 950 had no such input.
I am a keen dx'er on 80 mtrs,and in the heat of the moment, when switching from the vertical array to my beverage, nearly tx'd on the beverage. Running 1 KW, the result could easily have been a disaster...
What to do ?
I had a tip from a US ham about DX Engineering's RTR-1. I downloaded the manual, liked what I saw and read, and mailed DXE, with some questions.
I had an immediate response(within 24 hrs) from them, and satisfied that all was ok, ordered one unit.
All I can say is, it is brilliant. It does what DXE says,it is very easy to install (excellent manual),and looks great.
This is very cheap insurance.
So thank you DXE.
Ps,I have not had any prior dealings with this company, and their service matches an excellent product.
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