EchoTriad 6–12dB Better SNR Than a Yagi — Because Hearing Is Believing
Last updated: August 22, 2025.
In the 21st century, reception isn’t about aluminum acreage — it’s about Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio (SNR). That’s where EchoTriad changes the game.
The System
EchoTriad is a fully active receive‑array engine that outputs six fixed directional beams simultaneously. Three wideband vertical probes feed a precision analog hybrid phasing matrix to produce six discrete RF channels — all live, all the time.
- Topology: 3 active vertical probes in an equilateral triangle (typ. ~0.23 λ spacing)
- Outputs: 6 simultaneous phased beams (60° apart) — no relays, no latency
- Core: High‑isolation, low‑IMD ±90° industrial hybrids with minimal insertion loss
- Front‑end: Each input driven by its own active element for linearity and zero passive loss
Active elements (EchoTracer probes) are separate components and not included with the phasing engine.
Band‑by‑Band Optimization
EchoTriad + EchoTracer probes (30–6 m)
- Use three EchoTracer active vertical probes
- Optimized coverage: 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 m
- Compact spacing: ~2.5–5 m triangles (band‑dependent), easy to deploy in small gardens
- Typical per‑beam figures (indicative):
- ~4.5–5.5 dBi forward gain
- ~100–120° HPBW
- ~12–18 dB F/B
- Notably reduces urban noise pickup by avoiding dominant local QRM lobes
The phasing matrix is broadband and repeatable, maintaining beam geometry across the 1–50 MHz design span (active probe choice sets the practical band limits).
Why It Beats a Yagi on Receive
Yagis are great for TX gain — but on RX in noisy neighborhoods they often act like common‑mode noise funnels. EchoTriad listens smarter: pick the cleanest direction instantly, without moving anything, and do it across multiple radios/SDRs at once.
| Metric | 3‑el Yagi (home install) | EchoTriad RX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward gain | ~7.5–8.5 dBi | ~4.5–5.5 dBi per beam |
| SNR (urban shack) | ~3–5 dB typical | ~10–15 dB (+6–12 dB better) |
| Directions | 1 (rotator) | 6 fixed, parallel |
| Beam control | Mechanical | Instant (select output) |
| Noise rejection | Often poor (CMC & clutter) | Excellent (clean feed + pattern) |
| Footprint | Tower + boom | Compact ground array |
SNR wins come from reducing what you don’t want (local noise capture) as much as increasing what you do (signal in the favored lobe).
Hexbeam Comparison
Hexbeams are clever mechanical compromises, typically ~5–6 dBi forward gain. That’s comparable to each EchoTriad beam — but EchoTriad gives you six directions at once plus superior noise rejection. In modern QRM, “hearing better” beats “hearing more.”
Summary
- Six fixed cardioid RX beams, 60° apart, all live
- Fully active front‑end — no passive combiner loss
- No mechanics, no switching: true parallel outputs
- Best with EchoTracer probes on 30–6 m; broadband matrix supports 1–50 MHz with suitable probes
Specs at a Glance
- Inputs: 3 active antenna inputs (EchoTracers not included)
- Outputs: 6 phased, buffered RF channels
- Phasing: Analog ±90° hybrid matrix
- Operating range: 1–50 MHz (probe‑dependent)
- Applications: Diversity RX, SO2R, multi‑operator and multi‑SDR monitoring
The Bottom Line
Gain is cheap. Clarity is everything. EchoTriad routinely delivers +6–12 dB SNR over typical home Yagi installs by steering away from noise — in six directions at once.
Mini‑FAQ
- Do I need relays to switch beams? — No. All six beams are available simultaneously on separate outputs.
- What spacing works best? — Around 0.22–0.25 λ for cardioid patterns with useful rear nulls.
- Can I use it below 30 m? — Yes with appropriate active probes; array geometry remains valid, but noise fields differ.
- Why is SNR better than a Yagi? — Lower common‑mode pickup, multi‑direction choice, and avoidance of local noise lobes.
Interested in more technical content? Subscribe to our updates for deep‑dive RF articles and lab notes.
Questions or experiences to share? Feel free to contact RF.Guru.