DX Engineering DXE-40VE-1 User manual

40 Meter

Vertical Antenna

DXE-40VE-1

DXE-40VE-1-INS Revision 13a

P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491 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

Warning

Overhead Power Line Safety

Tools Required

Parts Included

Installation

Site Selection

Mounting Pipe

Radial System

Assembly

Vertical Base Section

Base Section to Mounting Pipe

Assembling the Vertical Sections

Tuning the Vertical Antenna System

Guying the Vertical Antenna

Appendix A - Optional Radial Plate

Appendix B –Optional Tilt Base

Appendix C - Optional Vertical Feedline Current Choke

Optional Accessory Items

Technical Support and Warranty

Introduction

The DX Engineering DXE-40VE-1 is a fast taper 33 feet high 40 meter monoband vertical antenna

system. The vertical antenna operates over the entire 40 meter band with a SWR less than 1.5:1.

There are no traps, coils or linear loading elements to rob power. Designed with 6063 corrosion-

resistant aluminum tubing and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very durable and attractive.

The antenna may be used as a monoband antenna on a higher frequency by simply telescoping the

tubing inward to one quarter wavelength on the desired band. As supplied, an extra element section

is part of the design to allow extension to 36 feet if necessary.

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The DXE-40VE-1 vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel clamps,

mounting plate assembly, and stainless steel hardware.

Full band coverage on 40 meters with SWR under 1.5:1 - No Tuner needed

36 ft overall height

Fast Taper from rugged base to sleek top for low wind resistance

No Coils or Traps –Maximum Radiation Efficiency

Power Handling up to 5 kW - built to last

Perfect for Four Square or Phased Array systems

Easily shortened for resonance on higher bands

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.

Manual Updates

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.

Tools Required

Two 7/16 wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)

3/16 Allen wrench

Medium size standard screwdriver or 5/16 nut driver for the element clamps

3/16 and 1/4 nut drivers or wrenches

Tape measure and Felt-tip marker.

Antenna analyzer. The MFJ-259B is one suggested unit to facilitate the fine tuning of the

vertical antenna system.

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Parts Included

Description

Quantity

Mount Plate

Mast Mount Channel

3/8 U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg, Saddle & Hardware

1/4-20 x 1" Hex Head Bolt

1/4" Star Washer

DXE-CAVS-1P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp

DXE-ECL-040 - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-060 - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp

Black Vinyl Cap, for 1/2" O.D.

Aluminum Spacer

1/4-20 x 2" Hex Head Bolt, full thread

1/4-20 Hex Nut

1/4" Split Washer

1/4" Flat Washer

Antenna Element Parts

Quantity

2" (2.00") x 36" Element, Drilled (split one end)

1-7/8" (1.875") x 18" Element, Cut, Drilled

1-7/8" (1.875") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-3/4" (1.750") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-5/8" (1.625") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-1/2" (1.500") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-3/8" (1.375") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-1/4" (1.250") x 36" Element (split one end)

1-1/8" (1.125") x 36" Element (split one end)

1" (1.000") x 36" Element (split one end)

7/8" (0.875") x 36" Element (split one end)

3/4" (0.750") x 36" Element (split one end)

5/8" (0.625") x 36" Element (split one end)

1/2" (0.500") x 36" Element

Installation

Site Selection

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

46 feet (added 10 feet for the 10 foot 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. If

you are installing the optional DXE-TB-4P Tilt Base, determine the direction you want the antenna

to tilt down and make sure there is adequate clearance. There should be sufficient room for a radial

system that will extend away from the antenna equally in all directions, if possible.

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Mounting Pipe

Use a customer supplied thick-walled galvanized steel mounting pipe at least 4 feet

long. This will allow approximately 2 feet or more to be below ground and 2 feet

above ground. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4" OD is recommended with a minimum

thickness of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should be used. The standard 1-1/4" galvanized

water pipe (with its approximate 1.7" OD) is just fine for this application and can

usually be found at your local home building supply store. When using the optional

DXE-TB-4P Tilt base a mounting pipe of up to 2" OD may be used. For permanent

mounting, use a post-hole digger to make the hole deep enough to accommodate 2

feet of pipe and a couple inches of gravel at the bottom for drainage. Set the pipe on

the gravel, use the pre-mix concrete to fill around the pipe, adding water and mixing

as you fill or mix the concrete first, then pour in the hole. Fill the hole until the concrete is level

with the ground around it. Use a level as you fill the hole to be sure the pipe is straight. Allow to set

overnight. 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.

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, 20 radials, each 32 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at

32 feet long is preferred and highly recommended. The extra radials help overcome unknown poor-

soil conditions, improve bandwidth, and ensure the best performance possible from the vertical

antenna. DXE-RADW Radial Wire, a 14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC insulation

wire is suggested for the best results.

The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible around the vertical antenna

and spaced evenly, regardless of how many radials are used. Do not cross or bunch any

radial wires as this detunes the radials involved. 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 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 steel or biodegradable 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 they will be

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

The DXE-40VE-1 shipping box contains vertical tubing sections, insulated U-channel, 2 U-Bolt

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assemblies, backing plate, 12 stainless steel clamps, black vinyl cap and stainless steel hardware.

Carefully un-box the antenna and separate the various parts. All of the element sections are 36"

long. Nested inside the 36" drilled base element section is the 18" drilled section for added wall

strength to the base element section. The vinyl cap for the top element section should be installed

after assembly of the vertical is complete.

Note: DXE-P8A Penetrox A Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element

sections. Penetrox 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.

UMI-81343 Never-Seez or DXE-NSBT8 Anti-Seize should be used on all clamps, bolts

and stainless steel threaded hardware to prevent galling and to ensure proper

tightening.

Vertical Base Section

The base section is made up of an insulated mounting channel, an aluminum mount plate and the

base antenna section which is 36" long, with a hole drilled at one end. Nested inside the base

antenna section is an 18" piece of tubing with a hole drilled at one end, to add wall strength to the

base section and the feed point hardware is pre-installed.

If you have chosen to use the optional DXE-TB-4P Tilt Base, refer to Appendix B. You will use a

smaller mounting plate with the DXE-TB-4P Tilt Base kit.

Using Figure 1, attach the

aluminum mount plate to the

back of the insulated channel

using four each of the 2" bolts,

eight flat washers, four spacers,

four split washers, and four nuts.

Tighten firmly, but not enough

to crush the insulated channel.

The spacers are required when

the optional Tilt Base is

installed. They are being

installed as shown on this plate

to act as a washer and for safe

keeping.

Figure 1

Locate the 36" base-section tube. Install the 18" section inside the

36" section aligning the drilled feedpoint hardware holes. Install the

feedpoint hardware (1 " hex head bolt, two star washers, two flat

washers, and two hex head nuts) as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Install the lower element on to the insulated channel using the two 3/8" x 2" U-Bolts, two saddle

clamps, four flat washers, four split washers, and four nuts as shown in Figure 1. Use the outer

upper and lower holes of the channel. When tightening, observe the split washers. When they fully

seat (flatten out), the clamp is tight enough. Any clamp should be tightened evenly from side-to-side

with an equal amount of thread above each nut.

Base Section to Mounting Pipe

Attach the completed base section to your steel ground mounted pipe using the two DXE-CAVS-1P

Saddle Clamps, as shown in Figure 3. Use two V-Bolts, two saddles, four nuts, four flat and four

split washers. When tightening, observe the split washers. When they fully seat (flatten out), the

clamp is tight enough. Any clamp should be tightened evenly from side-to-side with an equal

amount of thread above the nut. The standard 1-1/4" galvanized water pipe (with its approximate

1.7" OD) is just fine for this application and can usually be found at your local home building

supply store.

(This view shown without

insulated channel

for clarity)

Figure 3

Assembling the Vertical Sections

Assemble the vertical elements in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length of the

antenna during assembly. Lay the elements out in descending diameter sizes of 1-7/8", 1-3/4", 1-

5/8", 1-1/2", 1-3/8", 1-1/4", 1-1/8", 1", 7/8", 3/4", 5/8", and 1/2" with the slits in the elements

toward the top of the antenna (the 1/2" section does not have slits). All the element sections are 36"

long.

Note: DXE-P8A -Penetrox A Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element

sections. Penetrox 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.

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When assembling any telescoping aluminum tubing sections you should take the following steps:

1. Make sure the edges are smooth and not sharp. Deburring may be necessary, since burrs and

shavings can occur on seams as well as edges. All surfaces need to be completely smooth to

allow easy assembly of tubing sections.

Caution

Aluminum tubing edges can be very sharp.

Take precautions to ensure you do not get accidentally cut.

The raised particles and shavings that appear when the aluminum tubing is machined are

referred to as burrs, and the process by which they are removed is known as deburring.

Deburring is a finishing method used in manufacturing. Our aluminum tubing is machine cut on

both ends and machine slit on one end. Although DX Engineering manufactured aluminum

tubing is deburred, you should further assure that there are no ragged edges or protrusions.

Use the DXE-22166 Slim Grip Deburring Tool, or the DXE-22600 Deburring Tool with

Extending Handle and Extra Blades for this operation.

2. Clean the inside of the aluminum tubing to clear out any dirt or foreign material that would

cause the aluminum tubing sections to bind during assembly. Do not use any type of oil or

general lubricant between the aluminum tubing sections. Oils or general lubricants can cause

poor electrical connections for radio frequencies.

3. Clean the outside of the aluminum tubing to clear any dirt or foreign material that would cause

the clamps to malfunction during assembly.

4. The use of DXE-P8A Penetrox A is highly recommended. Penetrox A is an electrical joint

compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts such as

telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Penetrox A assures high

conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing moisture and preventing corrosion or oxidation.

5. When assembling the aluminum tubing sections, ensure the area is clear of grass, dirt or other

foreign material that could cause problems during assembly of the closely fitted telescoping

sections.

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Using a felt tip pen, measure and mark the bottom eight element sections (1-7/8", 1-3/4", 1-5/8", 1-

1/2", 1-3/8", 1-1/4", 1-1/8", and 1") at 4". Mark the top four element sections (7/8", 3/4", 5/8", and

1/2") at 6" (the top 1/2" section does have slits but they are not used) as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4

Slide the element clamps over each section before putting them together. Element clamp sizes are

shown in Figure 6. Align the clamps on each section facing the same direction. For final assembly,

all the clamps should be positioned approximately 1/8" from the top of each section and the body of

the clamp should be positioned between the slits as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5

Using Figure 6 on the next page, start the assembly with the bottom 1-7/8" element section. Insert

the marked end of the 1-3/4" element section into the 1-7/8" element section until the mark is even

with the top of the 1-7/8" element section.

Position one of the larger element clamps at the very end, but not hanging over. Make sure the body

of the element clamp is positioned between the slits and tighten securely.

Repeat the procedure for the sections using the element clamps as shown in Figure 6.

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Figure 6 - Finished

Antenna Assembly

The top section may

be adjusted to vary the

overall length from

33 to 36 feet for

fine tuning if

necessary.

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