DX Engineering DXE-40VE-2 User manual

40 Meter
Vertical Antenna
with Top Hat
DXE-40VE-2
DXE-40VE-2-INS-Revision 0
© DX Engineering 2013
P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491 USA
Phone: [phone]
Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

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Table of Contents
Introduction
2
Features
2
Warning
2
Tools Required
3
DXE-40VE-2 Parts List
3
Manual Updates
3
Suggested Parts Not Included
4
Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
4
Installation
4
Site Selection
4
Radial System
5
Mounting Pipe
5
Assembly
6
Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
7
Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate
7
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
8
Vertical Base Section
8
Base Section to Tilt Base
10
Assembling the Vertical Sections
11
Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
15
Top Hat
Top Hat Parts List
16
Top Hat Assembly
17
Raising The Vertical
21
Feedpoint Connection
22
Tuning the Vertical
24
Operation on 30 meters
25
Guying a Vertical Antenna System
26
Optional Accessory Items
27
Technical Support and Warranty
31

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Introduction
The DX Engineering 40VE-2 is a fast taper single-band vertical antenna system with a low profile
top hat assembly and is slightly less than 25 feet in height. The vertical antenna is specifically
designed for low visibility, great for HOA restricted areas, while providing optimum performance
on 40 meters. The DXE-40VE-2 can be modified for single-band operation on 30 meters by
shortening the height. 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,
attractive and offers a low profile that will blend into the surroundings in areas where antennas may
be restricted.
Features
The DXE-40VE-2 vertical antenna system includes the vertical antenna elements, custom designed
top hat assembly using the patented DX Engineering MPH-1 Hub (US Patent No. 7,321,340) and
the patented DX Engineering End Insulators (US Patent No. D 534,905). All stainless steel clamps
element clamps, mounting plate assembly with a robust EXTREN®channel insulator, patented laser
cut DX Engineering Tilt Base with stainless steel hardware (US Patent No. 7,432,875). All stainless
steel Feedpoint Hardware, Cast Aluminum DX Engineering Saddle Clamps with Stainless Steel U-
Bolts and two DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel Mounting Clamps.
Full band coverage on 40 meters - Can be modified for full band coverage on 30 meters
Less than 25 feet overall height for 40 Meters - 15 Feet overall height if used on 30 meters
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

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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
Tape measure
Felt-tip marker
DXE-40VE-2 Parts List
Description
Quantity
Description
Quantity
Tilt Base Assembly (patented)
Antenna Elements and Element Clamps
Tilt Base, 3/16" Laser Cut Stainless Steel
1
2.00 x 0.125" x 36" Tube (Drilled)
1
DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle Clamp
2
2.125" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split both ends)
1
Tilt Base, Mast Mount EXTREN®Channel
1
2.000" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
Tilt Base Plate, Aluminum
1
1.875" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 x 2" Hex Head Bolt, full thread
4
1.750" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4" Flat Washer
4
1.625" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4" Split Washer
4
1.500" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4" Dia. X 1/4" x 1/2" OD Aluminum Spacer
4
1.375" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 Hex Nut
4
1.250" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD
4
1.125" x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 Flanged Nut
2
DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp
1
1/4-20 Nyloc Nut
4
DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp
2
3/8" U-Bolt Kits w/Alum. Saddles & Hardware
2
DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp
2
Black Top Vinyl Cap - 1-1/8” ID
1
Feedpoint Connection Hardware
Top Hat Assembly
1/4-20 x 1" Hex Head Bolt, full thread
1
DXE-MPH-1 Multi-purpose Hub (patented)
1
1/4" External Tooth Washer
2
40VA-2 Top Hat Support Bracket
3
1/4" Flat Washer
2
DXE End Insulator (patented)
3
1/4-20 Hex nut
2
1/4-20 x 1-1/4” Hex Head Bolt, full thread
3
1/4-20 x 1” Hex Head Bolt, full thread
3
1/4-20 Square Nut
3
1/4-20 Hex Nut
6
1/4” Split Lock Washer
6
1/4” Flat Washer
6
1/4” External Tooth Washer
3
#10 Aluminum Spacer
3
#10 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt
6
#10 Thin Flat Washer
6
#10 External Tooth Washer
6
#10-24 Nyloc Hex Nut
6
Top Hat Wire Assembly w/ #10 Ring Term
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.

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Suggested Parts Not Included
DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate (US Patent No. 6,927,740 and D533,167):
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 wanting 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 65 Ft lengths.
DXE-112-KIT - DX Engineering Chassis Mount Coaxial Connector
DX Engineering Chassis Mount Connectors are RF connectors that provide a positive,
secure connection for your coaxial connections to you radio or antenna system. Offering
high-quality Amphenol® and non-Amphenol brand SO-239 chassis mount connectors for
you to choose from, with silver plated conductors and PTFE dielectric or glass-reinforced
PBT insulation to ensure the best performance for your application. SO-239 panel mount connectors
are also available and all connectors come with the correct hardware.
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.
Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
35 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 35 feet). There should also be a clear area around the
antenna for the guying and radial system that will extend away from the antenna.

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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
Support 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
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

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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-40VE-2 is shipped in multiple boxes. Carefully unpack the boxes and identify the parts
using the parts list.
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.
Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using a 2" OD Mounting
Pipe, with the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate option.

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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
is mounted.
Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3
Radial Plate Installation
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 that come with the optional Radial Plate) 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.

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Radial Wire Pattern
Figure 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
Install the Tilt Base to the customer supplied
2" OD mounting pipe using the two included
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. 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 and optional 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. Figure 3
Any clamp should be tightened evenly from side-to-side with an equal amount of thread above each
nut.
Vertical Base Section
The base section is made up of an EXTREN®insulated mounting channel, an aluminum 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.

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Using Figure 4, 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
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 6.
The base section tube should extend 1" beyond the bottom of the insulated channel.
The feedpoint hardware should be coming out on the left side as you look at the lower section as
shown in Figure 5.
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 5