DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-1 User manual

75/80 Meter

Full Size

Quarter-Wave

Vertical

Antenna

DXE-7580FS-VA-1

DXE-7580FS-VA-1-INS Revision 1b

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]

- 1 -

Table of Contents

Introduction

Features

Supplied Items for Complete Installation

Manual Updates

Additional Material Needed, not Supplied

Parts List for the DXE-7580FS-VA-1

Tools Required

Warning

Overhead Power Line Safety

Installation

Site Selection

Radial System

Mounting Pipe

Assembly

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

Vertical Base Section

Base Section to Tilt Base

Assembling the Vertical Element Sections

Mating the Vertical Elements to the Tilt Base

Guy Rope and Anchor Installation

Raising The Vertical

Feedline Connection

Alternate Feedline Connection

Tuning the Vertical

Optional Items

Technical Support and Warranty

- 2 -

Introduction

The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-1 is a high performance 68 foot full size quarter-wave

75/80 meter vertical antenna that is tunable to operate over segments of the entire band with an

SWR of 1.5:1 or less. Designed with 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and stainless steel

hardware, this antenna is very durable and attractive.

A breakthrough in a FULL SIZE quarter-wave high-performance antenna that doesn't cost an arm

and a leg. Plus, if your neighbors are the slightest bit touchy, this is the antenna for you. Slim lines

can hide in even a small stand of tall trees. Some have painted the antenna a color to match the bark

of the surrounding trees.

Guying is usually at 2 levels. Bandwidth is outstanding, a 456 to 528 kHz 2:1 bandwidth depending

on your radial field. Your internal tuner can get SWR down to 1:1 on any DXing frequency for

maximum power transfer.

Of course, another key to performance is a good ground radial system. 32 radials, 65 feet long are

recommended. Fewer radials will work, but with diminished results.

Features

Ultra-WIDE SWR Bandwidth and Unbeaten Gain

Highest Wind Ratings - High Strength 6063/6061 Tubing Manufactured to DX Engineering

Specifications

Easy Tilt Up and Down - Specially Manufactured Patented Stainless Steel Tilt Base

High Power Handling Capacity - High Strength, UV Protected Extren®Insulator

No Rust - 100% Stainless Steel Tubing Clamps and Hardware

Reliability Second to None - Specially Manufactured Stainless and Aluminum Saddle

Clamps, Stainless Bolts and Precision Machining on each antenna

Full legal limit power rating

Supplied Installation Item:

Tilt Base - Patented, Precision cut from 3/16 in. 304 Stainless Steel, this mounting plate is

virtually indestructible. Mounts to the same mast that you use for the radial plate. Allows

for easy installation, tuning or severe weather lay-down.

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.

- 3 -

Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, up to 2.0″OD maximum, 0.25″wall thickness, 4

feet long. The standard 1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) is just fine for this

application and can usually be found at your local home building supply store.

Quik-Set Concrete - Mounting pipe installation

DXE-P8A - Penetrox™ A - To ensure good connection on aluminum

UMI-81343 - Anti-Seize compound - used on the threads of the Stainless Steel Hardware to

prevent galling and aid in proper tightening torque.

DXE-RADP-3 - Radial Plate: The most effective way to connect those essential radial

wires and the feedline coax to your vertical antenna for the maximum efficiency and

strongest signals. All stainless construction and includes 20 sets of radial connection

hardware. Additional radial components available.

DXE-RADW - Radial Wire Kits and Components. To achieve optimal performance with a

ground-mounted vertical, install as many radials as possible. These bulk radial wire kits

use 14 gage stranded copper wire with a relaxed black PVC insulation that is UV resistant,

hard to see and lays down easily, unlike the wire that is commonly available at the big box

stores. It will last much longer in contact with soil than bare wire.

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp. One is required for the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate.

DXE-363-SST Bulkhead connector for a clean and quality feedline connection.

Guy Rope and Anchors –DXE-GUY400-KIT contains 4 screw-in earth anchors and four

100 foot rolls of Dacron/polyester rope to guy the DXE-7580FS-VA-1 at two levels in four

directions. Additional guy rope is available from DX Engineering in several diameters and

lengths.

The use of an antenna analyzer such as the MFJ-259B will facilitate the fine tuning of the vertical.

Ground conductivity as well as the number of radials and their length can affect tuning parameters.

The radial system used in the DX Engineering test vertical contained 32 radials, 65 ft long,

symmetrically placed around the vertical using a Radial Plate. A minimum of 16 radials 65 ft long

should be used for reasonable performance.

- 4 -

Parts List for the DXE-7580FS-VA-1

Description

Qty

Description

Qty

Tilt Base, 3/16" Laser Cut Stainless Steel

DXE-ECL-020 Element Clamp

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp

DXE-ECL-040 Element Clamp

Tilt Base, Mast Mount Extren® Channel

DXE-ECL-060 Element Clamp

Tilt Base Mount Plate

DXE-ECL-10SS Element Clamp

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

DXE-ECL-12SS Element Clamp

1/4" Flat Washer

DXE-ECL-16SS Element Clamp

1/4" Split Washer

DXE-ECL-20SS Element Clamp

1/4" Aluminum Spacer

DXE-ECL-24SS Element Clamp

1/4-20 Hex nut

DXE-ECL-28SS Element Clamp

1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD

Black Vinyl Cap

1/4-20 Flanged Nut

1/4-20 Nyloc nut

Feedpoint Connection Hardware

3/8 U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg

Studded Band Clamp

2" Saddle for 3/8" U-Bolt

#10 Star Washer

3/8-16 Hex Nut

#10 Flat Washer

3/8" Split Washer

#10 Hex nut

3/8" Flat Washer

#10 Split Lock Washer

Antenna Elements

(OD)

Wall Thickness

Length

Qty.

2”

(2.000”)

0.120"

72"

Base Section

2-1/8”

(2.125")

0.058"

36"

Slit both ends

2”

(2.000")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1-7/8”

(1.875")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1-3/4”

(1.750")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1-5/8”

(1.625")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1-1/2”

(1.500")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1-3/8”

(1.375")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1-1/4”

(1.250")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1-1/8”

(1.125")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1”

(1.000")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

7/8”

(0.875")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

3/4”

(0.750")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

5/8”

(0.625")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1/2”

(0.500")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

3/8”

(0.375")

0.058"

36"

No slits

Tools Required

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

1/2”and 7/16”socket and drive

Medium size screwdriver or 5/16” & 1/4” nut drivers for the element clamps

Tape measure

Felt-tip marker.

- 5 -

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.

Installation

Site Selection

Select a mounting location clear from power lines and structures by a minimum of 78 feet (68 plus

10 for the 10 foot safety rule). Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The

vertical should mounted away from local noise sources or other metallic objects which can re-

radiate noise and affect the tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. Determine the direction you want the

antenna to tilt down and make sure there is adequate clearance. There should also be a clear

diameter of at least 70 feet from the antenna for the guying and radial systems that will extend away

from the antenna.

Radial System

Using an optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate greatly simplifies mounting radial wires in a

vertical installation. The DXE-RADP-3 stainless steel Radial Plate contains enough stainless

hardware sets to attach 20 radials. Additional 20 set radial connection hardware kits DXE-RADP-

HW1K are available from DX Engineering.

- 6 -

DXE-RADW - Radial Wire Kits and Components contain everything you need to make your own

radials, including steel or biodegradable lawn staples to hold the wire down, are also available.

The best way to connect the feedline to the radial plate and vertical feed point is to use a

DXE-363-SST bulkhead connector.

A DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp is needed to secure the radial plate to the vertical mounting pipe.

The radial plate should be mounted to the vertical mounting pipe before the tilt base and vertical

base section. It should be as close to the ground as possible, while still allowing access to the radial

wire hardware for tightening. A one inch ground clearance is adequate.

Figure 1: Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate

and DXE-363-SST Bulkhead Connector

The optional DXE-363-SST is a hi-quality bulkhead connector uses silver plated outer and inner

conductors and a Teflon insulator. The connector has very low loss and high electrical break down.

It comes with two nuts to secure the connector to our radial plate or other flat surface. Perfect for

use with the DX Engineering Radial Plate it ensures the radial ground system, the antenna

ground and the feedline shield are common. Don't forget to waterproof coaxial connections.

The optional DXE-112-KIT may be used as an alternate feedline connection - See Figure 13 for

details.

These connectors are not required if you order the optional DXE-VFCC-H05-A Vertical Feedline

Current Choke for connection to the base of a vertical antenna.

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

65 feet long is preferred and highly recommended. The extra radials may help overcome unknown

poor-soil conditions, improve efficiency, and ensure the best performance possible from the vertical

antenna. Longer radials should be used for improved performance especially if your plans call for

60 or more radials. DXE-RADW Radial Wire, a stranded 14 gauge PVC insulated copper wire is

suggested for the best results.

- 7 -

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

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 feedpoint.

Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using

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 or

cause trouble. An article describing this process is available the DX Engineering website

www.dxengineering.com 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.

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 approximately 2 feet above ground. A thick-walled

steel pipe 1-3/4" OD to 2" OD maximum is recommended with a

minimum thickness of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should be used. The

standard 1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with a 1.9" OD) is just fine for

this application and can usually be found at your local home building

supply store. 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. Your ground/soil/rocky conditions may

require additional mounting pipe length or method of securing.

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.

- 8 -

Assembly

Your antenna is shipped in multiple boxes. The long box contains the vertical element sections, and

an insulated U-channel. Some of the smaller tubes are inside larger ones. A smaller box contains the

tilt base and all installation hardware.

Carefully unbox the antenna and separate the various element tubes. Using scissors rather than a

knife, cut away the bubble wrap being careful not scratch the tubes. Unwrap the U-channel. Unpack

the hardware box, separate the individually marked hardware bags and lay them out for easy

identification.

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

sections. Penetrox™A 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-SBT8 Anti-Seize should be used on all clamps, bolts and

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

Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using a 2" OD Mounting Pipe,

with the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate.

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Install the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate on the 2" OD mounting pipe using an optional

DXE-CAVS-2P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp as shown in Figure 1. Mount the radial plate so you have

approximately 1" of space between the bottom of the plate and the ground level. This will allow

easy access to install the radial wire hardware. The DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate comes with 20 sets

of stainless steel hardware for mounting the radial wires. Mount the plate as shown in relation to

how the Tilt Base is mounted.

Figure - 1 - Optional

DXE-RADP-3

Radial Plate Installation

- 9 -

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

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

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

in Figure 2. 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-20RT, -32RT or -65RT contain 20 each

radial wires with 1/4" terminal attached. These kits come in 20 Ft, 32 Ft, or 65Ft lengths.

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.

Figure - 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

Install the Tilt Base to the 2" OD mounting

pipe using two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamps

allowing approximately 7" clearance

between the bottom of the tilt base plate, to

the top of the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate as

shown in Figure 3. The standard 1-1/2"

galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) is

just fine for this application and can usually

be found at your local home building supply

store. Make sure the Tilt Base and optional

DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate are oriented

correctly for the direction you wish to tilt the

antenna. Tighten the clamps evenly so the

length of the exposed threads is

approximately equal. Any clamp should be

tightened evenly from side-to-side with an

equal amount of thread above each nut.

Figure - 3

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