Imagine sitting at your operating position, slowly adjusting two front-panel controls until a powerful interfering station or local noise suddenly fades into the background—and that weak DX signal you could barely hear moments ago now stands out clear and strong. With the DX Engineering NCC-2 Receive Antenna Phasing System, this isn’t just a dream—it’s a repeatable operating thrill that serious listeners and DXers can experience over and over again.
The NCC-2 is a precision two-channel receive-path controller covering approximately 300 kHz to 30 MHz. It combines signals from a primary antenna and an auxiliary receive or noise antenna—or from two dedicated receive antennas—then lets you adjust amplitude and full 360° phase to electronically steer the array’s pattern. By spacing two stationary antennas between 1/10 and 1/2 wavelength apart, you create a directional receive array with controllable peaks and deep nulls. Using the NCC-2’s Phase and Balance controls is like electronically rotating this pattern to steer a null onto an unwanted noise source or interfering signal—a technique known as Noise Cancelling.
This “reverse-beam” capability opens remarkable possibilities across the AM Broadcast and HF spectrum: copy weak AM DX, pull a rare multiplier out of the noise during contests, enjoy regional ragchews without QRM, or dig out elusive shortwave signals under difficult conditions. The NCC-2 integrates cleanly into your station’s receive path, using a built-in Receive/Transmit (RTR) relay for automatic bypass during transmission, and includes an integrated Bias-T to power active receive antennas. For DXers, contesters, SWLs, and AM DX enthusiasts, the NCC-2 is a proven tool for hearing what others miss.
Key Benefits
- Significantly reduce noise and interference on HF by combining two receive antennas with adjustable amplitude and 360° phase control.
- Improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for weak DX stations on crowded low bands such as 160 m, 80 m, and 40 m.
- Maintain full transmit capability through your existing antenna system — the NCC-2 integrates seamlessly into the receive path without affecting the transmit chain.
- Protect your station with a built-in RTR (Receive/Transmit Relay) that automatically bypasses the unit during transmission.
- Power active receive antennas directly via the integrated Bias-T, simplifying station cabling.
- Expand and customize performance with plug-in band-pass, high-pass, or low-pass filter modules and optional receive preamps.
- Rugged, contest-grade build quality designed for continuous operation in demanding DX and contest stations.
Top Features
- HF receive coverage: ≈300 kHz to 30 MHz
- Independent amplitude and full 360° phase control
- Built-in RTR (receive/transmit) interface for safe station integration
- Bias-T for powering compatible active receive antennas
- Modular architecture: 1 powered/switched slot + 2 passive slots for filter and preamplifier options
- Rugged construction for DX/contest environments
Specifications
Model | DXE-NCC-2 |
---|---|
Type | Receive-only antenna phasing & noise-cancelling controller |
Frequency Range (RX) | ≈300 kHz – 30 MHz |
Controls | Independent amplitude (A/B) and continuous 0–360° phase |
Station Interface | Integrated RX/TX (RTR) relay; radio I/O via coax |
Bias-T | Available for compatible active RX antennas |
Module Slots | 1 × powered/switched, 2 × passive (filters/preamps) |
Recommended Options | Matched filter pairs (HP/BP/LP), receive preamp modules |
Power | 13.8 V DC, ≈2 A |
Dimensions | Height 111 mm (4.375″) Width 241 mm (9.5″) Depth 238 mm (9.375″) |
Weight | 3.74 kg (8.25 lb) |
Transmit Use | Designed for the receive signal path only. Transmit occurs through your normal antenna system; the NCC-2 includes a built-in RTR relay for automatic bypass during TX. |
What’s in the Box
- NCC-2 controller
- DC power lead
- Documentation
- Optional modules/filters sold separately
Ideal Applications
- 160/80/40 m DXing and contesting with dedicated receive antennas (loops, beverages, vertical arrays).
- Urban/suburban noise mitigation where local interference dominates receiver noise.
- Stations needing selective band-pass or high-pass filtering to manage strong off-channel signals.
We recommend looking at the manual and reviews in the Download and Video tabs above to learn more about NCC-2!
FAQs
Does the NCC-2 handle transmit signals?
No. The NCC-2 operates strictly in the receive path. Your transceiver transmits through your normal antenna system. A built-in Receive/Transmit (RTR) relay automatically bypasses the NCC-2 during transmission, protecting the unit and maintaining full TX performance.
Do I need a second antenna?
Yes, you’ll need a second receive or noise pickup antenna. A simple vertical, loop, or short active whip can work well. For best results, we recommend the DX Engineering RSEAV-1 Active Receive Antenna, which pairs perfectly with the NCC-2 to create a high-performance phasing system.
When should I add filter modules?
If strong out-of-band signals cause overload or intermod, install the appropriate matched filter pair (HP/BP/LP) for selectivity.
Can the NCC-2 power active receive antennas?
Yes. The NCC-2 provides a Bias-T to power compatible active RX antennas.