EchoTracer an active WideBand E-Probe

Included

• EchoTracer
• RVS Mounting Plate
• RVS Whip
• Bias-T 13.8V F-Type to SMA
• Short SMA to BNC Cable
• 10M INTSAT-170-ELITE 75Ω coax cable with 2 F-Type Connectors 

The EchoTracer is a state-of-the-art HF e-probe antenna engineered for exceptional signal reception across both the HF and VHF bands. Similar to a miniwhip but incorporating advanced technology, it redefines performance standards.

Compact, low-noise, and wideband, the EchoTracer is an omnidirectional antenna optimized for ground-wave and vertically polarized signals. It requires minimal grounding—just a simple stake or rod is sufficient—and delivers excellent performance when mounted at a height of 4–5 meters, effectively covering the entire HF spectrum.

At its core is a high-performance MMIC, ensuring exceptional sensitivity and low-noise operation. With a frequency range spanning 4 kHz to 200 MHz, the EchoTracer is specifically designed for optimized HF and VHF reception, making it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

The lower portion of the UHF band operates with noticeably reduced gain but remains usable for the 70cm band in line-of-sight conditions.

They feature a built-in RF limiter, allowing safe operation with a 100W station within 5 meters, a 1kW station within 20 meters, and a 2kW station within 30 meters.

The package includes 10 meters of coaxial cable (INTSAT.110.Elite), a Bias-T with an integrated line isolator, an SMA-to-BNC adapter cable, and an open-ended PowerPole cable for easy integration. 

You can evaluate its performance by tuning into one of our SDRs !

The EchoTracer delivers outstanding performance on the HF and VHF band and is capable of receiving the 2M, 4M and 6M band and the FM broadcast band. The FM broadcast band is attenuated by an integrated FM broadcast notch filter.

For VLF frequencies (4 kHz to 500 kHz), there is some insertion loss due to the line isolator in the Bias-T, which is optimized for HF-VHF frequencies. However, we plan to offer a specialized Bias-T designed for VLF operation in the near future!

1m Brass or RVS Whip?

When comparing brass and stainless steel (RVS) as materials for a 1-meter receiving element in an HF antenna, the difference in reception gain is minimal—less than 0.1 dB, which is practically imperceptible. However, at VHF frequencies, brass has a notable advantage of around 0.5 dB due to the Skin Effect. In comparative testing on the 6m (50 MHz) band, we observed a noticeable difference in performance with weak signals, where brass outperformed RVS.

Placement

Place the antenna away from buildings, power lines, and other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) for optimal performance.

Grounding

EchoTracer Height Recommendations for DX

160m (Top Band):

• Height: 8–10 meters.
• This height minimizes noise and allows the E-probe to effectively pick up the weak low-frequency signals typical for 160m.

All-Band Performance (Compromise Setup):

• Height: 4–5 meters.
• A balanced height for multi-band operation, providing good signal reception for both low and high bands without being too high or too close to noise sources.

Higher Bands (20m, 15m, 10m):

• Height: 2–3 meters.
• Lower heights are sufficient for these bands since they prioritize receiving higher-frequency signals and can reduce the pickup of local noise.

EchoTracer Height Recommendations for LOS (Line of sight)

6m Band:

• Height: 8–10 meters.

• At this height, the antenna minimizes ground effects while providing a good balance of DX and local reception.

4m Band:

• Height: 6–8 meters.
• Improves signal clarity and reduces noise while optimizing the takeoff angle for both local and distant signals.

2m Band:

• Height: 2–3 meters.
• For line-of-sight reception, this height is sufficient to clear local obstacles and improve signal strength.

General Recommendations

• For Urban Areas: Go higher to minimize nearby noise and obstructions. Heights closer to 1 λ improve overall performance.
• For Rural Areas: Slightly lower heights may be sufficient, as local noise sources are less prevalent.
• Practical Compromise: If installing on a single mast, 8–10 meters is an excellent compromise height for all three bands.

Improved Reception Above “Effective Ground”

Effect of a Metal Roof as a Ground Plane

If mounted 5 meters above an 8-meter-high metal building the effective height above “ground” becomes 13 meters, improving its ability to capture lower-angle signals, especially for HF bands.

Enhanced Electric Field Pickup:

• The metal roof acts as a ground plane, which enhances the electric field strength in the vicinity of the probe. This improves the efficiency of the E-probe in capturing signals.

Reduced Ground Losses:

• Metal surfaces are better conductors than soil, reducing ground-related losses.

Lower Noise Pickup:

• Noise originating from the ground or nearby electrical equipment may be attenuated by the shielding effect of the metal roof.

Technical Data:

• Frequency Range: 4kHz - 200MHz
• Impedance:  75 Ohm
• Power supply:  13.8 Volt ca. 180mA
• Polarisation:  Vertical
• Connection: F-Connector
• Length:  ca. 120cm (depending of the whip length)
• Weight:  ca.1 Kg
• Working temperature:  -20 till 50 Degrees
• Pole mount:  30-68 mm

Scope of delivery:

• EchoTracer with enclosure and mounting plate
• Bias Tee
• 1m RVS Whip (or 1m Brass Whip)
• Stainless Steel (RVS316)  mounting bracket

Measurements:

All measurements are done with a 10dB attenuator in line.

HF Response

VHF Response