EchoTracer — Technical Overview
Updated: 2025-08-11 — Technical overview validated against EchoTracer schematic. Values with ~ are sweep-derived approximations.
Compact Wideband E-Probe for Wideband Reception
The EchoTracer is a rugged, high-performance active E-field probe optimized for ~10 kHz to 200 MHz. It offers excellent immunity to overload, strong common-mode rejection, and stable gain across HF, 6 m, 4 m, and 2 m reception bands.
Core Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | ~10 kHz – 200 MHz |
| Best Performance | 160 m – 2 m |
| Whip Length | 1 m |
| Polarization | Vertical (E-field) |
| Noise Figure @ 10 MHz | ~<1 dB |
| Output IP3 | ~+36 dBm |
| P1dB | ~+18 dBm |
| Output Impedance | 75 Ω |
| TX Tolerance | Up to 2 kW at ~12 m distance |
| Supply Voltage | ~13.8 V (Bias-T) |
| Current Draw | ~150–180 mA |
Maintenance Tip – Choosing the Right Anti-Corrosion Paste
For whip-to-mount connections and hardware:
• If you opted for the 1 m RVS stainless whip, use AL-1100 aluminum paste for best long-term corrosion resistance.
• If you opted for the brass whip, use CU-800 copper paste to preserve conductivity and reduce oxidation.
How often? Apply once during installation. In harsh coastal or polluted environments, reapply every 2–3 years during inspection, or sooner if you disconnect and reconnect the whip.
For whip-to-mount connections and hardware:
• If you opted for the 1 m RVS stainless whip, use AL-1100 aluminum paste for best long-term corrosion resistance.
• If you opted for the brass whip, use CU-800 copper paste to preserve conductivity and reduce oxidation.
How often? Apply once during installation. In harsh coastal or polluted environments, reapply every 2–3 years during inspection, or sooner if you disconnect and reconnect the whip.
Key Circuit Features
- Surge & ESD Protection: Gas discharge tube + transient suppressor + clamp diodes.
- FM Broadcast Notch: Tuned LC filter attenuates 88–110 MHz to suppress overload.
- Gain Stage: High-linearity, low-noise amplifier with feedback loop to reduce VHF intermodulation.
- Output Network: Transformer isolation plus broadband common-mode choke for reduced feedline noise coupling.
Recommended Mounting Heights
- 160 m DX: ~8–10 m
- All-band HF compromise: ~4–5 m
- 20–10 m: ~2–3 m
- 6 m: ~8–10 m
- 4 m: ~6–8 m
- 2 m: ~2–3 m
Metal roofs or large conductive surfaces nearby can act as effective ground planes, improving E-field coupling.
Placement & Grounding
- Mount on a non-metallic mast (plastic or fiberglass) up to ~4 m high for best isolation from support structure.
- Bond the mast base or mounting plate to a ground rod or short counterpoise wires for improved noise rejection.
- Minimum clearance: ~1.5 m from conductive structures; ~2 m preferred for optimal SNR.
- Keep at least 3–4 m from other resonant antennas or vertical elements to avoid coupling.
- Install a high-quality common-mode choke at the shack end of the feedline in noisy QTHs.
Performance Notes
- FM broadcast notch provides ~20–25 dB attenuation in the 88–110 MHz range.
- Low-end roll-off set by coupling capacitors and protection network (~10 kHz).
- Safe operation near 100 W at 5 m, 1 kW at 8 m, and 2 kW at 12 m TX separation.
- Output CMC significantly improves SNR in noisy environments.
- Usable response extends into lower UHF for monitoring above 200 MHz, but with reduced gain.
Whip Material Comparison
| Property | Brass | Stainless Steel (RVS) |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | High | Moderate |
| Skin Effect Gain (VHF) | ~+0.5 dB | Reference |
| Corrosion Resistance | Requires periodic care | Marine-grade resistant |
Result: Choose brass for maximum weak-signal performance on VHF, RVS for long-term outdoor durability.
Package Contents
- EchoTracer module with 1 m whip
- Stainless steel mounting plate (RVS316)
- Bias-T (F-type to SMA, 13.8 V DC over coax)
- 10 m INTSAT-110 Elite 75 Ω coax
- SMA-to-BNC jumper cable
Optional:
- RVS ground peg with integrated RX line isolator
- Additional coax lengths up to 100 m
Mini FAQ
- Q: Can I use the EchoTracer in a phased array? — A: Yes, it’s compatible with EchoTriad and other phased E-probe systems.
- Q: Does the FM notch affect 6 m? — A: No, the filter is narrow and centered well above 50 MHz.
- Q: Is the whip material important? — A: Brass offers slightly higher VHF efficiency; stainless steel is more rugged.
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