DX Engineering DXE-MBVE-1 User manual

Multi-Band

Vertical Antenna

160 through 10 Meters

DXE-MBVE-1

DXE-MBVE-1-INS-Revision 16f

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

Features

Warning

Tools Required

DXE-MBVE-1 Parts List

Manual Updates

Suggested Parts Not Included

Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied

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 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

Coaxial Cable and 160 Meter Notes

Tuning the Vertical

Guying a Vertical Antenna System

Optional Accessory Items

Technical Support and Warranty

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Introduction

The DX Engineering MBVE-1 is a fast taper 43 feet high multi-band vertical antenna system. The

vertical antenna operates from 160 meters through 10 meters using a good quality outboard

customer supplied tuner. 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.

Features

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

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

Full band coverage from 160 through 10 meters - Outboard customer supplied tuner required

45 feet overall height

Tilt Base 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

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-MBVE-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 36" Tube. (Split one end)

Tilt Base Plate

1.875" x 0.058" x 36" 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-020 - Element Clamp

1/4" Flat Washer

DXE-ECL-040 - Element Clamp

1/4-20 Hex nut

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

DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp

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) for the latest revision manual.

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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 43

foot tall 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.

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 - optimized for 43 foot verticals

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 / Teflon® 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 laser cut patented Aluminum Mounting Plate 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.

Parts List for the DXE-UN-BRKT

Qty

Description

Laser Cut Aluminum Mounting Bracket for the DXE-UN-43

# 6 x 1/2" long Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolts

# 6 Flat Washer

# 6 Nyloc Nut

Custom Stainless Steel 90 degree studded Element Clamp

5/16" thick x 3/8" OD Aluminum Spacer for #10 Hardware

# 10 Nyloc Nut

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DXE-TCB-UNFK - Feed Point Connection Kit

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

antenna system.

DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate (patented):

Made from Laser Cut Stainless Steel with 20 Sets of Stainless Steel Radial Attachment

Hardware. The DX Engineering Radial Plate is meant for those of you having a

vertical antenna and want an easy, neat and effective way to connect those essential

radial wires to your antenna system for the highest efficiency and strongest signals.

DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Clamp:

One required for mounting the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate to the antenna mounting

pipe of 1" to 2" outside diameter.

DXE-RADW Radial Wire Kits and Components:

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.

DXE-GUY-200 Guying Kit for Vertical Antennas:

Some vertical 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 four-point guying scheme provides the best

mechanical advantage to reduce wind stress, regardless of direction. A four point

guying system is recommended for use with the DX Engineering Tilt Base, because just

one of the guy ropes has to be loosened when you tilt the vertical down. The remaining

guys help stabilize the vertical in three directions when being raised.

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.

Guy Rope and Anchors –DXE-GUY200-KIT contains 4 screw-in earth anchors and two

100 foot rolls of Dacron/polyester rope.

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Installation

Site Selection

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

55 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 55 feet). There should also be a clear diameter of 70

feet from the antenna for the guying and radial systems 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. 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

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 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

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 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

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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-MBVE-1 shipping box contains 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. All of the element sections are 36"

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.

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.

- 8 -

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

Pipe, with the following options: DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate, DXE-UN-43

UNUN, DXE-UN-BRKT Mounting bracket for the UNUN, and DXE-TCB-

UNFK Feedpoint kit for the UNUN.

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

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

optional DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp 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. 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

and the optional DXE- UN-43 UNUN are mounted. (For reference, Figure 15 shows the completed

installation.)

Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3

Radial Plate Installation

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Attaching the optional Ground Radial Wires to the optional Radial Plate

Using the 20 sets of supplied 1/4" stainless steel hardware (Bolt, Star Washer, Flat 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 65 Ft 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.

Radial Wire Pattern

Figure 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation

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