DX Engineering DXE-160VA-1 User manual

160 Meter

Thunderbolt®

Vertical

Antenna

DXE-160VA-1

DXE-160VA-1-INS Revision 2d

US Patent No. 8,130,168

[Wires and ropes were enhanced in this photograph so they would show up]

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200

Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents

Introduction & Features

Warning

Tools Required

Manual Updates and Information

Installation Sequence

Site Selection

Mounting Pipe

Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe

Radial System

Assembly Notes

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

Overall Pivot and Antenna Base Assembly Drawing

Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly

Mounting and using the Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch

General Information about Aluminum Tubing

Assembling the Vertical Sections

Mating the Vertical Elements to the Pivot Base Assembly

Base Series and Shunt Coil Assembly and Installation

Capacity Hat Information

Capacity Hat Assembly

Installing the Capacity Hat on the Antenna

Capacity Hat Bottom Wires

No Slip Knots

Guy Rope Installation

Tuning

Locking the Pivot Base

DXE-160VA-1 Base Exploded View with Parts Numbered

DXE-160VA-1 Part Lists

Additional Material Required, Not Supplied

Suggested Parts Not Included

Optional Accessory Items

Technical Support and Warranty

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Introduction

Congratulations on obtaining your DX Engineering DXE-160VA-1 Monoband Vertical Antenna!

Now you can have a high-performance vertical antenna specifically for the 160 meter band.

Achieve the strongest possible presence at your power level and be competitive.

The 160 meter band vertical antenna is tunable with an impressive 40 kHz bandwidth. This means

that operation on the CW DX frequencies and DX Phone frequencies is within range of most radio

internal tuners - no antenna changes are necessary.

A custom designed capacity hat system allows this vertical monoband antenna to get on 160 meters

with unparalleled success in in antenna that is only 55 feet tall.

The DX Engineering DXE-160VA-1 is a slow taper 55-foot high Monoband Vertical Antenna

system. The vertical antenna is specifically designed to operate on 160 meters. Included with this

antenna system is a patented rugged stainless steel pivot fixture (US Patent No. 8,130,168) for ease

of assembly and adjustments. Engineered with 6061-T8 and 6063-T832 corrosion-resistant

aluminum tubing, stainless steel mounting brackets and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very

durable and attractive.

Why Does This Antenna Perform So Well for Its Height?

The top-hat is large enough that the current along the radiator is almost constant. Typical

shortened verticals for this band, with smaller top-hats have currents that vary along the length

and end up producing much less signal strength. This also works in the receive mode to let you

hear weaker signals although at this frequency range Dedicated Receiving Antennas [see

http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-arav3-1p] are almost a must.

Features

High Efficiency Design

5 kW SSB and CW rated - unparalleled reliability

Custom designed capacity hat engineered for top performance

DX Engineering Adjustable Matching Network configures the lowest SWR

160 meter broad 2:1 SWR bandwidth - 40 kHz

Lowest possible take-off angle reduces domestic QRM signals

High Strength Pivoting Fixture - US Patent No. 8,130,168

Ultra-rugged construction starts with 3 inch OD Aircraft Grade heavy wall tubing

Withstands steady-state winds in excess of 50 mph

Massive Extren®insulator channel

The optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch for easy one-person raising and lowering of the antenna

is available from DX Engineering. You can move the DXE-VRW-1 winch between similar

antennas in a multi-antenna installation.

This antenna system requires the installation of a heavy duty mounting pipe set in concrete.

Specifically, 3" OD (max) high strength galvanized steel tubing with 0.250” minimum wall

thickness and 7’ minimum length, which is available from DX Engineering; part number DXE-

VGMT-3CG. A customer supplied 2-1/2" Schedule 80 pipe that has an outside diameter of 2.875"

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is also suitable. Thirty six inches of the mounting pipe should extend above ground level. Depth of

the mounting hole and amount of concrete is dependent on local soil type, condition and

antenna guying.

WARNING!

INSTALLATION OF ANY ANTENNA NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS

Warning:Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power

circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take

extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, because they may cause serious injury or

death.

Overhead Power Line Safety

Before you begin working, check carefully for overhead power lines in the area you will be

working. Don't assume that wires are telephone or cable lines: check with your electric utility for

advice. Although overhead power lines may appear to be insulated, often these coverings are

intended only to protect metal wires from weather conditions and may not protect you from electric

shock

Keep your distance! Remember the 10-foot rule: When carrying and using ladders and other long

tools, keep them at least 10 feet away from all overhead lines - including any lines from the power

pole to your home.

Tools Required

Two 9/16" wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)

One 7/16" open end wrench

Two 3/4" wrenches

Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 5/16" nut driver for the element clamps

Small Phillips Head screwdriver for coil taps

Tape measure

Felt-tip marker

Soldering Iron and Solder

Knife for cutting guy ropes

Manual Updates and Information

Every effort is made to supply the latest manual revision with each product. Occasionally a manual

will be updated between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it.

Please check the DX Engineering web site (www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision manual.

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Please - Take the time to read the entire manual before you start assembly. There are plenty of

pictures and drawings to see, and if you read the entire manual first, you'll get a better feel for the

overall construction methods described. Assembly is not difficult, but there are a number of parts

that must go together in a certain sequence to make assembly easier.

Installation Sequence

1. Site Selection

2. Mounting Pipe

3. Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe

4. Radial System

5. Pivot Base Assembly (Patented)

6. Antenna Assembly

7. Base Series & Shunt Coil Assembly

8. Capacity Hat assembly

9. Guying

10. Tuning

Site Selection

Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of

65 feet (55 + 10 ft. safety rule). Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The

further away the vertical is mounted from local noise sources or other metallic objects, which can

re-radiate noise and affect the tuning, radiation pattern and SWR, the better. Determine the direction

you want the antenna to pivot and make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 65 feet).

Mounting Pipe

DX Engineering has a galvanized Chromoly Steel mounting mast available - Part Number DXE-

VGMT-3CG is 3 inches OD, Chrome-Moly 4130 Steel Tubing, 100K PSI Min. Yield, 3 in. OD,

0.250 in. Wall, 7 ft. Length,

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This mounting pipe must be permanently mounted in the ground, preferably in a concrete base 2

feet by 2 feet by 4 feet deep (with gravel below for drainage). The antenna system requires this type

of mounting to help withstand the lateral forces present on the

antenna during wind conditions and when operating the pivot

function. Make the hole deep enough to accommodate at least 4

feet of pipe and 4 to 6 inches of gravel at the bottom for

drainage. Set the mounting pipe on the gravel, use the concrete

to fill around the pipe per the concrete instructions. Fill the hole

until the concrete is level with the ground around it. Use a level

on the mounting pipe as you fill the hole to be sure the mounting

pipe is vertically straight.

Your location, landscape and ground conditions may require

different mounting solutions in order to have the steel

mounting pipe and the vertical antenna in a secure position.

Note: Galvanized steel, rather than aluminum, is much

more suitable for mounting in concrete. Aluminum

will quickly corrode due to incompatibility with the

materials used to make concrete.

Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe

The coaxial cable should be routed to the base of the antenna system and be buried below the radial

system. PVC Conduit pipe may be used to house the coaxial cable. Bury the cable 6" to 12" below

ground level.

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Radial System

The use of a radial system is a key requirement for a high performance quarter wave vertical

antenna system. With a vertical antenna system, the radials are the second half of the antenna. The

radials contribute to the radiation efficiency of the entire vertical antenna system.

At a minimum, 32 radials, each 65 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Longer radial wires,

up to 135 feet each, would provide an improvement in signal strength for this 160 meter antenna.

DXE-RADW Radial Wire is a 14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC insulation wire

and is suggested for the best results. The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible

straight from the feedpoint around the vertical antenna and spaced evenly, regardless of how many

radials are used. Do not cross or bunch any radial wires as this nullifies

their effectiveness. If you have limited space, put in as many straight

radials as you can. The radials must be connected to the shield of your

feedline. The patented DXE-RADP-3 Stainless Steel Radial Plate is

an ideal optional item which provides an excellent system for attaching

radial wires to your vertical antenna system.

Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using DXE-STPL

Radial Wire Anchor Pins to hold them down. Using enough staples

will ensure the wires will not be snagged by mowers, people, or

animals. Grass will quickly overgrow the radials and it will be virtually

impossible to see them. An article describing this process is available

on the DX Engineering website in the Tech Info section. Radials can also be buried just under the

surface by using a power edger to make a slit in the soil.

Assembly Notes

Note: JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™SS-30 Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element

sections. Jet-Lube™SS-30 is an electrical joint compound to affect a substantial

electrical connection between metal parts such as telescoping aluminum tubing or

other antenna pieces. It ensures high conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing

moisture and preventing corrosion or oxidation.

Jet-Lube™ SS-30 should also be used on all element clamps and stainless steel threaded

hardware to provide good electrical contact, prevent galling, allows easier disassembly

and to ensure proper tightening.

Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using an optional DXE-

VGMT-3CG Mounting Pipe, with the optional DXE-VR-1 Manual Winch,

optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate and the optional DXE-UHF-

FDFB-KIT SecureMount™Bulkhead Connector.

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Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Place the optional DXE-RADP-3

Radial Plate over the optional DXE-

VGMT-3GC 3” mounting pipe.

Connections to the antenna will be

made via the optional DXE-UHF-

FDFB-KIT SecureMount™bulkhead

fitting dual SO-239 connector. The

DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate comes

with 20 sets of stainless steel

hardware for mounting the radial

wires. It is suggested that 32 radials

each 65 feet long be used. Longer

radial wires, up to 135 feet each,

would provide an improvement in

signal strength for this 160 meter

antenna. Additional DXE-RADP-1HWK

Radial Plate Wire Attachment Hardware Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Mounted to

Kits will be required. a 3" OD Mounting Pipe

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

Using the 20 sets of supplied 1/4" stainless steel hardware (Bolt, Star Washer, Flat Washer, Split

Washer, Nut) connect the optional ground radial wires to the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate as shown

below. Additional hardware kits are available (DXE-RADP-1HWK) that contain 20 sets of Radial

Plate Hardware.

There are optional DX Engineering Radial Wire Kits available. DXE-RADW-500K/BD contains a

500 foot spool of 14 gauge copper stranded wire with black PVC insulation, 20 Terminal Lugs and

100 Steel or Biodegradable Lawn Staples. The DXE-RADW-1000K/BD Radial Wire Kit contains

a 1,000 foot spool of 14 gauge copper stranded wire with black PVC insulation, 40 Terminal Lugs

and 200 Steel or Biodegradable Lawn Staples. RADW-65RT contains 20 each 65 foot radial wires

with 1/4" terminal attached.

Depending on the number of radial wires used, space them out evenly around the Radial Plate. The

Radial Plate will accommodate up to 60 radial wires (60 laser drilled holes), or up to 120 radials if

doubled up.

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Radial Wire Hardware Installation Radial Wire Pattern

Overall Pivot Base (US Patent No. 8,130,168) Assembly Drawing

The exploded view drawing is for reference and shows the overall Pivot Base Assembly.

(See Parts List for detailed drawing with numbered parts)

Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly

1. Locate the heavy duty Extren®insulated channel.

There are 12 holes drilled in the insulated channel.

The top of the insulated channel is identified by two

holes located very near the top side.

2. Locate the stainless steel bottom hinge plate, backing plate, four carriage bolts, four 3/8" flat

washers, four 3/8" split lock washers and four 3/8" hex nuts. Assemble the bottom hinge to the

bottom of the heavy duty insulated channel as shown below.

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3. Locate the stainless steel pivot base locking plate, backing plate, four carriage bolts, four 3/8"

flat washers, four 3/8" split lock washers and four 3/8" hex nuts. Assemble the pivot base

locking plate to the top of the heavy duty insulated channel as shown below.

4. Locate the stainless steel base side bottom hinge, two 1/2-13 x 1-1/4" long stainless steel hex

head bolts, two pivot bushings, four 1/2" x 1-1/4" stainless steel flat washers, two 1/2" stainless

steel split lock washers, and two 1/2-13 stainless steel hex nuts. Assemble the base side hinge

plate to the bottom hinge plate as shown below.

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