RF-toolbox | RF-toolbox XL antenna splitter

RF toolbox XL

The RF Toolbox XL is an antenna splitter with some basically indispensable extras when it comes to stable and interference-free reception of wireless microphone signals. The inputs and outputs offer advanced options for fine-tuning the antenna signals. The XL is an addition to existing wireless receiver systems and can therefore be used as a high-quality distribution centre for sets of receivers from well-known brands.

Amplify, attenuate, filter

The XL has two inputs and two times eight outputs implemented as BNC. In that sense, it functions as a regular antenna splitter. However, the input card has functions that allow the signal to be optimised. Essential in that process are the gain control, the auto-gain option and the bandpass filter. These allow the antennas' signal to be attenuated and amplified as well as made more selective. Attenuate to avoid intermodulation and bring down the noise floor. Amplify to cover greater distances and obstacles. Selectify to suppress signals from other sources. Known interfering signals for wireless microphone systems are Wi-Fi and 4G networks in the immediate vicinity and the digital video signal DVB-T distributed over the airwaves.

Output cards

The RF toolbox XL comes with 4 or 8 output cards. For each output of the RF toolbox XL, the gain can be set and a bandpass filter with a bandwidth of 32MHz. This frequency range is user-adjustable. Each receiver therefore receives exactly the right signal at a strength that excludes noise and intermodulation distortion. This makes the RF Toolbox XL the ultimate nerve centre of a set-up under demanding conditions with a larger number of receivers.

Communication

In addition, the RF-toolbox XL handles communication with the RF-tools Preamp and also provides the power supply for this. The RF-toolbox Preamp is an antenna preamplifier that can control the level of individual antennas within a system and thus, for example, compensate the cable lengths for each antenna separately. With the RF-toolbox XL, the level of the antenna signals can be closely monitored and optimally adjusted remotely via the RF-toolbox Preamp. An RF-toolbox XL can communicate with up to 32 RF-toolbox Preamps.

Software:

The RF-toolbox XL and connected RF-toolbox Preamps can be controlled by a PC via USB using the free RF-toolbox software.

The OLED window provides the following information and settings:

• Booster power supply (antenna input): +13V max. 1,200mA power supply for the RF-toolbox Preamp (LED indication for available voltage). Real-time indication of power consumption per input. Automatic reset (max. 10x) in case of excessive current draw. Manual reset is possible after fault detection and recovery.
• RF input: Both inputs are equipped with a bandpass filter with a bandwidth of 470 to 694MHz. Digitally and independently controlled attenuators from 0 to -31.5dB (in 0.5dB steps). Signal measurement between -70 and+10dBm, adjustable threshold for the automatic attenuators to reduce intermodulation products.
• RF output: depending on the model chosen, either4 or 8 outputs equipped with digitally adjustable bandpass filter with 32MHz bandwidth (other bandwidths on request) and digitally adjustable attenuator from 0 - 31.5dB (in 0.5dB steps). Selectable link for control of A and B output.
• Remote control RF-toolbox Preamp: Bidirectional data communication via coaxial cable between RF-toolbox XL or RF-toolbox Splitter-8 and RF-toolbox Preamp for setting the gain and status (on/off) of the Preamp. Up to 32 RF-toolbox Preams can be individually controlled using the RF-toolbox Splitter-8 or RF-toolbox XL. Automatic control for connected Preamps.
• Software: The RF-toolbox XL and connected RF-toolbox Preamps can be controlled with the free RF-toolbox software.