Installing the EchoTriad Phased Array System for 30m to 10m and 160m to 40m Multiband Reception
The EchoTriad system, built with three EchoTracer (or VerticalVortex) active E-field probes arranged in an equilateral triangle, offers high RDF, excellent nulling, and broad azimuthal coverage with fixed 45° hybrid phasing. When properly spaced and mounted, the system can be used effectively across multiple bands by optimizing for band pairs or clusters. This guide details practical setups for various HF bands, including recommended spacings, heights, and expected performance metrics.
General Installation Notes
- Probes should be mounted symmetrically around a non-metallic hub.
- The arms extending from the hub must be spaced 120 degrees apart, and each should have a length L equal to the spacing divided by √3 (based on the Pythagorean theorem).
- Feedlines must be equal in length to preserve phase symmetry.
- Each EchoTracer includes a built-in choke and bias injection; external chokes are not necessary unless specific noise conditions require additional suppression.
- The central mount structure can be aluminum, but arms extending to each probe should be non-metallic (e.g., fiberglass or PVC).
Spacing and Mounting Guide by Band Segment
160m–80m-(60m) Multiband
- Target Bands: 160m + 80m
- Spacing: 16.15 m
- Height: 0.8 – 1.2 m
- Beamwidth: ~100°
- RDF: ~8.5 – 9.0 dB
- Approx. F/B: 15–18 dB
- Gain (relative): -28 dBi
Note: While the EchoTriad performs adequately on 160m in this configuration, its beam is relatively broad and RDF lower than optimal. For maximum 160m performance, our QuadraTus system (a four-square phased array with higher isolation and rear rejection) is a more suitable choice. When using VerticalVortex probes instead of EchoTracers in this band range, the elements should be ground-mounted. 60M band is still usable but will not have a descent F/B.
80m-60m–40m-(30m) Multiband
- Target Bands: 80m + 40m
- Spacing: 8.3 m
- Height: 1.0 – 1.5 m
- Beamwidth: ~90°
- RDF: ~9.0 – 9.5 dB
- Approx. F/B: 18 dB
- Gain (relative): -20 dBi
Note: When using VerticalVortex probes instead of EchoTracers, the antennas should be ground-mounted for optimal symmetry and performance in this range. 30M band is still usable but will not have a descent F/B.
30m–20m-(17m-15m) Multiband
- Target Bands: 30m + 20m
- Spacing: 3.47 m
- Height: 1.2 – 1.5 m
- Beamwidth: ~80°
- RDF: ~9.5 – 10.0 dB
- Approx. F/B: 20 dB
- Gain (relative): -18 dBi
Note: 17M and 15M band is still usable but will not have a descent F/B.
20m–17m-15m-12m Multiband
- Target Bands: 20m + 17m
- Spacing: 2.61 m
- Height: 1.2 – 1.8 m
- Beamwidth: ~70°
- RDF: ~10.0 – 10.5 dB
- Approx. F/B: 22 dB
- Gain (relative): -16 dBi
Note: 12M band is still usable but will not have a descent F/B.
15m–12m-10m Multiband
- Target Bands: 15m, 12m, 10m
- Spacing: 1.66 m
- Height: 1.5 – 2.0 m
- Beamwidth: ~60°
- RDF: ~10.3 – 10.8 dB
- Approx. F/B: 23 dB
- Gain (relative): -14 dBi
Multiband EchoTriad Strategy
To realistically cover the full 160m to 10m range, a single EchoTriad cannot span such a wide frequency domain without significant performance degradation. Even covering 160–40m and 30–10m using two setups is not realistic.
Instead, for best performance, deploy three dedicated EchoTriads, each optimized for:
- 160m–80m (low-band triangle)
- 80m–40m (mid-band triangle)
- 30m–20m or 20m–17m and 15m–10m (high-band triangles)
Note that a single EchoTriad cannot effectively span 30m to 10m. Instead, use one setup for 30–20m or 20–17m, and another for 15–12–10m. This ensures proper spacing and directional performance is maintained across bands.
Each EchoTriad should use appropriately spaced and mounted EchoTracers with identical feedline lengths and clean biasing. Switching between them can be accomplished using dedicated input selectors via an RX switch.
Optimal Orientation for DX Reception
The EchoTriad’s phased pattern produces a cardioid with a strong front lobe and a deep rear null determined by the triangle orientation and fixed hybrid phasing. For correct directional performance, you must physically place the three EchoTracers in a specific labeled layout and align the array to geographic north.
Element Placement and Labeling
Place your EchoTracers in an equilateral triangle with 120° angles and label the positions as follows:
- A: Top of the triangle (pointing North)
- B: Lower right corner (East)
- C: Lower left corner (West)
The null direction (direction of maximum rejection) is always aligned with the element labeled 0°. The front lobe is formed between the elements at +45° and –45°.
Target Direction and Feed Configuration:
- To receive East: Place B = 0°, C = +45°, A = –45° → null points West
- To receive North: Place A = 0°, B = +45°, C = –45° → null points South
- To receive South: Place C = 0°, A = +45°, B = –45° → null points North
- To receive West: Place A = 0°, C = +45°, B = –45° → null points East
- To receive Northeast: Place C = 0°, B = +45°, A = –45° → null points Southwest
- To receive Southwest: Place B = 0°, A = +45°, C = –45° → null points Northeast
Ensure element labels are clearly marked and maintained consistently in wiring and layout. This ensures your array delivers intended DX coverage and effective rear rejection.
If you're using multiple EchoTriads, rotate each triangle for different beam directions and switch between them using a good isolated RX switch.
Nested Triangular RX Arrays for Multi-Band Deployment
A compact and efficient layout strategy involves nesting a higher-band EchoTracer triangular receive array within the footprint of a larger low-band VerticalVortex array. This configuration places the smaller 2.61 m equilateral triangle between two of the VerticalVortex’s poles, which are spaced 16 m apart. With proper separation (≥ 4 m from the nearest vertical), this nested geometry allows simultaneous deployment without significant mutual coupling or pattern distortion. The EchoTracer array retains its directionality and RDF performance on 20–10 m, while the VerticalVortex continues to serve low bands like 160 m and 80 m. Both systems should be fully isolated with adequate choking and spacing, especially in high-power environments. This setup minimizes land use while preserving performance across a wide frequency spectrum.
Top view:
A ---------------- B
\ /
\ C / ← EchoTracer triangle centered
\ / \ /
\ A---B /
\ /
\ /
\ /
C
(Each side of the smaller EchoTracer triangle is ~2.61 m)
(Each side of the bigger VerticalVortex triangle is ~16 m)