DX Engineering DXE-MBV-1 User manual

Vertical

Multi-Band

Antenna

DXE-MBV-1

DXE-MBV-1-INS-Revision 0

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]

- 1 -

Table of Contents

Introduction

Features

Warning

Tools Required

DXE-MBV-1 Parts List

Suggested Parts Not Included

Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied

Manual Updates

Installation

Site Selection

Mounting Pipe

Assembly

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

Vertical Base Section

Base Section to Tilt Base

Assembling the Vertical Sections

Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base

Raising The Vertical

Assembling the UNUN Mounting Bracket

Installation of UNUN Assembly to Antenna

Feedline Connections

Tuning the Vertical

Guying a Vertical Antenna System

Optional Accessory Items

Technical Support and Warranty

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Introduction

The DX Engineering MBV-1 is a 35 foot 8 inch high vertical antenna system. The vertical antenna

operates using a customer supplied radial system and good quality outboard tuner. There are no

traps, coils or linear loading elements. Designed with 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and

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

Features

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

mounting plate assembly, Tilt Base, and stainless steel hardware.

35 feet 8 inch overall height

Patented Tilt Base included

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

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.

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Tools Required

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

5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, and 1/2”wrenches or

5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, and 1/2”sockets and drive

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

Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 1/4”nut driver for the smaller element clamps

Tape measure

Felt-tip marker

DXE-MBV-1 Parts List

Description

Quantity

Description

Quantity

Tilt Base Assembly (patented)

Antenna Assembly

Tilt Base, 3/16" Laser Cut Stainless Steel

2.00 x 0.125" x 36" Tube. Drilled

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp

2.125" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split both ends)

Tilt Base, Mast Mount Channel

2.000" x 0.058" x 72" Tube. (Split one end)

Tilt Base Plate

1.875" x 0.058" x 72" Tube. (Split one end)

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

1.750" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4" Flat Washer

1.625" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4" Split Washer

1.500" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4" Dia. X 1/4" x 1/2" OD Alum. Spacer

1.375" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4-20 Hex nut

1.250" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD

1.125" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4-20 Flanged Nut

1.000" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)

1/4-20 Nyloc nut

DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp

3/8" U-Bolt Kits

DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp

Feedpoint Connection

DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp

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

DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp

1/4" External Tooth Washer

DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp

1/4" Flat Washer

Black Vinyl Cap, 0.9375" ID

1/4-20 Hex nut

Suggested Parts Not Included

DXE-UN-43 - Multi-Band UNUN for Vertical Antenna Systems

The DXE-UN-43 DX Engineering Multi-Band Vertical UNUN built with proven Maxi-Core®

Technology is a matching device specifically designed for application with non-resonant

vertical multi-band antennas.

The DXE-UN-43 assures the best efficiency from your vertical multi-band antenna and

transmission line/tuner installation. Using the DXE-UN-43 results in minimizing the additional

transmission lines losses caused by SWR and allows your antenna to perform to its full

potential. The DXE-UN-43 reduces the stresses on your equipment more efficiently than similar

competitive products.

By allowing your wide-range tuner to more easily match the antenna’s complex impedance, low

frequency performance is improved over other devices currently available.

- 4 -

DXE-UN-43 Features

Full band coverage on 160-10 meters with an SWR under 1.5:1*

*Customer supplied wide band tuner required.

Impedance: 200 ohms to 50 ohms

Ratio: 4:1

Power Handling: 2 KW/5 KW Peak - Handles rated power with minimal energy loss so

there is no thermal related failure.

Silver/PTFE SO-239 input connector

Two 1/4-20 feedpoint connection studs with Stainless Steel Flat Washers, Split Washers,

Fender Washers & Wing Nuts

High impact plastic, weather sealed NEMA spec case: 2-1/2" x 4" x 4" inches (HxWxL)

Shares the same mounting footprint as other similar competitive products, so it may be

easily substituted in existing installations for superior performance.

DXE-UN-BRKT - Mounting Bracket Kit for the DXE-UN-43 UNUN

Custom patented (US Patent No. D597,086) Mounting Bracket including Custom Stainless Steel 90

degree Studded Element Clamps, Aluminum Spacers and Stainless Steel Hardware for mounting the

DXE-UN-43 to the DXE Multi-Band Vertical Antenna series.

DXE-TCB-UNFK-WR - Feed Point Connection Kit

One 1" wide x 9" long pre-drilled tinned copper braid for feedpoint connection to the vertical

antenna system.

Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, up to 2.0″OD, 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 (type depends on your landscape)

DXE-P8A - Penetrox™ A - To ensure good connection for aluminum element sections

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

prevent galling and aid in proper tightening torque.

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 contact DX Engineering ([email protected]) for the latest revision

manual.

Installation

Site Selection

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

46 feet. Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The vertical should be mounted

away from local noise sources or other metallic objects which can re-radiate noise and affect the

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tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. Determine the direction you want the antenna to tilt down and

make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 46 feet).

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 20 inches

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 its 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 at least 2 feet of pipe and a couple inches of gravel at

the bottom for drainage. Set the mounting 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 (depends on

the type of concrete you purchase). 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 is vertically 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.

Assembly

The DXE-MBV-1 shipping boxes contain the vertical tubing sections, an insulated U-channel, two

DXE-SAD-200A 2" U-Bolt assemblies, a backing plate, a Tilt Base with two stainless steel V-

Clamps, 15 stainless steel clamps, a black vinyl cap, and stainless steel hardware. Carefully un-box

the antenna and separate the various parts. Nine of the element sections are 36" long, two are 72”

long. The 2" OD base element section is drilled for the feedpoint connection. The base section does

not have slit ends. The 2-1/8" OD section is slit on both ends. All the other sections are slit on one

end. 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™ 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.

Note: 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.

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

following options: DXE-UN-43 UNUN, DXE-UN-BRKT Mounting bracket for the

UNUN, and DXE-TCB-UNFK-WR Feedpoint kit for the UNUN.

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

Install the Tilt Base to the 2" OD mounting pipe

using the two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle

Clamps allowing approximately 5-1/2"

clearance between the bottom of the tilt base

plate to the ground level as shown in Figure 1.

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 is oriented correctly for

the direction you wish to tilt the antenna. See

Figure 6 which shows the tilt action.

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 1

Vertical Base Section

The base section is made up of an EXTREN®insulated mounting channel, a mounting plate with

hardware, two 2" x 3/8" U-Bolt assemblies and the base antenna section which is 2" OD thick wall,

36" long with a hole drilled at bottom end for the feedpoint hardware.

Using Figure 2, attach the aluminum backing plate to the back of the insulated channel. The base

hardware kit contains four 2" hex head bolts, four flat washers, four aluminum spacers, four split

washers and four nuts. From the inside of the channel, insert a 2" hex head bolt with a flat washer

through each of the middle four holes, through the backing plate. Put on the aluminum spacer, a

split washer and a plain hex nut. Tighten firmly, but not enough to crush the insulated channel.

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Figure - 2

Using the 36" base section tube, install the feedline 1/4-20 x 1" long bolt through the hole in the

tube from the inside, so the threads stick out.

Put on a 1/4" star washer, 1/4" flat washer, then a 1/4-20 nut. Tighten securely.

Add another 1/4" star washer, 1/4" flat washer and 1/4-20 nut, but do not tighten. The feedline from

the UNUN attaches to this hardware. Figure 3 shows the completed feedpoint assembly.

Figure 3

Install the lower section to the insulated channel

using the two 2" x 3/8" U-Bolts, two saddle clamps,

four 3/8" flat washers, four 3/8" split washers, and

four 3/8" hex nuts as shown in Figure 4. The base

section tube should extend 1-3/4" beyond the bottom

of the U-bolt clamp.

The feedpoint hardware should be coming out on the

left side as you look at the lower section as shown in

Figure 4.

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.

Figure 4

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Base Section to Tilt Base

Place the Lower Base Section into the holes of the mounted Tilt Base and loosely install the Tilt

Base mounting hardware shown in Figure 5. Leave the flange nuts and Nyloc nuts slightly loose.

Figure - 5

Using a wrench or nut driver, securely tighten the two Nyloc nuts at the bottom of the patented Tilt

Base. Then loosen them one-half turn each. This will allow proper movement of the Tilt Base while

raising or lowering the antenna. It is not necessary to tighten these nuts more securely unless further

tilt operation is no longer required. They should not be loosened more than one-half turn at any

time.

- 9 -

Test the tilt function to ensure proper clearances. Standing in front of the Tilt Base, lift the antenna

base section, slide it to the right, and let it down slightly until the lower outside bolt is resting in the

pivot point. Then slowly tilt as shown in Figure 6. Make sure when you are tilting the antenna to

lift, slide to the right, and then tilt. Be careful to keep the pivot bolt resting in the pivot point.

Reverse the process when raising the antenna.

It is important to note that the lower, outside bolt becomes the pivot point while raising or lowering

the antenna. This pivot bolt MUST be retained in the pivot point. It seems natural to push the

antenna toward the Tilt Base while raising. Push up while raising, but not toward the base since this

could cause the pivot bolt to lift out of the slot and allow the mechanism to bind up and bend the

lower bolts.

The Tilt Base is not made to support the whole antenna by itself when tilted. When the antenna is

tilted over, ensure you have some sort of table, stand, or saw horse to set the antenna on to aid in

supporting the weight. When the antenna is in the upright position, ensure the mounting hardware

(reference Figure 5) is tightened.

Figure - 6 - Tilt Action

Note: A pair of sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during

assembly with the tilt-base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. Do not allow the

Tilt Base to support the entire weight of the vertical when horizontal.

Assembling the Vertical Sections

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

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