DX Catcher 200 Automatic Antenna Coupler

Product Information

What is an antenna coupler? Antenna «COUPLERS» are placed at the antenna and precisely match conditions of the antenna to the feed line. Antenna «TUNERS», on the other hand, are generally located at the transmitter output at the radio end of the coaxial feed line. Do not be confused by the term «COUPLER» or «TUNER». A «TUNER» placed at the transmitter fools a transmitter into working correctly. A «COUPLER» installed at the antenna eliminates feed line losses by providing a proper match of the antenna to the feed line. The DX Catcher 200 is a true antenna coupler.

The DX Catcher 200 Microprocessor Controlled Automatic Antenna Coupler offers flexible tuning without any user interface. The DX Catcher 200 senses RF when you transmit from your transceiver and automatically finds the best SWR match to your antenna. This unit works with ANY radio and ANY antenna and requires NO special interface, making it the most versatile tuning product available. The DX Catcher 200 can be used in base station, portable (tactical), mobile, marine, aviation, and other applications. The DX Catcher 200 is built in a rugged ABS plastic enclosure which is sealed to protect it, and allows ultimate versatility in installation.

The DX Catcher 200 Automatic Antenna Coupler - intelligently - tunes any length antenna from 8 feet! No preliminary tuning or adjustment is required, and the coupler will operate with any HF transceiver in the 1.6 - 30 MHz range and output power from 5 to 200 watts. The DX Catcher 200 automatically evaluates and switches 40 capacitors and 11 inductors in thousands «L» network combinations for precision matches. The DX Catcher 200 then remembers the chosen frequency and tuning values and automatically reselects those values - in less than 1 second, each time you select that frequency.

The initial (first time) tuning may take several milliseconds to a few seconds depending on the complexity of the tuning process for a specific antenna configuration. After tuning the first time for a specific frequency and antenna, this information is entered in the non-volatile computer memory that will store up to 30 tuning solutions. When the same conditions are encountered again, re-tuning is accomplished within less than 1 second by recalling the information from the non-volatile memory.

If antenna or transmitter conditions have changed since the information was stored in memory, the antenna coupler retunes and a new tuning solution is achieved. This new information is stored to memory for future reference. The DX Catcher 200 will always look for the best possible tuning solution and will improve existing tuning solutions whenever possible. The DX Catcher 200 may be bypassed and your antenna used as a broadband receiving antenna.

The DX Catcher 200 is supplied in a weatherproof case with two mounting brackets. RF and DC power are supplied to the unit through two separate cables - a 50-ohm coaxial cable and four-conductor cable. The four-conductor cable is for the ground, the positive power lead, and the optional transceiver control. The DX Catcher 200 antenna coupler is supplied with 3-feet of cable standard.

Specifications:

HF Frequency Range:	1.6 to 30 MHz
Power Input Range:	5 to 200 Watts (PEP)
Input Impedance:	50 Ohm
Typical VSWR:	Less than 1.4:1
Memory Capability:	30 sets
DC Input Requirement:	+13.8 VDC
DC Operating Range:	+10.5 to 15 VDC
Input Current (Average):	1A
Typical Random Set Time:	Less than 3 seconds
Typical Recurrent Set Time:	Less than 1 second
Minimum Antenna Length:	3.5 to 30 MHz – 3 meters (10 feet) or 1.8 to 30 MHz – 12 meters (39.4 feet)
Installation:	Any position
Operating Temperature:	-35° to +70°C
Size:	230 x 340 x 74 mm
Weight:	2.45 kg (with supplied cables)
Case Construction:	Plastic ABS weatherproof case

This DX Catcher 200 automatic antenna coupler is supplied with the control/power cable having factory fitted 4-pin Molex nylon connector for the interconnection to Icom radios with this mating connector on their back panel. The following Icom HF transceivers are compatible: IC-77, IC-78, IC-703, IC-703 Plus, IC-706, IC-706MKII, IC-706MKIIG, IC-707, IC-718, IC-725, IC-725A, IC-726, IC-728, IC-729, IC-736, IC-738, IC-737, IC-737A, IC-746, IC-746PRO, IC-756, IC-756PRO, IC-756PROII, IC-756PROIII, IC-7000, IC-7200, IC-7400, IC-7600, IC-9100, IC-M600, IC-M700, IC-M700PRO, IC-M700TY, IC-M700UK, IC-M710, IC-M710RT, IC-M718, IC-M800, IC-M801, and IC-M802.

Please note that the coupler requires only a source of +13.6 VDC, an RF transmission line, plus suitable ground and antenna systems. No band switch information, low power tuning, or handshake is required, since the antenna coupler tunes on RF voice or carrier. Power consumption is normally less than 1A, allowing for use of small gauge wire. The PCB is fully protected against power reversal. Any HF transceiver can be used with the antenna coupler without using of the manual remote control.

The antenna coupler is supplied with comprehensive 31-pages Installation and Operations Manual. When you place an order please let us know the model of your transceiver to assist you with the proper interconnection configuration between your radio and the antenna coupler for remote control. The supplied Installation and Operations Manual will assist you in all aspects of using the coupler, including 23 antenna installation diagrams. The DX Catcher 200 Microprocessor Controlled Automatic Antenna Coupler is an excellent piece of equipment that will give you outstanding performance.

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Product Code: DX-CATCHER-200

OUT OF STOCK Price: 249.95GBP