DX Engineering DXE-MBV-2 User manual

Multi-Band

49 Foot Tall

Vertical Antenna

DXE-MBV-2

DXE-MBV-2-INS-Revision 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 DX Engineering DXE-MBV-2 is a custom made fast taper 49 feet high multi-band vertical

antenna system. 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

•Custom designed

•49 feet overall height

•Stainless Steel Tilt Base included (US Patent No. 7,432,875)

•DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate included (US Patents No. 6,927,740, D533,167)

•DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Clamp for Radial Plate mounting included

•DXE-RADW-32RT 32 foot Radial Wire Kit (20 radials) included

•DXE-FP-WIRE-N Feedpoint Wire with N-Type Connector Assembly included

•DXE-1023 RF Bulkhead Type N-Connector Adapter included

•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

•Outboard customer supplied wide-range tuner required

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

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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 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

Black Felt-tip marker

DXE-MBV-2 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

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

3/8" U-Bolt Kits

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

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

Feedpoint Connection

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

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

0.375" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Plain)

1/4" External Tooth Washer

DXE-ECL-0500 - Element Clamp

1/4" Flat Washer

DXE-ECL-0625 - Element Clamp

1/4-20 Hex nut

DXE-ECL-0875 - Element Clamp

DXE-ECL-1000 - Element Clamp

Radial Wire System

DXE-ECL-1250 - Element Clamp

DXE-1023 RF Bulkhead Type N-Adapter

DXE-ECL-1500 - Element Clamp

DXE-FP-WIRE-N Feedpoint w/ N-Conn.

DXE-ECL-1750 - Element Clamp

DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate w/hardware

DXE-ECL-2000 - Element Clamp

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp

DXE-ECL-2250 - Element Clamp

Radial Wire Kit - 20 Radials w Term-32 ft

1 Kit

Black Vinyl Cap, 0.343" ID

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) or contact DX Engineering

by e-mail at: [email protected] for the latest revision manual.

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Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

•Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, 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 (type depends on your landscape)

•JTL-12555 Jet-Lube SS-30 - To ensure good connection with aluminum. Also used on the

threads of the Stainless Steel Hardware to prevent galling and aid in proper tightening

torque.

Installation

Site Selection

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

59 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

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

make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 59 feet). There should also be a clear diameter of 65

feet from the antenna for the radial system that will extend away from the antenna.

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

65 feet long is preferred and highly recommended to help overcome unknown poor-soil conditions,

improve bandwidth, and ensure the best performance possible from

the vertical antenna. The DXE-RADW-32RT Radial Wire Kit

supplied with this antenna system includes twenty 32 foot long

radial wires with ring terminals installed (on one end of the wires).

The wire is 14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC

insulation 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 are

connected to the shield of your feedline when using the included DXE-1023 N-Type Bulkhead

connector. The included DXE-RADP-3 Stainless Steel Radial Plate (patented) is 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 optional 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

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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.

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 wall 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 adequate time for the concrete to completely set. 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-2 shipping boxes contain all of the parts required for the vertical antenna

construction.

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

and 72” long. The 2" OD base element section is drilled for the feedpoint connection. The top 3/8"

OD section and the base section do 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.

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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, allowing easier disassembly and to

ensure proper tightening.

Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using a 2" OD (maximum)

Mounting Pipe already installed per the previous instructions.

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Install the included DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate (patented) on the 2" OD mounting pipe using the

included DXE-SSVC-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. Position the Radial Plate with the feedpoint

hardware hole as shown in Figure 3.This will ensure the Tilt Base action will not interfere with the

feedline wire assembly. The DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate comes with 20 sets of stainless steel

hardware for mounting the radial wires. For reference, Figure 11 shows the completed antenna

installation.

Figure 1 - DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Installation

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Attaching the included 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 included DXE-RADW-32RT Pre-Assembled Radial Wire Kit 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 are available in case

you loose some hardware, or decide to add more radial wires.

Space the radials 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.

Radial Wire Pattern

Figure 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation

- 7 -

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 4-1/2" clearance between the bottom of the tilt base plate, to the top

of the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate as shown in Figure 3.

Make sure the Tilt Base and DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate are oriented correctly for the

direction you wish to tilt the antenna. See Figure 8 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 3

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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.

Refer to Figure 4and 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.

Figure - 4

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 and tighten.

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

the DXE-FP-WIRE-N Feedline Assembly attaches to this hardware in a later step. Figure 5shows

the installed feedpoint hardware.

Figure 5

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Install the lower antenna element 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 6. 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 6. This helps ensure when the feedline is connected, it will not interfere with the

tilt action.

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 6

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