DX Engineering DXE-TW2010 User manual

TW Antennas

Mono and Multi-Band

Vertical Dipole Antenna Systems

DXE-TW Series

DXE-TW-SERIES-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: [email protected]

- 1 -

Introduction

The DX Engineering TW Antenna systems are designed with 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum

tubing, tough fiberglass, easy to use assembly parts and stainless steel hardware. These antennas are

very durable and attractive with their black powder coating for added stealth in an HOA or portable

environment.

The TW antenna is an omni-directional center fed vertical dipole with a very low radiation take-off

angle (approximately 27 degrees above the horizon), allowing for very long skip using low power

on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters.

Systems include Remote or Manual switching Multi-Band operations covering 20, 17, 15, 12, and

10 meters or Mono-Band systems for 80, 60, 40 or 30 meters. You can also use one of the multi-

band systems and enhance your operating capabilities by adding the mono-band components.

There are multiple packaged combinations as well as individual parts, available for customizing the

best system for your specific requirements.

The TW antenna system is only 8-1/4 feet tall and 5 feet wide and can be set up easily in practically

any location by one person. No more trying to string up wires or getting tangled up in trees for

portable operations. You supply the coax and your own powered transceiver. It's perfect for portable

operations, anywhere and anytime.

For backpacking and general camping and travel a custom travel/storage bag holds all of the

antenna components for easy transportation or storage is also available.

For portable use, the lightweight Quadrastand lets you set up your DX Engineering HF Portable TW

Antenna wherever you happen to be. Think about special operating events like the Scouts Jamboree

On-The-Air (JOTA), Field Day, SOTA (Summits On-The-Air), Ohio State Parks On The Air

(OSPOTA) and more.

One person can easily and quickly set up the antenna system allowing you to devote your time to

being on the air and having fun making contacts.

Features

Two Multi-Band models and 4 Mono-Band models

Tough 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum antenna components

Black powder coat finish for stealthy operation (Quadrastand has gray legs)

Power Handling: 1200 W SSB, 800 W CW, 500 W RTTY, 375 W AM

Band Width 200 kHz 20 m, Entire Band on 17, 15 and 12m, 1210 kHz on 10 m*

Typical Minimum SWR 1.1:1 on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 m*

Mono-Band versions available for 80, 60, 30 and 40 meters

Antenna is only 8-1/4 feet tall by 5 feet wide

Permanent Ground Mount or Portable Quadrastand

Light, easy to transport - approximately 10 pounds

* Test conditions: 100 feet of RG8/U coax, 100 W output power, antenna mounted approximately 24” above

ground with no external objects, metallic or otherwise, within 25 foot radius of the antenna.

- 2 -

Part Numbers and Package Combinations Available

Part Number

Description

DXE-TW2010

Remote Multiband Center Section, 5 Band, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 meters

DXE-TW2010L

Manual Multiband Center Section, 5-Band, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 meters

DXE-TW8080

80 meter Mono-band Center Section

DXE-TW6060

60 meter Mono-band Center Section

DXE-TW4040

40 meter Mono-band Center Section

DXE-TW3030

30 meter Mono-band Center Section

DXE-TW-BAS-BTM

Antenna Bottom Section

DXE-TW-BAS-TOP

Antenna Top Section

DXE-TW-AQ

Quadrastand

DXE-TW-PMP

Permanent Mounting Pole

DXE-TW-CCX

Remote Control Extension Cable

DXE-TW-DXBAG

Custom TW Antenna Travel/Storage Bag

DXE-8XDX075

75 foot RG8X Coaxial Cable assembly

DXE-TW-COVER

Custom Cover for Single Center Sections

DXE-TW2010

DXE-TW2010L

DXE-TW8080

DXE-TW6060

DXE-TW4040

DXE-TW3030

DXE-TW-AQ

DXE-TW-BAS-BTM

DXE-TW-BAS-TOP

DXE-TW-CCX

DXE-TW-DXBAG

DXE-TW-PMP

DXE-8XDX-075

DXE-TW-COVER

Package Part Number

Package Name

DXE-TW-2010-P

5-Band Adventurer

DXE-TW-2010L-P

5-Band Explorer

DXE-TW-2010P-P

5-Band Globetrotter

DXE-TW-8080-P

80 Meter Solo Explorer

DXE-TW-6060-P

60 Meter Solo Explorer

DXE-TW-4040-P

40 Meter Solo Explorer

DXE-TW-3030-P

30 Meter Solo Explorer

X = Included o = Optional

- 3 -

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.

NOTE: Some older versions of the TW Antennas are not compatible with current production

parts. The original manufacturer of TW Antennas had changed the design more than once

and newer parts will not fit some older models. Call DX Engineering to verify if your old TW

Antenna will be compatible with currently produced parts and assemblies.

Additional Material Needed/Suggested but not Supplied:

Coaxial Cable - Minimum of 65 feet in length. Suggested coaxial cable is the DX

Engineering DXE-8XDX075 - RG-8X, 16 AWG Copper, Type II-A Non-Contaminating

PVC Jacket, with PL-259s on each end.

Guy Rope and Anchors –should be used if the antenna is subjected to winds or blowing

snow conditions.

Tools Required

Phillips Screwdriver - to open the center sections for fine tuning.

Although the TW antennas are tuned at the factory, you may need to fine tune your antenna for

optimum efficiency and operation. The Rig Expert line of Antenna Analyzers will facilitate the fine

tuning of the TW Antenna:

REU-AA-230 Zoom - https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/reu-aa-230zoom

C6ADX Portable

- 4 -

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 other long tools, keep

them at least 10 feet away from all overhead lines - including any lines from the power pole to your

home.

For operational performance, the TW antenna should be a minimum of 25 feet from any objects,

metallic or otherwise including power lines.

Installation

General Installation Information

Note: The TW Antenna center sections are not weatherproof

and should not be subjected to rain, snow, dust storms, etc. If

you intend to use the antenna outdoors for extended

periods or when subjected to harsh weather, we suggest

you protect the center section. The optional DXE-TW-

COVER is custom made to fit over the center section of the

TW Antenna. This cover has a Velcro®with a rubber seal

adjustable top band to make a snug water tight seal and a flap

on the rear to allow the coaxial cable and control line cable to

exit without having water enter the center section. The DXE-TW-COVER fits all of the center

sections except for the 80 center meter section. To protect the 80 meter center section, which has

two matching boxes, use a plastic bag and tape to seal it from the harsh environment.

All of the models available have similar parts and the installation of each model is almost identical.

The Top and Bottom parts of the antenna are the same for all models. The center section is different

Center Section Cover Cover Installed

- 5 -

depending on the model (Multi-Band or Mono-Band) and the support at the bottom of the antenna is

either the permanent mount or the Quadrastand.

The following installation instructions are for the 5-Band Explorer system (DXE-TW-2010-P)

which includes the antenna, remote band switching center section, control box, control cable and the

Quadrastand.

An optional travel/storage bag is available from DX Engineering that will hold all of the antenna

components.

Site Selection

Select a mounting location clear from power lines and structures by a minimum of 25 feet.

Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The TW Antenna should be used well

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

tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. For operational performance, the antenna should be a minimum

of 25 feet from any objects, metallic or otherwise.

Support Assembly

The support used depends on your

installation and preference: The

Quadrastand (DXE-TW-AQ) is a four

leg mini stand that is easy to assemble

and will hold the antenna up in the proper

orientation. The Permanent Mounting

Assembly (DXE-TW-PMP) may be

used if you are mounting the antenna in a

location that will be permanent.

Quadrastand Assembly

Slip the four legs into the center section

of the Quadrastand (DXE-TW-AQ) as

shown.

Once in place, slip the holding bracket

into the bottom of the center section as

shown and hand tighten the wing nut.

The holding bracket keeps the four legs

from falling out of the center section

when you pick it up.

- 6 -

Permanent Mounting Assembly

The Permanent Mounting Assembly (DXE-TW-PMP) consists of insulator rod attached to an

aluminum tube using stainless steel hardware. The assembly can be installed with or without the use

of concrete. Though concrete will provide a more secure, permanent

base for your antenna, it will be difficult to remove or re-position later.

The assembly should be inserted about 24” into the ground, exposing

24”of the assembly above ground.

It is suggested that the antenna be tried in an area using the permanent

mounting assembly in a hole in the ground before concreting, in case

the antenna needs to be moved later. Once you are sure of the location

for the antenna, the Permanent Mounting Assembly can be concreted

into place, if desired.

Warning: The fiberglass insulating rod is not hammer-proof. Do not

pound the Permanent Mounting Assembly into the ground like a

stake. Permanent damage to the fiberglass insulating rod could occur.

If it is necessary to drive the assembly into the ground, first remove the

fiberglass insulating rod using a 5/32” Allen wrench and a 7/16” socket.

Drive the aluminum permanent mounting tube into the ground using a

rubber mallet. Alternatively, a conventional hammer can be used if a

wooden board is laid over the aluminum mounting tube before striking.

Antenna Bottom Section

Unfold the two arms on the Antenna Bottom Section

(DXE-TW-BAS-BTM) until they are perpendicular to the

center tube as shown. Once the arms are in place, hand-

tighten the knobs to keep them in place.

Insert the bottom section into the Quadrastand as shown.

Once in place, hand-tighten the knobs in place to hold the

bottom section securely. (This example uses the

Quadrastand).

- 7 -

Antenna Center Section

Insert the Center Section into the bottom of the antenna

as shown. Once in place, hand-tighten the knobs in

place to hold the bottom section securely. (This photo

shows the manual tune center section).

Antenna Top Section Unfold the two arms on the Antenna Top Section

(DXE-TW-BAS-TOP) until they are perpendicular

to the center tube as shown. Once the arms are in

place, hand-tighten the knobs to keep them in place.

Insert the Antenna Top Section into the Center

Section as shown. Once in place, hand-tighten the

knobs in place to hold the top section securely.

- 8 -

Control Cable and Control Console

Attach the 65 foot control cable (DXE-TW-CCX) to the rear of the Remote Multi-Band Center

Section as shown. Align the connector and push it on and tighten the collar clockwise. (Reverse it to

remove the cable.) Run the control cable (and the coaxial cable) at a 45 degree angle from the rear

of the antenna as shown. IMPORTANT: Run the coaxial cable (and the control Cable) at a 45

degree angle from the rear of the antenna as shown. If the cable is not long enough for your

installation, you can obtain an optional second control cable to make the control run 130 feet long.

Connect the Control Cable to the rear of the Control Console. Align the connector and screw on the

collar in a clockwise direction. Reverse to remove. Without the cable connected, the antenna will

only work on 20 meters.

Connect +13.6 Vdc, 200 ma minimum well filtered DC to the rear of the Control Console as shown

(Stripe or White Dashed line is Positive, Black is Negative) using the included 2.1 mm power cord.

The Remote Control Console front panel has one six

position rotary switch and five red LEDs.

Switch position one is OFF, the next clockwise

position is ON and selects 20 meters (LED Turns ON).

Continue turning clockwise and you will see which

band is selected by which LED is on. Turn completely

counter clockwise to turn power off.

- 9 -

Coaxial Cable Connection

Connect the suggested 75 feet of coaxial cable (DXE-8XDX075) to the SO-239 on the rear of the

Remote Multi-Band Center Section as

shown. Run the coaxial cable (and the

control cable) at a 45 degree angle from

the rear of the antenna as shown. Run the

coaxial cable (and the control Cable) at

a 45 degree angle from the rear of the

antenna as shown.

Connect the coaxial cable to your

transceiver RF output. Transceivers that

have an internal tuner should be able to

handle any slight mismatch with no

problem.

Manual Center Section Band Switching

When using the Manual Tune Center Section (DXE-TW-

2010L) select the band of operation by inserting the two

jumpers in their appropriate holes (one in the top band

selection and one in the bottom band selection). Make sure

the power is OFF and there is no RF being transmitted!

The Jumpers have banana plugs on the ends and plug into

the printer circuit board. Make sure they are pushed in all the

way. There are two jumpers - one for the top part of the

antenna and one for the bottom part of the antenna. Both of

the jumpers must be plugged in and must be on the same

band.

Fine Tuning

Even though the antenna center sections (all models) are factory tuned, you may find that additional

tuning may be required for your particular installation. Some minor adjustments may be necessary to

tune the antenna to the desired center frequency for each band. Check the tuning of the antenna using an

antenna analyzer before performing the tuning process. Tuning is accomplished by varying the

distance between the turns on the coils internal to the center section.

A quality antenna analyzer should be used, not your transceiver’s SWR meter. Disconnect the

coaxial cable from the transceiver.

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