4O3A OM Programmable Output Relay Modules
Specifications
- Weight: 0.2 kg
- Size: 13 x 13.5 x 2 cm
- Number of Outputs: 16
Product Usage Instructions
Description
The OM Module features 16 dual output relays and is designed to work with the Antenna Genius 8×2, 8×1, or Station Genius devices. Each output has a dedicated relay with dual contacts connected to terminal connectors marked as A and B. The module allows for easy programming of outputs via Windows applications specific to the supported devices. The OM modules can be daisy-chained to expand the number of outputs by connecting additional modules to the output port. The module case is constructed from stainless steel, providing durability, and the outputs are always visible. Each output is equipped with a control LED indicator to show its engagement status. The module can be powered either by the connected device or by an external voltage source.
- Connecting Outputs: Connect the relay contacts to the dedicated terminal connectors A and B for each output.
- Programming Outputs: Use the Windows applications provided for the Antenna Genius or Station Genius devices to program the desired output settings.
- Powering the Module: Power the OM module using the connected device or an external power supply if required.
- Expanding Outputs: To expand the number of outputs, daisy chain additional OM modules by connecting them to the output port.
FAQs
Q: Is an external power supply included with the OM Module?
A: No, an external power supply is not included with the OM Module. It can be powered by the connected device or by using an external voltage source.
Q: How can I check if an output is engaged?
A: Each output on the OM Module is equipped with a control LED indicator that lights up when the output is engaged, allowing you to easily verify its status.
“`
QUICK START GUDE
OM Module
WELCOME
Congratulations on your purchase of an Antenna GeniusTM 8×2 v2 Plus Network-Enabled (TCP/IP) High-Isolation Antenna Switch, a member of the 4O3A Genius SystemTM advanced station automation line including Power GeniusTM, Rotator GeniusTM, Station GeniusTM, and
Interface GeniusTM. More information on these products can be found at: https://4o3a.com/products/genius-family
GENIUS TIP! Antenna GeniusTM is sometimes abbreviated as “AG” in this document.
AG is at home in all types of ham shacks: contest stations extravagant and modest, from single op to SO2R to full blown Multi-Multi, DXers, remote operators controlling their station from their living room via LAN or over the Internet from a hotel room thousands of miles away, to anyone wanting a better organized and more efficient station.
SPECS & FEATURES
Model Antenna GeniusTM 8×2 Plus v2
Functionality 8 antenna 2 radio RF matrix switch controlled via TCP/IP (LAN or WAN),
BCD, or +12 VDC Pin-To-Port
RF connectors UHF female (SO-239) standard, N female available by special order
Power handling → 3,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 5 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 30 MHz
→ 1,000 Watts ICAS (SSB/CW) for 3 minutes @ 1.5:1 VSWR @ 50 MHz
Ports → RJ-45 (LAN)
→ two DE-15 VGA-type (BCD band data or +12 VDC pin-to-port)
Network 100Base-T Fast Ethernet (100-Mbps), DHCP or manually-assigned
network address, TCP/IP
Power consumption 300 mA @ 13.8 VDC
Frequency range DC through 55 MHz
Port-to-port isolation → 90dB between ports worst case @ 14 MHz
→ 80dB between ports worst case @ 30 MHz
→ 70dB between ports worst case @ 50 MHz
CPU Microchip Technology 32-bit PIC processor
Automation Windows App, FlexRadio Systems SmartSDR API, Genius System devices,
BCD, Pin-to-Port
Features → hardware interlock prevents two radios connecting to same antenna
→ unselected antenna ports grounded
→ LEDs indicate antenna ports in use
→ firmware updates via LAN
Case rugged stainless steel chassis with wall mount flanges top and bottom
Dimensions 6.75” W x 13.25” H x 3.25” D including mounting flanges (21 x 17 x 6 cm)
Net weight approx. 4.4 lbs. (approx. 2 kg)
LEGAL
3.1. Radio & Television interference
(FCC Part 15 – §15.21 and §15.105)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You may also find the following FCC booklet helpful: “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems” available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Info also available online at FCC.gov: https://www.fcc.gov/guides/interference-defining-source
Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications
Commission’s rules.
3.2. European Community CE conformity
Sky Sat d.o.o. declares Antenna GeniusTM 8×2 complies with the European Community EMC standards:
ETSI EN 300 330-1
ETSI EN 300 489-1
ETSI EN 300 489-15
CE compliance reports are available upon written request to Sky Sat d.o.o.
3.3. Product updates
Sky Sat d.o.o. reserves the right to make hardware and/or software product improvement or manufacturing changes without notice or any obligation to update units previously sold.
3.4. Limited warranty
This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Sky Sat d.o.o. will repair or replace, at our option, any equipment proven to be defective within the warranty period. Warranty F.O.B. Sky Sat d.o.o., Ratiševina bb, Igalo
85347, Montenegro. Please contact the appropriate party for your region and obtain a return authorization (RA) number before returning any product for warranty service. RA number must be indicated on box used to return product for service.
What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, 4O3A Signature will replace defective parts free of charge (post-paid) for AG components only. Any replacement hardware parts will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) calendar days from the date of installation or repair, whichever is longer. 4O3A Signature will also correct any failure caused by defective parts and materials. The complete unit must be sent to 4O3A Signature at your expense in the original shipping container or other packaging sufficient to prevent damage in transit. 4O3A Signature is not responsible for damage or lost shipments from the customer. 4O3A Signature will insure the package and pay return shipping.
What is not covered: This Limited Warranty as it pertains to the Antenna Genius or components does not cover repair or damage caused by (1) misuse, negligence or user modifications; (2) any performance malfunctions involving non-4O3A Signature equipment; (3) connection to improper or unstable voltage supply; (4) the incorrect installation of any and all cables connected to the radio by the user; (5) the use of third-party software applications or hardware that directly or indirectly controls AG functions and/or operating state by utilizing a communication or control protocol, such as, but not limited to CAT or I2C commands, or (6) random acts of nature such as flood, fire, water, weather related storm, lightning or electrostatic discharge damage.
Limitation of Incidental or Consequential Damages: This warranty does not extend to non4O3A Signature equipment or components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer. 4O3A Signature will not be liable or responsible for reimbursement for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to any loss of business or profits, loss of property, loss of revenue, loss of use, loss of data, inconvenience or cost of unauthorized service.
3.5. Trademarks
4O3A SignatureTM, Antenna GeniusTM, Rotator GeniusTM, Station GeniusTM, Interface GeniusTM, and 4O3A Genius SystemTM are trademarks of Sky Sat d.o.o.
FlexRadio SystemsTM and SmartSDRTM are trademarks of Bronze Bear Communications, Inc. d/b/a FlexRadio Systems
PIC32TM is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc.
All other products, company names, brand names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
3.6. Copyright
This publication Copyright © 2015-2020 by Sky Sat d.o.o. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in part or in whole without Sky Sat d.o.o.’s prior written permission.
4. WHAT CAN ANTENNA GENIUStm DO?
Antenna Geniustm 8×2 v2 Plus is a matrix antenna switch which can route eight antennas to two radios using a variety of control methods. Software and hardware interlocks – double protection – prevent the same antenna from being connected to both radios. This, along with AG’s ultrahigh port-to-port isolation help protect your radios from front end damage.
4.1. Multiple control options
You have five ways to control your AG:
1. FlexRadio over your TCP/IP network; AG will automatically follow two different Slice band selections and obtain band data from them
2. Manual band switching from the AG Windows app connected via your network
3. Interface Geniustm (IG) connected to your radio(s) via a USB or serial port and connected to AG via LAN; IG will connect to pretty much any modern radio via its serial or USB CAT port
4. BCD (Binary-Coded Decimal) signals via the DE-15 VGA-style connector
5. +12 VDC “Pin-to-Port” via the DE-15 VGA-style connector
4.2. SO2R and multi-op with a single FLEX-6000
AG’s extreme port-to-port isolation is perfect for SO2R (Single Operator 2 Radio) contesting with a single Flex rig! With AG, you can operate SO2R with one radio using a single FLEX-6600 or FLEX-6700 transceiver in full duplex mode. In other words, the ‘two radios’ in SO2R are both inside your single Flex rig!
GENIUS TIP! All 4O3A Genius Systemtm products use standard TCP/IP protocols to communicate with each other and with other suitably-equipped devices. The 4O3A Signature team believes in open standards in ham radio and makes its APIs (library of commands) available freely to other manufacturers and software authors.
HOW IT WORKS
Antenna Genius brings together a powerful CPU, fast network interface, rugged, high power relays and a programming/control App that runs in all supported versions of Windows. We are confident AG is the best antenna switch you can buy.
5.1. Tech
AG is powered by a Microchip Technology PIC32 microprocessor, a 32-bit device. Why so much horsepower in an antenna switch? Advanced technology radios demand high-horsepower accessories! Also, the extra computing power enables the addition of new features via firmware updates in the future.
AG has 100BASE-T networking built-in. Based on the Ethernet standard. but ten times faster than 10BASE-T, it is often referred to as Fast Ethernet. Officially, the 100BASE-T standard is IEEE 802.3u. 100BASE-T devices will also work fine on older 10BASE-T networks albeit at slower speeds.
5.2. Hardware
AG uses high quality 16 Amp relays rated at 12,800 W DC and conservatively rated for 1,000 W RF at up to 50 MHz. AG’s relays are used for RF switching and also for the hardware lockout that prevents two radios from being connected to the same antenna (there is also a software lockout for redundant protection). The design priority was maximum port-to-port isolation coupled with power handling ‘headroom’ – twice legal limit at high duty cycle – to enable reliable, long term operation.
5.3. Software
The AG App runs on all Microsoft-supported versions of Windows and is an integral part of the AG system. You will use the AG App for initial set up and programming of your AG and also for alternate antenna selection when you have more than antenna available for a particular band.
The AG App can also serve as your AG control interface if you don’t want automatic band selection controlled by FlexRadio Slice band changes.
5.4. FlexRadio Ecosystem
In the “FLEX-6000 Signature Series Ecosystem,” the AG App collects frequency and other data directly from the SmartSDR (SSDR) API, a software-to-software connection performed inside your PC or over your LAN at very high speed. No RS-232 cables to set up, no “stop bits,” nor lethargic baud rates. It is a truly modern, intelligent, and high-speed solution.
AG will monitor any two SSDR Slices to determine the bands in use and use this data to select the appropriate antenna(s) for each Slice.
ONLINE RESOURCES
4O3A Genius SystemTM owners have many online resources available to help them fully realize the capability of their Antenna GeniusTM, Rotator GeniusTM, Station GeniusTM and Interface GeniusTM and more.
4O3A Web Site Downloads: current owners manuals, white papers, Apps, firmware, and
changelog are available at: https://4o3a.com/support/downloads
4O3A Web Site Forum: https://4o3a.com/support/forum
FlexRadio Systems Community: a great resource for anything related to FLEX-6000 Signature
SeriesTM, SmartSDRTM and MaestroTM: https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/
EXPERT TIP! Join the 4O3A Signature Web Site Forum 4O3A or 4O3A Genius Products Google Group or to stay up-to-date, network with other users, and get helpful tips:
Google Group: or
4O3A Signature Web Site Forum:
WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?
When you unpack your AG box you should have:
• Antenna Genius
• DC power connectors
• Quick-start Guide
• Other items, such as LAN, DC and coax cables, are user supplied
• Owner’s Manual (this document) and other documentation is available for free download from: https://4o3a.com/support/downloads
HARDWARE
EXPERT TIP! Read this and the following Software section carefully before changing any DIP switches or software settings.
8.1. Front panel
Front panel features:
• SO-239 (or N-female) connector for Port A
• SO-239 (or N-female) connector for Port B
• 8 SO-239 (or N-female) connectors for antenna inputs
• LEDs: red LEDs indicate which A port antenna has been selected and green LEDs indicate which B port antenna is selected
8.2. Bottom panel
Bottom panel features:
• LAN: RJ-45 jack connects to your home/shack network (assumes you are using the network control option as most Flex users will be)
• Two DE-15 VGA-type for users opting for BCD or +12 VDC pin-to-port control in lieu of network control, these are left unconnected if you are using network control (most
FlexRadio equipped stations won’t use these ports)
• 12-15VDC: connect your shack 13.8 VDC power supply here paying attention to proper polarity, anywhere from 12 to 15 VDC with at least 300 mA will be OK
• OM module: enables connecting the 16 relay Output Module for station automation
• DIP Switches: The side panel has 8 DIP switches for setting the operating mode configuration.
AG can be controlled four different ways: (1) LAN, (2) BCD, (3) Pin-to-Port, and (4) 4O3A Interface GeniusTM. The control mode is set independently for Port A (Radio A) and Port B (Radio B) by the DIP switches. For example, Port A could be controlled over the network and Port B could be controlled by BCD signals
8.3. Top panel
The top panel features:
• A DC power connector for stacking multiple AG units. This enables a single switch to switching between 16, 24 or 32 antennas.
• Two pairs of dedicated PTT input and output RCA ports for hotswitching protection. There are independent ports for both A and B radio.
• Red LED for indication that Port A protection is engaged. Green LED for indication that Port B protection is engaged.
8.4. Where to put it?
Most users will install AG near their station bulkhead, the location where their antenna feed lines, AC mains, DSL, cable TV, and/or other cables enter the shack and where the single point ground system nexus is located (you do have a single point ground system, don’t you?). Locating
AG at your bulkhead or other remote location means only three cables need to be run to the station operating position, coax for the A and B radios and a Cat5e (or higher) Ethernet cable for the LAN (if not using LAN, you will need a pair of control lines, one for Port A and for Port B).
At the left side is the bulkhead-sited AG @ W0LFA prior to connection of coax lines and ground connection: 
AG can also be installed at the operating position or outdoors. If the later, install AG in an outdoor NEMA-rated enclosure and make sure it has a ‘weep hole” at the bottom to allow air circulation and to let moisture out.
The picture on the right is an AG installed outdoors in very unfriendly conditions (temperatures down to -28 °C (-17.6 °F) in Minnesota @ W0AD.
EXPERT TIP! Reduce station clutter by mounting your AG near your station cable entrance “bulkhead.” Slots for such mounting are provided on the top of the AG case.
AG is a 100BASE-T network device using standard TCP/IP protocols, it is therefore subject to the usual 328-foot (100m) LAN cable run limitations per TIA/EIA 568-5-A. If longer runs are required, the use of intermediate active hardware such as a repeater or switch will be necessary. Cat5e cable is recommended, and higher-rated cables such as Cat6 are also OK.
EXPERT TIP! For outdoor UTP (Ethernet) cable runs, be sure to use outdoor-rated cable including UV-resistance properties if located in direct sunlight.
4O3A Signature encourages all amateur radio operators to employ single point ground systems for both protection from lightning induced power surges and also for RFI mitigation. A good source for information on this topic is the ARRL Handbook, updated annually and available from the ARRL Bookstore: https://arrl.org
Another excellent resource for station grounding information and RFI mitigation are several documents written by Jim Brown, K9YC, available for free download at: http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC-old
AG is a computer and thus its electronics will generate some heat. Also, the relays and other components will generate heat when under load. Make sure there is adequate clearance and airflow around the AG cabinet sides and top in its installation position.
8.5. DC power connection
Connect a DC power cable from your station 13.8 VDC power supply (anywhere from 12 to 15 VDC is OK, your shack DC power supply is likely 13.8 VDC) to the outlet marked 12-15VDC on the bottom panel. Center pin is + pole. We recommend using a DC fuse such as those provided on the popular RIGrunner and similar DC power distribution units (you can use the 1 Amp blade fuse that comes with RIGrunners). If you don’t have a RIGrunner, we strongly suggest you place a 1 Amp DC fuse in series with the hot side of your DC power cable.
Make sure your power supply can supply at least 300 mA @ 13.8 VDC. We strongly advise using a clean, high-quality DC power source for AG and all your other station equipment. Many cheap switch mode power supplies and “wall warts” are unstable and can generate surprising amounts of RFI well into the VHF spectrum.
8.6. Network cabling
Most home networks (LAN) operate at Ethernet (10 Mb/s), Fast Ethernet (100 Mb/s) or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mb/s) speeds. All of these networks work fine over Category 5 UTP or better rated cable such as Cat5e, which is widely available, or Cat6. It’s likely the cable you are already using for your home network will work great with AG.
If you are unfamiliar with or need a refresher on home networks, a good primer from PC World is online here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/196049/the_ultimate_guide_to_home_networking.html
100BASE-T networking has 328-foot (100 m) limitation between active devices (such as Ethernet switches). Keep this in mind when locating your AG.
Use a Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a UTP cable (not supplied, please don’t use a cheap cable here; poorquality high-speed data cables are never a good idea!) between the Ethernet port on your AG and your station LAN switch or hub (switches preferred over hubs). This should be the same place where your FLEX-6000 Signature Series radio connects to your LAN. Note this LAN connection can be as simple as a port on a DSL router or as fancy as a standalone Gigabit switch.
AG can be controlled by PCs connected over WiFi to your LAN as long as AG itself is connected directly to your LAN via a wired connection to an Ethernet switch or hub (switch recommended; Ethernet hubs will slow down your LAN).
8.8. LAN Control Mode
LAN Control Mode is used if you want to obtain band data from a FlexRadio. In this mode AG gets band data from a FlexRadio using the TCP/IP network.
Set DIP 1 and DIP 2 to OFF to set PORT A to LAN control:
DIP 1 DIP 2 CONTROL MODE
OFF OFF LAN control: FlexRadio
Switch DIP 3 and DIP 4 to FF to set PORT B to LAN control:
DIP 3 DIP 4 CONTROL MODE
OFF OFF LAN control: FlexRadio
You can now connect your FlexRadio using the app. Click the configuration icon (gear icon) on
top and choose Configure Radio(s):
Your FlexRadio will be discovered automatically and listed on the right:
Click on a radio from the list and use the arrow buttons to assign the radio to Slice A and Slice B.
Set Antenna: option to assign the desired Flex antenna port to Port A and Port B, respectively.
Click Save & Reboot.
8.9. 4O3A Genius Series Devices Control
In this mode AG gets band data from various Genius Series device (GSD), using the TCP/IP network.
4O3A designs and manufactures high-quality accessories and TCP/IP controlled devices for your shack. Genius Series devices capable of forwarding Band Data can be used as a band data source for Antenna Genius.
Switch on DIP 1 and DIP 2 to set PORT A to GSD control:
DIP 1 DIP 2 CONTROL MODE
ON ON GSD control
Switch on DIP 3 and DIP 4 to set PORT B to GSD control:
DIP 3 DIP 4 CONTROL MODE
ON ON GSD control
You can now connect to the FlexRadio using the app. Click the configuration icon (gear icon) on the top and select Configure Device:
Documents / Resources
 |
4O3A OM Programmable Output Relay Modules [pdf] Instructions OM_Module, OM Programmable Output Relay Modules, OM, Programmable Output Relay Modules, Output Relay Modules, Relay Modules, Modules |