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Revision History
Created 19 February 2010
23 February 2010. Small changes in pricing table to reflect UHF cable option and
clarify options
04 March 2010. Updated the
intermodulation paper to fix an error at page 17.
22 April 2010. Added VLF recording page link
25 December 2010. Added Z1203B material
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specifications
Price
VLF_Reception_Sample
Orders_and_Delivery
Photographs
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Introduction
The Z1501D is an electric field responding “active”
antenna, employing a high impedance field effect transistor input stage to
efficiently couple electromagnetic field from a physically short antenna to a
low impedance (50 ohms) load.
The Z1501D allows efficient reception of frequencies from 20 KHz to 30 MHz
(usable beyond 100 MHz with reduced performance) with a single relatively short
vertical rod antenna.
There are many active antennas available, ranging in price from inexpensive
to several thousand dollars. The Z1501D's provides performance comparable to the
best available antennas but at a far more affordable price, particularly if
purchased as a kit.
Unlike some high performance active antennas, the Z1501D does not "pot" the
circuits in epoxy, making repair impossible by the user. Clifton Laboratories
uses a different approach. A
detailed construction,
operation and maintenance manual permits the owner to maintain and repair
the Z1501D for many years of enjoyment.
The Z1501D is mostly a surface mount kit, but all the
parts are "large" in the surface mount context, being 1206 size or larger. |
Specifications
|
Parameter |
Value |
|
Dimensions |
Printed circuit board 2
inches x 3 inches (51 mm x 76 mm); when enclosed in weatherproof
enclosure 4.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 1 inch (114 mm x 63 mm x 25 mm)
excluding mounting flange. |
|
DC Ratings |
Voltage not to exceed
15V, negative ground, positive to coaxial cable center conductor.
Typical current consumption 100 mA. Performance based on 13.8V delivered
to active antenna. |
|
Output impedance |
Designed to drive 50 ohm
coaxial cable; 75 ohm cable may also be used. |
|
Frequency Range |
20 KHz – 30 MHz;
usable to 100 MHz with reduced performance. |
|
Insertion Loss |
When measured with 50
ohm termination on input, 2.5 dB typical over range 10 KHz – 30 MHz; not
to exceed 3.5 dB, measured with Clifton Laboratories Z1203A power
coupler. |
|
3rd Order
Intermodulation Intercept |
With test tones of
3.007 and 4.011 MHz, adjusted for 0 dBm output from the Z1501D, and a 15
pF/50R whip simulation adapter at the input connector: *
3rd order output intercept (OIP3): +40 dBm. |
|
2nd Order
Intermodulation Intercept |
With test tones of 3.007
and 4.011 MHz, adjusted for 0 dBm output from the Z1501D, and a 15
pF/50R whip simulation adapter at the input connector: *
Worst case 2nd
order output intercept (OIP2): +73 dBm at 7018 KHz, best case > +85 dBm
at 1004 KHz. |
|
Maximum Safe Input
Voltage |
> 1 volt RMS at Z1501D
input terminal. The Z1501D has been tested with 1 watt transmitted power
applied at the input, without damage. However, caution should be used if
the Z1501D is to be installed close to transmitting antennas. |
|
Antenna Rod Length |
Recommended length 60
(1.5m) inches minimum to 120 inches (3m) maximum; shorter and longer
lengths may be used depending upon the local RF environment. |
* Click the title to download a detailed analysis of the
test protocol and measured results for 2nd and 3rd order
intermodulation performance, titled “Observations
on 2nd and 3rd Order Intercepts of the Clifton Laboratories Z1501D Active
Antenna.”
|
Price
|
|
Item |
Price |
Comment |
| Z1501D
Active Antenna kit |
$169.95 |
Kit includes
printed circuit board and all electronic components, weatherproof
enclosure with coaxial pigtail, mounting bracket, mounting clamps,
antenna mount and a telescoping antenna. Input stage is pre-assembled
and adjusted for best 2nd order intermodulation performance. |
| Z1501D
and Z1203A Coupler kit |
$209.95 |
Package price for
Z1501D active antenna kit and
Z1203A DC power coupler kit |
|
Z1501D and Z1203B Coupler Kit |
$229.95 |
Package price for
Z1501D active antenna kit and Z1203B DC power coupler kit. |
| Z1501D
Active Antenna assembled |
$229.95 |
Assembled and
adjusted Z1501D active antenna, in weatherproof enclosure, with mounting
bracket, coaxial pigtail, antenna mount and telescoping antenna. |
| Z1501D
Active Antenna and Z1203A Coupler assembled |
$289.95 |
Z1501D assembled
as above and Z1203A DC coupler
assembled. |
| Z1501D
Active Antenna and Z1203A Coupler assembled |
$309.95 |
Z1501D assembled
as above and Z1203B power couple
assembled. |
| Second
whip |
$16.00 |
If purchased with
Z1501D. The Z1501D comes with your choice of a chrome plated medium
length telescoping whip (5 ft / 1.5 meters) or a black finished long
telescoping whip (approx. 10 feet / 3 meters). Some customers have
expressed interest in a smaller second whip for portable use.
Both whips are sourced from BuddiPole and
are high quality telescoping antennas. |
| Output
Connector Type |
No
extra charge |
BNC (female), UHF
(SO-239 style) or CATV style "F" (female). Other connectors
types are possible with special order. |
|
Special connectors |
Contact Clifton Laboratories |
If a connector
other than the BNC, UHF or F is required, contact Clifton
Laboratories for availability and price. |
|
Performance Documentation |
$20.00 |
This option means
the Z1501D is supplied
with measured 2nd and 3rd order intermodulation performance data, along
with frequency response sweep. This option applies to assembled Z1501D
units. It also applies to Z1501D kits if the purchaser returns the
completed kit to Clifton Laboratories for performance documentation. In
this case, an additional $7.50 for Priority Mail return to the purchaser
(domestic US) applies. |
| 2nd
Order Intermodulation Adjustment for kits |
$7.50
postage (domestic US only) |
Although the input
stage of Z1501D kits is supplied assembled and adjusted, Clifton
Laboratories will adjust without a service charge assembled kits for
optimum 2nd order intermodulation performance. A fee of $7.50 for
priority mail return of the Z1501D printed circuit board applies. No
performance data will be supplied with this service unless separately
purchased. |
|
Virginia Sales Tax |
5% |
For orders shipped
to an address within the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
|
Shipping |
TBD |
Until experience
permits a flat rate shipping charge for domestic US orders, please
contact Clifton Laboratories for shipping charges. Normally domestic
shipping will be via Priority Mail. |
