Paul Katz, W5NTQ © 2014 RF-382A Remote Controller

This remote controller for the RF-382A antenna coupler allows it to be used with any
radio. The controller operates by using the FWD power sense from the coupler (J2-J) and does a
Rechannel command only at low power (under 30 watts) when the RF carrier is on continuously
for a short time (about one second). Rechannel is locked out on RF power above about 30 watts
and the controller will not do a Rechannel command on SSB or CW at any power level. With a
bias-T circuit in the coax the RF-382A and this controller can be powered over the coax cable.
No power or control cables back to the operating position are necessary, only the RF coax.

Referring to the controller schematic, voltage comparators (LM339) are used to sense the
presence of RF and do the timing functions for the controller. RF is sensed by using the FWD
PWR DC output (J2-J) from the RF-382A. The output of U1C goes high upon the presence of a
DC voltage greater than 0.3 volts from the FWD PWR output at J2-J. When the output of U1C
goes high the capacitor at the negative input of U1B rapidly charges. Once this capacitor
charges it will slowing discharge through the 1 megohm resistor. U1B is a peak hold circuit that
is used to assert the Key line at J2-B and stay asserted for a second or so (adjustable). The
output of U1D will go high when the power is greater than about 30 watts (DC voltage from J2-J
greater than about 1 volt). When the output of U1D goes high the SCR (2N5061) fires and pulls
the negative input of U1A to ground so that no Rechannel command will issue during the present
RF transmission (high power). U1D and the 2N5061 SCR are used for high power lockout of the
Rechannel function.

U1A is a time delay circuit that will issue a Rechannel command when an RF carrier at
below 30 watts is on continuously for about 1 second. If the output of U1C goes low at any time
during the U1A time delay (loss of RF carrier, e.g., SSB, CW), the time delay will be reset and
has to start over again. This prevents a Rechannel during SSB and CW operation. Also if the
output of U1D goes high (power greater than 30 watts) then the time delay is locked out by the
SCR and a Rechannel command will not occur for any RF carrier waveform. The SCR is reset
when the output of U1B goes high (Key line J2-B is unkeyed).

The SCR is also used to terminate the Rechannel command pulse. A 4N35 triggers the
SCR when a Rechannel command occurs. The Rechannel pulse width is determined by an RC
time constant that can be independently adjusted. Only one Rechannel command pulse can issue
during a continuous carrier. The RF has to be off for a few seconds before the SCR is

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 Paul Katz, W5NTQ © 2014 RF-382A Remote Controller

automatically reset when the output of U1B goes high. This makes for a more reliable
Rechannel command.

The controller printed circuit board will easily fit inside of a standard single gang weather
proof outlet box or may be mounted inside of the RF-382A housing on the Interface board just
above the ribbon cable connector.

Paul Katz, W5NTQ

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 Paul Katz, W5NTQ © 2014 RF-382A Controller
RF Activated Local Control ReChannel with High Power Lockout

RF det. keys Key line. Interface automatically asserts Rechannel when RF power less than 30 watts and on continuously
for about 1 second. In the RF-382A move Jumper block to J3 and set A1A3S2 to all switches “Closed” per RF-350
config. Flip Compatibility Label at J1 to show A3S2 SW2 closed, if not already done.

20 watts = 0.8 v 39 µh Fwd Pwr

J2-J
1
P-5
100k 0.68 mf +DC
4N35 10k
+DC
10k 2
5
Rechannel pulse width
4
+ 1 meg
100k 2.2k
Hi-Pwr 2.2mf
Rechannel LO 1N4148 1k
4 Rechannel
> 20 watts = H - 2 39 µh
1N4148 5 U1A J2-E
A 2N5061 0.47 mf + 0.1 mf P-3
11
+ 13 1N4148
U1D
10 G
- 10k
K +DC Low power continuous
3.3k 2.2k
10k 10k carrier on TD
1N4148
+DC
39 µh 12 to 28 VDC
1N4148 1 3
+DC L78L09 J2-H
+ P-1
1N5711 0.1 mf 10 mf
2 0.1 mf
+DC -DC J2-A
+DC P-2
10k
9 3
+ 14 1N4148 0.47 mf 6 39 µh Key
8 U1C - 1
- 7 U1B J2-B
12 1 meg + P-4
0.1 mf

U1: LM339N
12 to 28 VDC Coax Bias-T 100 µh 12 to 28 VDC
100 µh
J2-H
3x .01 mf Coax 3x .01 mf

RF Out RF to Coupler
-DC out
-DC in
J2-A

For Bias-T information see:

http://www.ad5x.com/images/Articles/BiasT3amp.pdf Ver. 12c
 39 µh

10k

10k .1
+DC

100k 10k

.68 1N4148
1N4148

Paul Katz, W5NTQ © 2014 RF-382A Controller

1N4148 14 Gnd 1N5711

LM339N

1 +DC
PCB top view

.47

1N4148 1k 2.2k

3.3k 1 meg

10k 1 meg
2.2k .47

A
.1

G
2N5061 out
10k

K
1N4148 L78L09

39 µh 1 .1 in
100k 10k

+ 4N35
.1 2.2 39 µh

.1

J2-J J2-B J2-E

39 µh +
P-2 10

P-5 P-4 P-3 P-1

Ver. 6d
C:\RF-382A controller\RF-382A remote controller PCB 2 side w-connector and voltage reg V6d.pcb (Silkscreen, Top layer, Bottom layer)
C:\RF-382A controller\RF-382A remote controller PCB 2 side w-connector and voltage reg V6d.pcb (Silkscreen, Bottom layer)
C:\RF-382A controller\RF-382A remote controller PCB 2 side w-connector and voltage reg V6d.pcb (Silkscreen, Top layer)