| Do you have a need for a 4-way antenna coupler for Receive-Only? Do you connect and disconnect cables or flip switches every time you change receivers? Do you want a safe DC Static Bleed between your antenna and receivers? Well then, maybe you are one of the lucky ones! |
| 4-WAY RECEIVER (ONLY) |
| A couple of years ago, we were contracted by a TSCM Agency to build some heavy-duty construction Multicouplers ... otherwise called "Antenna Splitters." These devices function excellently with antenna feeds from 36 Ohms to 600 Ohms, and are flat from well over 100 MHz down to 500 KHz. There is a very slight rolloff of about 2 to 3 (additional) dB, down to VLF, at the WWVB 60 KHz Time Signal, and down to 30 KHz, although not guaranteed to meet spec way down there, since your antenna and receiver impedances will have an affect on that outcome (depending on source/load impedances, as much as - 3 to -6dB additional). I have used them well into the 220 MHz Ham band with only slight additional loss. These are passive units and do not require power. In practical use, the insertion loss is about 1.5 dB, or less, from 50KHz - 100 MHz (see specs and qualifications below). This is primarily due to the fact that receivers seldom represent a true 50 Ohm load across their operating bandwidth. These items are assembled from the best materials required for reliable and long term service. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Many of these Multicouplers are prototypes. They were used only for customer demonstrations and sales samples. Some were installed "on-site" as beta test units for a short while, and returned after evaluation. Since they were never sold, I have absorbed the cost on them, and offer them as "Used, but like New, Surplus stock. All are slightly different, mostly in minor mechanical details, labeling, and internal layout, but perform flawlessly, and as specified, and are 'perfect' to 'almost perfect' cosmetically. I do not have any of the final design version, of which the customer has an exclusive design agreement with me. But nonetheless, all perform exactly the same. There is about $60.00 in parts and materials in each unit, and about $200.00 - $250.00 labor went into each (hand built) assembly - originally. There will be about 6 or 7 of these prototypes available, and a few others that are out on memo billing and probably will come back. All of these units will be tested for maximum performance specs, IE: bandwidth, signal level saturation, and impedance balance, and brought up to date as needed. These units will meet many EMP (and TEMPEST) specs and are completely shielded from electrostatic and electromagnetic fields. These are "Receive Only" Multicouplers. The design has been tested for reverse power and have failed at less-than 1 Watt transmitter input (at 50 Ohms). So maybe they'd be fine with a "Tuna Tin" type QRP rig, but I won't guarantee them for that use, or any transmitting application. They are built in professional-looking Desk Top cabinets - some with simulated woodgrain finish and some are black - a nice looking addition to your shack or listening post. The all-metal enclosures measure about 6" wide, 2" high, 4" deep, and include rubber feet. Rear panel has 5 Teflon (R) SO-239 connectors; 1 input, 4 output. There is a single (dual purpose) switch on the front that simultaneously connects or disconnects the antenna feed and ALL receiver feeds. In the "disconnect" position, the ANTENNA is automatically grounded. These have great dynamic range; no local flamethrower, powerhouse broadcasters are going to saturate it. Please e-mail me to reserve one, or for more info. |
Specs (subject to minor variations)
- Insertion loss: 1.5 dB typical* or less within minimum specified load impedance ratings:
36 to 500 Ohms source / typical receiver input impedances.
- Bandwidth, 1.5 dB: 0.5 to 100 MHz.
3-5 dB 30 KHz to 220 MHz (depending on antenna and load impedance match).
- RF Input saturation: 1 dB compression at (more than) +80 dB (over S-9) on 50 Ohm line.
- Magnetic/static shielding: 100%.
(* Theoretical loss with 4 maximum loads of exactly 50 Ohms (resistive) is 12dB, but most
receivers do not represent a true 50 Ohm resistive load. Based on real world sampling with
various source impedances (antenna, tuner, preselector) and various, actual receiver loads,
typical loss (signal dBm) is <1.5dB to 3dB.), and rarely up to 1 S-Unit (6dB).
- Insertion loss: 1.5 dB typical* or less within minimum specified load impedance ratings:
36 to 500 Ohms source / typical receiver input impedances.
- Bandwidth, 1.5 dB: 0.5 to 100 MHz.
3-5 dB 30 KHz to 220 MHz (depending on antenna and load impedance match).
- RF Input saturation: 1 dB compression at (more than) +80 dB (over S-9) on 50 Ohm line.
- Magnetic/static shielding: 100%.
(* Theoretical loss with 4 maximum loads of exactly 50 Ohms (resistive) is 12dB, but most
receivers do not represent a true 50 Ohm resistive load. Based on real world sampling with
various source impedances (antenna, tuner, preselector) and various, actual receiver loads,
typical loss (signal dBm) is <1.5dB to 3dB.), and rarely up to 1 S-Unit (6dB).
| No more cable swapping. No more switch flipping. Super bandwidth -- low apparent insertion loss. |
| ANTENNA MULTICOUPLER |
A peek inside. All prototypes appear slightly different, but perform
essentially the same. Some are open construction, as shown, others
contain the "module" shown at right.
essentially the same. Some are open construction, as shown, others
contain the "module" shown at right.
Prices:
MC-5030, 4-Way Multicoupler
$90.00, plus $11.00 shipping (USA only)
- about 1/3 the original sales price.
[As of july 2010 - Only a few left - all new orders must be hand built and will take a
few weeks, depending on demand - e-mail to inquire]
Do you want just the splitter module (as shown)?
$45.00, plus $5.00 shipping (USA only)
[As of July 2010 - Built to order - all new orders must be hand built and will take a
few weeks, depending on demand - e-mail to inquire]
Please click here to contact me for Availability,
Payment, and Shipping.
MC-5030, 4-Way Multicoupler
$90.00, plus $11.00 shipping (USA only)
- about 1/3 the original sales price.
[As of july 2010 - Only a few left - all new orders must be hand built and will take a
few weeks, depending on demand - e-mail to inquire]
Do you want just the splitter module (as shown)?
$45.00, plus $5.00 shipping (USA only)
[As of July 2010 - Built to order - all new orders must be hand built and will take a
few weeks, depending on demand - e-mail to inquire]
Please click here to contact me for Availability,
Payment, and Shipping.
NEWS!!! All MC-50030 Multicouplers are now obsolete,
and will be upgraded to the NEW MC-5030 Model,
which includes the LF band (30 to 300 KHz). [Jan. 3, 2010]
and will be upgraded to the NEW MC-5030 Model,
which includes the LF band (30 to 300 KHz). [Jan. 3, 2010]
NEWS!!!
All MC-50030 (300KHz - 30MHz) Multicouplers will be upgraded to the improved MC-5030 Model, which
includes the LF (longwave) band (30 to 300 KHz) at no additional charge. Jan. 3, 2010
All MC-50030 (300KHz - 30MHz) Multicouplers will be upgraded to the improved MC-5030 Model, which
includes the LF (longwave) band (30 to 300 KHz) at no additional charge. Jan. 3, 2010
Disclaimer:
Once sold, only the owner of the device is responsible for its safe and proper installation and use. The maker or seller assumes no responsibility for proper and safe installation and
use. Damage, of any kind, including storm static, lightning, and any other hazards of Nature or accident, whether intentional or coincidental, are the sole liability and responsibility of
the owner (customer/buyer).
No refunds, returns, or replacements will be honored unless the item fails to function as specified. Refund or replacement will be determined by the cause of failure. Refunds do not
include shipping charges. The seller is not responsible for lack of technical knowledge in installing or use of the item, damage incurred, or any other personal, material, or monetary
liability. The customer is expected to ask questions of the maker if in doubt as to proper installation and/or safe use, and to read and retain any/all instruction materials.
Returns must be in "as received", re-saleable, factory fresh condition and accompanied by all original paperwork, packing, accessories, etc.
Shipping damage must be claimed by the buyer and filed with the delivery carrier upon receipt of the item. The shipper assumes no liability for shipping damage or any other
damage beyond his control.
Once sold, only the owner of the device is responsible for its safe and proper installation and use. The maker or seller assumes no responsibility for proper and safe installation and
use. Damage, of any kind, including storm static, lightning, and any other hazards of Nature or accident, whether intentional or coincidental, are the sole liability and responsibility of
the owner (customer/buyer).
No refunds, returns, or replacements will be honored unless the item fails to function as specified. Refund or replacement will be determined by the cause of failure. Refunds do not
include shipping charges. The seller is not responsible for lack of technical knowledge in installing or use of the item, damage incurred, or any other personal, material, or monetary
liability. The customer is expected to ask questions of the maker if in doubt as to proper installation and/or safe use, and to read and retain any/all instruction materials.
Returns must be in "as received", re-saleable, factory fresh condition and accompanied by all original paperwork, packing, accessories, etc.
Shipping damage must be claimed by the buyer and filed with the delivery carrier upon receipt of the item. The shipper assumes no liability for shipping damage or any other
damage beyond his control.
A Note on Proper Installation:
These Multicouplers, as with any other equipment, require proper installation for correct functionality. They are usable with antennas with source impedances
from below 30 Ohms to over 600 Ohms. The impedance matching and port isolation is dependent on proper external connections. Each receiver should be
connected to the MC-3050 with a suitable coax cable. All receivers connected to the MC-3050 must have a good ground (common) connection (through the coax)
between each other. Likewise, the antenna circuit must have a suitable signal ground, with a feed impedance of 30 to 600 Ohms. Example: an end-fed antenna
without a ground (signal) return will have a very high characteristic terminal impedance. That kind of condition may reduce the port isolation and possibly
increase insertion loss. Typical suitable antennas are: dipole, end-fed (with ground circuit), active antennas, Windom, extended double Zepp, Marconi, inverted
"L", various verticals (with proper ground plane or counterpoise), loops. etc. Where indicated, a proper balun or transformer should be considered. Provisions
for proper safety measures for lightning protection and static buildup are the responsibility of the owner/user. Never install antennas above, below, or near
power lines. Always be careful when climbing and installing antennas. DO NOT TRANSMIT IN TO THE MC-5030, OR ANY OTHER RECEIVE-ONLY DEVICE.
These Multicouplers, as with any other equipment, require proper installation for correct functionality. They are usable with antennas with source impedances
from below 30 Ohms to over 600 Ohms. The impedance matching and port isolation is dependent on proper external connections. Each receiver should be
connected to the MC-3050 with a suitable coax cable. All receivers connected to the MC-3050 must have a good ground (common) connection (through the coax)
between each other. Likewise, the antenna circuit must have a suitable signal ground, with a feed impedance of 30 to 600 Ohms. Example: an end-fed antenna
without a ground (signal) return will have a very high characteristic terminal impedance. That kind of condition may reduce the port isolation and possibly
increase insertion loss. Typical suitable antennas are: dipole, end-fed (with ground circuit), active antennas, Windom, extended double Zepp, Marconi, inverted
"L", various verticals (with proper ground plane or counterpoise), loops. etc. Where indicated, a proper balun or transformer should be considered. Provisions
for proper safety measures for lightning protection and static buildup are the responsibility of the owner/user. Never install antennas above, below, or near
power lines. Always be careful when climbing and installing antennas. DO NOT TRANSMIT IN TO THE MC-5030, OR ANY OTHER RECEIVE-ONLY DEVICE.
| IMPORTANT NOTE: As of July 1, 2010, I am suspending the manufacture of these multicouplers. and some other items that I make and sell. In order to restock inventory, (we sold all the units built from the original parts purchase) I have been searching all available sources for the materials required, and find that, almost without exception, all prices have increased - in some cases, not just a little increase! This is so much so that I cannot hold the original price any more. The original prices of $45.00 for the module and $90.00 for the finished unit, included 80% worth of component costs. All first rate components, the Teflon (R) SO-239 connectors, stainless steel hardware, epoxy potting compound, and ferrite cores have all risen in cost, dramatically! The total increases would bring the cost of materials up to (almost) the selling price, leaving little margin for time and labor. Even the shipping costs have increases significantly. Granted, I could use lesser-quality parts and lower the manufacturing costs, but as with everything I have offered so far, I try to design to (or close to) MIL-SPEC assembly and component standards, for quality of performance and operational durability. This design is exceptional and meets the qualifications that I would want for my personal use. In fact, a similar unit is in use as an output splitter to the receivers in my listening post. That same design is used in the RFP-1. The design criteria was simple: minimal loss, wide bandwidth, and high saturation level. If I cannot get back into the business of building splitters, for practical and economic reasons, someday I may make this proprietary design available to the public. I wish to thank all of my previous customers for their nice comments and feedback; it's appreciated. If you really, really need a multicoupler module, or a finished unit (as shown), you are invited to e-mail me and we can discuss the current economics (to which we have all fallen victim), and I'll be glad to offer a quote, but please don't blame me for the current sagging dollar and inflated costs. Yes, I'm angry, if not just very disappointed, and I count myself along with so many other small businesses - unfortunately, these devices don't fall under any Stimulus Program. Thank you for understanding. |