Receive 4 Square Control Unit and Phase Switch Unit Versions

There are two Receive 4 Square Control Unit and Phase Switch Unit versions. The first version switches the 4 square array in 4 directions. The second version switches the 4 square array in 8 directions. The 4 direction version is the more affordable version because it is less complex to build and requires less parts. The 4 direction version Control Unit looks like the 8 direction Control Unit however instead of having 8 pushbutton switches in a circle there are only 4 pushbutton switches. The electronic rotation feature of the antenna is the same for both the 4 and 8 direction versions. The 8 direction Control Unit is described below. The description is the same for the 4 direction unit. The only difference is the number of directions.

Receive 4 Square Control Unit (8 direction version)

The Control Unit is used to switch a Receive 4 Square Array in 8 directions for the 160 meter band. Yes, 8 directions as opposed to 4, the maximum number of directions that a 4 square can have! The Control Unit has 8 push button switches (red) mounted in a circle. Each switch in that circle has an accompanying green LED. Pushing one of the red push button switches activates that direction along with its green LED. The Control Unit also has the capability of electronically scanning each antenna direction full circle (kind of like watching radar, however using your ears instead of your eyes). This feature is activated by pushing the center red push button switch. This scan is repeated until another red push button switch is pressed in the circle indicating a need to receive in that direction. This feature is useful while listening for DX or working contest. These units are built on professionally made glass epoxy printed circuit boards (See inside photo of the Control Unit in the Picture Gallery). All Integrated Circuits as well as relays are mounted in sockets for easy maintenance.

Phase/Switch Unit

The Control Unit is connected to the Phase/Switch Unit via a CAT 5 cable. While the Control Unit is in the ham shack under user control the Phase/Switch Unit is at the 4 Square Antenna Site. The Phase/Switch Unit is remotely controlled by the Control Unit. Phasing cables are connected to the Phase/Switch unit which determines the 4 Square Antennas receive direction. The Control Unit causes the Phase/Switch Unit to switch different phasing cables in and out of the circuit changing the antennas receive direction (See inside photo of the Phase/Switch  Unit in the Picture Gallery). 

How to Build a Receive 4 Square Array

This manual presents a very detailed 20 page description with pictures and drawings on how to build your own 160 meter 4 square receive antenna. This document describes all other items needed to build the 4 square receive array such as the control cable, coax cable, and metal poles used to build the antenna. The document has a detailed parts list of everything needed and where to buy everything locally (USA). This saves you time and money on shipping costs.