Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[w5zn]

The YCCC-9 design by John, W1FV is an outstanding performer. I have had 
one installed at W5ZN for several years now and have documented direct 
comparisons with my HiZ-8 160 and BSEF-8 160 arrays plus my four 580 ft 
Beverages. While the HiZ-8 (200 ft diameter on 160) is the clear top 
performer with the BSEF-160 (350 ft diameter) a close second, the 
performance of the YCCC-9 is third only to those two and is equivalent 
or better than my Beverages. The amazing thing with the YCCC-9 is its 
small footprint, only 120 ft in diameter. As John has noted, the 120 ft 
diameter spacing has only a minor effect on 160 but improves 80 meters. 
It is an amazing performer on 80 meters and is equal in performance to 
my BSEF-8 80 meter array which is 180 ft diameter (I do not have an 80 
meter HiZ-8). For the small footprint plus the ability to use it on 3 
bands it is impressive.


Prior to this year I ran the original combiner board and amplifiers. 
Over the summer I had boards fabricated from Steve, VE6WZ's excellent 
details and assembled a combiner with the Murata chokes on the board in 
order to eliminate the external chokes. I see no difference in 
performance. I also assembled new amplifiers based on Steve's layout.


So, if you do not have room for the top performing HiZ-8 or the BSEF-8 
and 580 ft Beverage but can accommodate a 120 ft diameter circle this IS 
your RX antenna for 360 degree coverage! If you can only spare 120 ft in 
one direction, say to Europe, then utilizing only three verticals will 
fix you up.


Thanks to John, W1FV, for his design and development of this array and 
for Steve, VE6WZ for providing additional info and options. It is also 
good to see the PI4CC folks pick this up and provide components as well.


73 Joel W5ZN
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[VE6WZ_Steve]

Indeed it is John, W1FV who is the father of the 9 circle array and published 
his good work in NCJ.
Together with the YCCC they produced kits which were marketed by DXeng.
Here is my history with the array:

6 years ago I purchased one of these DXeng kits and was impressed with the 
results.

3 years ago, I redesigned John's antenna amplifier to include an antenna bypass 
relay.
My new board geometry to use a 180 deg F connector and screw terminals for the 
ant and ground to simplify construction.
I published a YouTube video on the new design, and in the video notes I provide 
links to the PCB Gerber files, and all of John’s original documentation.
https://youtu.be/dl-crM5Kb6A 

2 years ago, I redesigned the combiner board and integrated a 2N5109 amplifier 
on the PCB.
Gerbers, BOM, and documentation included in the notes of the video:
https://youtu.be/utyJt_Clp3M 

1 year ago, I redesigned the combiner board again using small MuRata chokes at 
each antenna input to eliminate the need for the outboard feedline chokes.
This is the board I am using now.
Gerbers, BOM, and documentation included in the notes of the video:
https://youtu.be/lVW1CmrzP7c 

I do not sell boards. I have no interest in any commercial endeavour.  My 
desire is to share my projects if others want to build them.
If you do build one of these, please read all the documentation included with 
each video.
It is very easy to upload the Gerber files to a PCB vendor and get boards made.
The PI4CC group asked if they could sell my boards to those that don't want to 
get their own made and I agreed
I have no involvement with them.

For these arrays, and other RX antennas that provide DC power via the coax 
feedline (bias-T) I strongly recommend that the PCBs be thoroughly cleaned of 
flux and a conformal coating be applied.
My experience is that residual solder flux can attract debris and moisture and 
lead to noise issues.  This is especially true at the F-connectors that have 
12v DC on the centre conductor.
Use a good flux remover and tooth brush followed by a water rinse and apply an 
acrylic conformal coating.
In this (unrelated) video at 8:00 is show how I clean my boards: 
https://youtu.be/_HvBf_tnjEg 

Why youtube videos? Why not write a paper? 
I am aware there are those don’t like YouTube videos.
In my prior life as a scientist in the Oil and Gas exploration business for 35 
years all I did was write papers and build powerpoint presentations.
I don’t want to do that anymore, but making a video is easy and fun to do. I 
share videos about building radio stuff like guys make videos about making 
furniture.
more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/ve6wz 


73, de steve ve6wz

> On Dec 6, 2022, at 12:46 PM, John Kaufmann via Topband 
>  wrote:
> 
> 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

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[Jim Miller]

I failed to mention that W1FV was the original designer whose work was
published in NCJ. My apologies for that!

73

Jim ab3cv

On Sun, Dec 4, 2022 at 2:34 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

Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[John Kaufmann via Topband]

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@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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_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[Stig Vestergaard]

I completely agree with you Jim, AB3CV.

I am in more or less the same situation as you, too little footprint for
several serious beverages, single or phased, but instead the W1EW / VE6WZ 9
circle with only 120ft diameter is really an improvement here on a little
footprint.  Steve, VE6WZ has done so many great YouTube videos, not only on
the 9 circle subject, but other TopBand issues.
By the way I am using my 9 circle in diversity RX mode on the transceiver
with other small receive antennas, as short beverages, Bog's and DHDL, it
works great.
Sure long Beverage  (too long for my property), would outperform the 9
circle in the same direction, but then I need a serious big property to get
the opportunity to switch directions from several bev's.

Now we only need more activity on 160M CW, so we can have more fun, and
reason to play with antennas, hi.

Great job Steve, VE6WZ and ofcourse John, W1FV who optimized and
developed the smaller 9 circle.


Stig, OZ4MM


Den tir. 6. dec. 2022 kl. 05.49 skrev Joe :

> 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
> >
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[Joe]

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


_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

[Jim Miller]

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