DX Engineering DXE-30VE-1 User manual

30 Meter
Vertical Antenna
DXE-30VE-1
DXE-30VE-1-INS-Revision 12b
© DX Engineering 2012
P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
Introduction
1
Warning
2
Overhead Power Line Safety
2
Tools Required
2
Parts Included
3
Installation
3
Site Selection
3
Mounting Pipe
4
Radial System
4
Assembly
5
Vertical Base Section
6
Base Section to Mounting Pipe
7
Assembling the Vertical Sections
7
Tuning the Vertical Antenna System
10
Guying the Vertical Antenna System
11
Appendix A - Optional Radial Plate
12
Appendix B - Optional Tilt Base
13
Appendix C - Optional Vertical Feedline Current Choke
14
Optional Accessory Items
15
Technical Support and Warranty
19
Introduction
The DX Engineering DXE-30VE-1 is a fast taper 24 feet high, 30 meter monoband vertical antenna
system. The vertical antenna operates over the entire 30 meter band with a SWR less than 1.5:1.
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.
The antenna may be used as a monoband antenna on a higher frequency by simply telescoping the
tubing inward to a quarter wavelength on the desired band.

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The DXE-30VE-1 vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel clamps,
mounting plate assembly, and stainless steel hardware.
Full band coverage on 30 meters with SWR under 1.5:1 - No Tuner needed
24 feet overall height
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
Perfect for Four Square or Phased Array systems
Easily shortened for resonance on higher bands
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.
Tools Required
Two 7/16 wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)
Medium size standard screwdriver or 5/16 nut driver for the element clamps
3/16 and 1/4 nut drivers or wrenches
Tape measure and Felt-tip marker.
Antenna analyzer. The MFJ-259B is a suggested unit to facilitate the fine tuning of the vertical
antenna system.

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Parts Included
Description
Quantity
Mount Plate
1
Mast Mount Channel
1
3/8 U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg, Saddle & Hardware
2
1/4-20 x 1" Hex Head Bolt
1
1/4" Star Washer
2
DXE-CAVS-1P V-Saddle Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp
2
Black Vinyl Cap
1
1/4-20 x 2" Hex Head Bolt, full thread
4
Aluminum Spacer
4
1/4-20 Hex Nut
6
1/4" Split Washer
4
1/4" Flat Washer
10
Antenna Element Parts
Quantity
2" (2.00") x 36" Tube, Drilled (slit one end)
1
1-7/8" (1.875") x 18" Tube, Cut, Drilled
1
1-7/8" (1.875") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-3/4" (1.750") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-5/8" (1.625") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-1/2" (1.500") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-3/8" (1.375") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-1/4" (1.250") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-1/8" (1.125") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1" (1.000") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
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.
Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
34 feet (24 + 10 for the 10 foot safety rule). Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and
wires. The further away the vertical is mounted from local noise sources or other metallic objects,
which can re-radiate noise and affect the tuning, radiation pattern and SWR, the better. If you are

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installing the optional DXE-TB-4P Tilt Base, determine the direction you want the antenna to tilt
down and make sure there is adequate clearance. There should be sufficient room for a radial
system that should extend away from the antenna equally in all directions, if possible.
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
2 feet above ground. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4" OD maximum is
recommended with a minimum thickness of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should be
used. The standard 1-1/4" galvanized water pipe (with its approximate 1.7" 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 2 feet of pipe and a couple inches of
gravel at the bottom for drainage. Set the 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. Fill the hole until the concrete is level with
the ground around it. Use a level as you fill the hole to be sure the pipe is
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.
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 20 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at
20 feet long is preferred and highly recommended. The extra radials may help overcome unknown
poor-soil conditions, improve efficiency, and ensure the best performance possible from the vertical
antenna. Longer radials should be used for improved performance on the lowest frequency to be
used if your plans call for 60 or more radials. DXE-RADW Radial Wire Kits, are stranded 14 gauge
copper wire with a relaxed PVC insulation is suggested for the best results.
The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible 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.
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,

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people, or animals. Grass will quickly overgrow the radials and they will be virtually impossible to
see. An article describing this process is available 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.
Assembly
The DXE-30VE-1 shipping box contains the vertical tubing sections, an insulated U-channel, two
U-Bolt assemblies, a backing plate, eight stainless steel element clamps, a black vinyl cap, and
stainless steel hardware.
Carefully un-box the antenna and separate the various parts. Eight of the element sections are 36"
long. The base element section is 36" long and nested inside the base element section is an 18"
section for added wall strength to the base element section. The base section drilled for the
feedpoint connection. 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 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.
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.
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-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

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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 DXE-P8A Penetrox A is highly recommended. Penetrox A is an electrical joint
compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts such as
telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Penetrox A 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.
Vertical Base Section
The base section is made up of an insulated mounting channel, an aluminum mount plate and the
base antenna section which is 36" long, with a hole drilled at one end. Nested inside the base
antenna section is an 18" piece of tubing with a hole drilled at one end, to add wall strength to the
base.
If you have
chosen to use
the optional
TB-4P Tilt
Base, refer to
the DXE-TB-
4P manual. You
will be using a
smaller
mounting plate.
Using Figure 1,
attach the
mounting plate
to the back of
the insulated
Figure 1 channel using
four 2" bolts, eight flat washers, four spacers, four split washers, and four nuts. Tighten firmly, but
not enough to crush the insulated channel. The spacers are required when the optional Tilt Base is
installed. They are being installed as shown on this plate to act as a washer and for safe keeping.
Locate the 36" base element section tube. The 18" tube is installed in the
36" tube aligning the feed through mounting holes. Install the feedpoint
hardware as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2

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Install the lower tube on to the insulated channel using the two 3/8" x 2" U-Bolts, two saddle
clamps, four flat washers, four split washers, and four nuts as shown in Figure 1. Use the outer
upper and lower holes of the channel. 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.
Base Section to Mounting Pipe
Attach the completed base section to your steel ground mounted pipe using the two DXE-CAVS-1P
Saddle Clamps included, as shown in Figure 3. The standard 1-1/4" galvanized water pipe (with its
approximate 1.7" OD) is just fine for this application and can usually be found at your local home
building supply store. Use two V-Bolts, two saddles, four nuts, four flat and four split washers.
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 the nut.
(This view shown without
insulated channel for clarity)
Figure 3
Assembling the Vertical Sections
Assemble the vertical in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length of the antenna
during assembly. Lay the element tubing out in descending diameter sizes of 1-7/8", 1-3/4", 1-5/8",
1-1/2", 1-3/8", 1-1/4", 1-1/8", and 1" with the slits in the element tubes toward the top of the
antenna (the 1" top element section does have slits but is installed with the slits downward). The
bottom element section you previously mounted in the base section is 36" long and all the other
element sections are 36" long.
Note: DXE-P8A -Penetrox A Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element
sections. Penetrox 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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Using a felt tip pen, measure and mark each of the 36" element sections at 4" as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
Locate the eight Element Clamps. Refer to Figure 6 for the placement of the different sized element
clamps. Slide the clamps over each element section before putting them together. Align the clamps
facing the same direction. For final assembly, all the clamps should be positioned close to the top of
each section and the body of the clamp should be positioned between the slits as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
Using Figure 6 on the next page, start the assembly with the bottom 1-7/8" section. Insert the
marked end of the 1-3/4" section into the 1-7/8" section until the 4 inch mark is even with the top of
the 1-7/8" section.
Position an element clamp at the very end, but not hanging over. Make sure the body of the clamp is
positioned between the slits and tighten securely.
Repeat the procedure for the each of the sections using the element clamps as required.

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Overall height
is 292"
24 ft 4 in
prior to final
adjustment.
Figure 6 - Antenna Assembly