Note from Egon:The controller has two inputs, each with three channels. At each of the two inputs, both variants of the amplifier can be connected. It is not necessary to build a second controller, unless someone wants to connect more than two antenna systems
(I am also amazed, what a great part we have developed.)
Note that it will take several weeks till we have any documentation.
From Cutty's dustbin
It appears that both can be processed simultaneously.
(It is also possible that some 'earlier' released Controller kits may have had only one Cat5 connector, (as mine did) ... the proper connector would have to be obtained for Amp 2 connection.)
The new e-field preamp has extremely high gain, and is actually tuned down, and filtered specifically for certain known consistent interference sources, and rigid BW cut offs. If you look at the signal image on the "What's New Page", you'll note there are 3 different outputs from a signal for the e-field.
There will be a tremendous amount of information available, and new capabilities as they are implemented.
The E-field system will be most effective for signals <500 km (300 mi) although its capability is much greater, depending on location. Any e-field signal beyond that range would be mostly unusable for the fine data being sought, and likely overcome by nearer sources.
The antenna and preamp MUST be well away from house mains etc., outside the structure, in a very quiet electrical environment. It is a powerful receiver. The ant/preamp distance-to-amplifier actual limits might blow some minds, so to prevent 'grey-cell' explosions, the maximum is likely to remain documented as "100m". The amp-to-controller limit will likely remain as currently specified.
Some experiments have proven very successful using only a beer-bottle cap as an antenna, which will make very convenient antenna fabrication for some of us.
Antenna and preamp must be extremely weatherproof. I'd suggest the preamp board dimension to be <1" wide x <2.5" long. Amp approx. same dimensions as current... the E-field and H-field amps will NOT be interchangeable.
New Amp and Preamp add little to the power requirements, but some of our lower ended wall warts might need an upgrade... might watch for that issue. Powered as in current configuration with exception of 5v sent down (very long!) 75 Ohm coax to preamplifier. How does 5ma sound ?
There is no cost estimate for the two assemblies, as yet.
For any more info, we'll have to watch for documentation release and further updates from developers.
Mike