DX Engineering DXE-ATK65A User manual

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65 Foot Telescoping

Aluminum Antenna Tubing Kit

with Guy Rings

DXE-ATK65A

DXE-ATK65A-INS-Rev 1

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

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

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

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Introduction

The DXE-ATK65AAluminum Antenna Tubing Kit is constructed of twelve pieces of high quality

aluminum tubing with eleven Stainless Steel clamps and one set of DX Engineering DXE-GR-5P Guy

Rings. When fully assembled, the overall length is 65 feet. Depending on your application, the length can

easily be made shorter by telescoping the elements inward, or removing element sections.

The Aluminum Antenna Tubing Kit is used to make various vertical antennas, or the basics for heavy duty

dipoles. Amateur Radio Operators love to experiment and this antenna element stack is an ideal starting

point. The telescoping aluminum tubing sizes allow adjustment by the addition or removal of tubing

sections as length requirements dictate. Smaller diameter sizes are available from DX Engineering to make

a longer assembly. The Aluminum Antenna Tubing Kit is not designed to support other antennas, nor

should it be treated as if it were a tower support.

DX Engineering Type 6063-T832 drawn - not extruded - aluminum tubing in three foot and six foot

lengths with four slits at one end for fast reliable assembly. In this kit, the 2.125" OD tubing section has

slits at both ends and the 2" OD heavy wall (.120") section has no slits.

Rugged aluminum alloy 6063 is most commonly used for seamless structural tube and pipe. It is popular

in structural use for both its high strength and great, long lasting appearance. Alloy 6063 provides great

resistance to general corrosion, including resistance to stress-corrosion cracking.

Eleven of the aluminum tubes in this kit are six feet in length. The top tube in this kit is three feet in length.

Parts Included:

Quantity

DX Engineering

Part Number

Size

Wall

Thickness

Slit

Element

Length

DXE-AT-1244

0.875"

7/8"

.058"

One End

36"

DXE-AT-1209

1.000"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1210

1.125"

1-1/8"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1211

1.250"

1-1/4"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1212

1.375"

1-3/8"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1213

1.500"

1-1/2"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1214

1.625"

1-5/8"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1215

1.750"

1-3/4"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1216

1.875"

1-7/8"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1217

2.000"

.058"

One End

72"

DXE-AT-1222

2.125

2-1/8"

.058"

Both Ends

72"

DXE-AT-1313

2.000"

.120"

none

72"

DXE-ECL-2250

Stainless Steel Clamp for 2.125” and 2.25" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-ECL-2000

Stainless Steel Clamp for 1.875” and 2" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-ECL-1750

Stainless Steel Clamp for 1.625” and 1.75" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-ECL-1500

Stainless Steel Clamp for 1.375” and 1.5" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-ECL-1250

Stainless Steel Clamp for 1.125” and 1.25" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-ECL-1000

Stainless Steel Clamp for 1" with Straight Slot or 5/16” Drive Nut

DXE-GR-5P

DX Engineering Guy Ring, set of 5: 2”, 1-1/2”, 1-1/4”, 1” and 3/4”

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WARNING!

INSTALLATION OF ANY ANTENNA NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS

Warning:Do not locate any of the aluminum tubing near overhead power lines or other electric

light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing any

antenna or aluminum tubing, 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.

Guy Rings

The included DXE-GR-5P - DX Engineering Guy Rings advance the art of

stabilizing vertical rigid telescopic tubing. These engineered and incredibly

strong Guy Rings are intended for rope guying DX Engineering, Hustler, and all

brands of aluminum tubing vertical antennas, as well as the DX Engineering

Telescoping Fiberglass and Aluminum Tubing Kits. DX Engineering Guy Rings

are made from the super strong, black UV resistant, glass-reinforced poly-resin

material. They are virtually impervious to extreme outdoor conditions and mechanical stress. With

their 1/2 in. thick center hole shoulder, these Guy Rings simply slide over their respective tubing

size and seat firmly against the top of the larger tubing section below. 5 Rings per set: Fits tubing

sizes 2”, 1-1/5”, 1-1/4”, 1” and 3/4”. The 3/4” Guy Ring will not be used with the DXE-ATK65A.

Assembly

For a full 65 foot length, the aluminum tubing sections are assembled starting at the bottom 2" OD,

heavy wall (.120") aluminum tube and working upward.

Note: Jet-Lube SS-30 (JTL-12555) 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 should also be used on all clamps, bolts and stainless

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

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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-UT-KIT-DBR Tube Deburring Tools,

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 JTL-12555 Jet-Lube SS-30 is highly recommended as an electrical joint

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

telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Jet-Lube 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.

Assemble the aluminum tubing sections in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length

of the assembly. Lay the aluminum tubing out in the order shown in Figure 1. Orient the slits in the

tubes toward the top. The bottom 2" OD section is thick walled and has no slits. The second section

is 2.125" and has slits at both ends. The rest of the tubing sections have 4 slits at one end. The first

11 aluminum sections in this kit are 72" long and the top aluminum section is 36" long.

Each aluminum tubing section is inserted into the next section as shown in Figure 1. Assembly is

easier if the overlaps in the tubing sections are pre-marked. A dark color felt-tip marker works well.

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Mark each aluminum section as shown in Figure 1 from the end of each aluminum section without

the slit using a marker so it will be clearly visible. If you are clamping the completed aluminum

tubing kit to a mounting plate (example: making a vertical antenna), apply clamps only to this lower

thick walled (.120") section. DXE-SAD-200A 2 inch U-Bolt Saddle Clamps are strongly

recommended for secure clamping without crushing the element tubing.

Figure 1

Locate the hardware pack containing the eleven stainless steel clamps. Also locate the Guy Ring Set

- You can use 4 of the guy rings from the Guy Ring kit with the DXE-ATK65A (3/4” Guy Ring is

not used). Slide the Guy Rings over the tubes along with the clamps

over each aluminum section as shown in Figure 2 before putting the

tubing sections together. You can lightly tighten the clamps just below

the slits in each section to hold them until needed. Align the clamp

screws on each section to face the same direction. At final assembly, the

body of the clamp should be positioned between the slits in the

aluminum tubes and 1/8" from the edge of each aluminum tube as shown

in Figure 2a. Figure 2a

Figure - 2 - Clamp & Guy Rings - Sizes and Locations

Making sure dirt or grass does not adhere to the aluminum tubing to be joined, insert the marked

end of the tube into the next tube allowing for the overlap as shown in Figure 1. Position the

stainless steel clamp. Make sure the body of the clamp is positioned between the slits and tighten

securely. Continue mating aluminum tubes. The guy rings are slipped over the appropriate sized

tubing and will rest on the lip of the tube as shown in the example to the right. Double-check the

tubing sections you have just assembled. Total length should measure 65 feet (780 inches).

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You may elect to have the tubing in a shorter length. The

aluminum tubing may be telescoped inward, outward, or removed

depending on your application. Keep in mind you want a minimum

of 2 to 8 inches of overlap between tubing sections dependant on

location and overall strength.

Guying and Raising

Some vertical antenna manufacturers indicate their antennas do not

need guying. During times of high winds or ice loading, some of

these verticals may sustain damage or fail altogether. With the

small amount of effort needed to install a four point guying system,

the risk hardly seems worth taking. A three level, four point guying

scheme provides the best mechanical advantage to prevent wind stress, regardless of direction. The

guy lines should be used during raising or lowering to minimize stress on the lower tube sections.

When using an optional DXE-VA-BASE Tilt Base, a three level, four point guying system is

recommended for use when the DX-ATK65Ais used as a vertical antenna because just one set of

the guy ropes has to be loosened when you tilt the vertical antenna element downward. The

remaining guys help stabilize the vertical antenna in three directions when being raised by pulling

on the loose guys.

TheDXE-GUY1000-KIT has been designed to be used with the DXE-ATK65Aor other similar

vertical antennas. The guying kit is ideal for fixed or portable installations.

Figure 3 shows the suggested guying scheme for the DXE-ATK65Aassembly when used as a

vertical antenna. Your results may vary since it depends on the length (height) of your particular

installation.

Guying of vertical masts or antennas is always recommended for stability. However, if your area

encounters severe wind velocities or icing conditions, simple additional guying will help prevent the

possibility of failure.

With the DXE-GUY1000-KIT, you can install four sets of guy ropes. Use the suggested no slip

knot placing the loop just above the element clamps shown in Figure 3. Guying should be tightened

just enough to permit the antenna to swing a few inches. The ends of the ropes are tied to the earth

anchors that are screwed into the ground at about the same angle as the ropes will be.

When using the optional DXE-VA-BASE Tilt Base, position the guy ropes as shown in Figure 4.

This will make it easy to raise or lower the vertical antenna and only one set of guy ropes needs to

be loosened. The other guy rope sets will help guide the vertical antenna on the way up by pulling

on the loose guys.

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Figure 3 - Suggested Guying

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Figure 4 - Four Point Guy Ropes - Overhead View

Depending on your system, additional or varied guying may be required.

Technical Support

If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation,

contact DX Engineering at (330) 572-3200. You can also e-mail us at:

[email protected]

For best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call.

Warranty

All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from

date of shipment. DX Engineering’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is

proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or

any other work, unless such charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering. If DX Engineering’s products are claimed to be defective in

material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to DX Engineering (transportation-

charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above

warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered

defective by reason of improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as prolonged

exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts

thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyer’s specifications. In addition, DX Engineering’s warranties do not extend to other

equipment and parts manufactured by others except to the extent of the original manufacturer’s warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under

the foregoing warranties are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other remedies

including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY

WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND

FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING.

©DX Engineering 2016

DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc. ®, Hot Rodz®, Maxi-Core®, DX Engineering THUNDERBOLT®, DX Engineering

Yagi Mechanical®, EZ-BUILD®, TELREX®, Gorilla Grip®Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, Butternut®, SkyHawk™, SkyLark™,

SecureMount™ , OMNI-TILT™ are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or

other trademarks is given or implied. All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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