DX Engineering DXE-60VE-1P User manual

60 Meter
Vertical
Antenna
DXE-60VE-1P
DXE-60VE-1P-INS Revision 12
© DX Engineering 2016
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: DXE[email protected]

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Table of Contents
Introduction
1
Warning
3
Tools Required
3
Manual Updates
3
Parts Included
4
Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
4
Installation
5
Site Selection
5
Mounting Pipe
5
Radial System
6
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 Element Sections
12
Mating the Vertical Element Sections to the Tilt Base
15
Raising the Vertical
15
Feedline Connections
16
Installing the DXE-VMN-1
17
Tuning the Vertical
18
Guying a Vertical Antenna System
19
Optional Accessory Items
20
Technical Support and Warranty
23

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Introduction
The DX Engineering DXE-60VE-1P is a fast taper 43 feet high vertical antenna system. As
supplied, the vertical antenna is designed to operate on 60 meters. Manufactured with 6063
corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very durable and
attractive.
The DXE-60VE-1P vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel clamps,
mounting plate assembly, patented Tilt Base, and stainless steel hardware and the DXE-VMN-1
Vertical Matching Network.
•Full 60 meter band coverage with SWR under 1.5:1
•43 feet overall height
•Includes the patented DXE Tilt Base (US Patent No. 7,342,875)
•Fast Taper from rugged base to sleek top for low wind resistance
•Power Handling up to 5 kW - built to last
•Includes the DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network to optimize 60 meters
•Perfect for Four Square or Phased Array systems
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)
3/16" Allen wrench
Medium size standard screwdriver or 5/16" & 1/4 " nut drivers for the element clamps
3/16" and 1/4" nut drivers or wrenches
Hacksaw
Tape measure and Felt-tip marker
Antenna analyzer. The MFJ-259C is the suggested unit to facilitate the fine tuning of the
vertical antenna system.
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.
Parts Included
Description
Quantity
Mount Plate
1
Mast Mount Channel, Extren®
1
Tilt Base (Patented)
1
Aluminum Spacer
4
2" U-Bolt Saddle Clamp 3/8" (with saddles, washers & nuts)
2
DXE-ECL-0500 - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-0625 - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-0875 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-1000 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-1250 - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-1500 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-1750 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-2000 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-2250 - Element Clamp
2
Black Vinyl Cap
1
Antenna Element Parts
Quantity
Antenna Element Parts
Quantity
2-1/8" (2.125") x 36 Tube (slit both ends)
1
1-1/4" (1.250") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
2" (2.00") x 36" Tube, Drilled
1
1-1/8" (1.125") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
2" (2.00") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1" (1.000") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-7/8" (1.875") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
7/8" (0.875") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-3/4" (1.750") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
3/4" (0.750") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-5/8" (1.625") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
5/8" (0.625") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1-1/2" (1.500") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
1/2" (0.500") x 36" Tube
1
1-3/8" (1.375") x 36" Tube (slit one end)
1
DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Matching Network
1
The patented Tilt Base kit includes:
1
Tilt Base Plate
4
1/4-20 Stainless Standard Hex Nuts
4
1/4-20 x 2 " Stainless Hex Head Bolts
2
1/4" Stainless Flanged Hex Nuts
4
1/4" Stainless Flat Washers
4
1/4" Stainless Nyloc Locknuts
4
1/4" Stainless Split Washers
4
1/4" Stainless Fender Washers
2
DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamps (secures the Tilt Base Adapter Plate to the 2” OD max antenna mounting mast)

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Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied:
•Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, up to 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
•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.
•DXE-RADP-3 - Radial Plate: The most effective way to connect those essential radial
wires and the feedline coax to your vertical antenna for the maximum efficiency and
strongest signals. All stainless construction and includes 20 sets of radial connection
hardware. Additional radial components available.
•DXE-RAD-1HWK - Stainless Steel Radial Plate Hardware: Additional 20 Sets of all
Stainless Steel Radial Hardware for use with the DXE-RADP-3Radial Plate
•DXE-RADW - Radial Wire Kits: DXE-RADW-500K/BD contains a 500 foot spool of 14
gauge PVC insulated black copper stranded wire with 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 PVC insulated black copper stranded wire with 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-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Clamp. One for the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate.
•Guy Rope and Anchors – DXE-GUY200-KIT contains 4 screw-in earth anchors and 2 100
foot rolls of Dacron/polyester rope to guy the DXE-60VE-1P in four directions. Additional
guy rope is available from DX Engineering in several diameters and lengths.
Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
55 feet (45 plus 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. When using
the 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 will extend away from
the antenna equally in all directions, if possible.

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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 approximately 2 feet above ground. A thick-walled
steel pipe 1-3/4" OD to 2" OD maximum is required 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 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
At a minimum, 20 radials, each 32 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at
32 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, a stranded 14 gauge copper wire with a black 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,
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.

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Assembly
The DXE-60VE-1P shipping box contains the vertical tubing element sections, an insulated U-
channel, two 3/8" U-Bolts, saddles with hardware, a backing plate, a Tilt Base, 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 and has the feedpoint connection installed. 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: 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, with the optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate. 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.

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Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
Install the optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate on the 2" OD (maximum) mounting pipe
using an optional DXE-SSCV-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. 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. For reference, Figure 7 shows a completed assembly.
Figure 1 - DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Installation
Attaching 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, Hex 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.
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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Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
Install the patented Tilt Base to the 2" OD (maximum) mounting pipe using two DXE-SSVC-2P V-
Bolt Saddle Clamps allowing approximately 7" 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
optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate are oriented correctly for the direction you wish to tilt the
antenna. 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
Vertical Base Section
The base section is made up of an insulated mounting channel with hardware, a mounting plate, two
U-Bolt Saddle Clamp assemblies and the thick wall base antenna section which is 36" long, (with a
hole drilled at bottom end having the feedpoint hardware pre-installed) and slits at the top end.
Using Figure 4, align the holes on the mounting plate and insulated channel. Attach the aluminum
mount plate to the back of the insulated channel using four of the 2" bolts, four aluminum spacers,
four flat washers, four split washers, and four nuts. Tighten firmly, but not enough to crush the
insulated channel.
Figure 4

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Locate the 36" base-section tube. This is the 2" OD, thick wall (1/8" thick) section that has a hole
drilled for the feedpoint hardware. Install the feedpoint hardware as shown in Figure 5using the 1"
hex head bolt, two star washers, two flat washers and 2 hex head nuts.
Figure 5
Install the lower section to the insulated channel using the two 3/8" x 2" U-Bolts, two saddles, four
flat washers, four split washers, and four nuts as shown in Figure 6. 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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Base Section to Tilt Base
Place the Lower Base Section into the holes of the Tilt Base and loosely install the Tilt Base
mounting hardware shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7

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Using a wrench or nut driver, securely tighten the two Nyloc nuts at the bottom of the Tilt Base.
Then loosen them one-half turn each. This will allow proper movement of the Tilt Base while
raising or lowering the antenna. It is not necessary to tighten these nuts more securely unless further
tilt operation is no longer required. They should not be loosened more than one-half turn at any
time.
Test the tilt function to ensure proper clearances. Standing in front of the Tilt Base, lift the antenna
base section, slide it to the right, and let it down slightly until the lower outside bolt is resting in the
pivot point. Then slowly tilt as shown in Figure 8. Make sure when you are tilting the antenna to
lift, slide to the right, and then tilt. Be careful to keep the pivot bolt resting in the pivot point.
Reverse the process when raising the antenna.
It is important to note that the lower, outside bolt
becomes the pivot point while raising or lowering
the antenna. This pivot bolt MUST be retained in
the pivot point. It seems natural to push the
antenna toward the Tilt Base while raising.
Gently pull up while raising, not pushing toward
the base since this could cause the pivot bolt to
lift out of the slot and allow the mechanism to
bind up and bend the lower bolts.
The Tilt Base is not made to support the whole antenna by itself when tilted. When the antenna is
tilted over, ensure you have some sort of table, stand, or saw horse to set the antenna on to aid in
supporting the weight. When the antenna is in the upright position, ensure the mounting hardware
(reference Figure 7) is tightened.
Figure - 8 - Tilt Action
Note: A pair of sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during
assembly with the tilt-base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. Do not allow the
Tilt Base to support the entire weight of the vertical when horizontal.

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Assembling the Vertical Element Sections
Assemble the vertical element in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length of the
antenna during assembly.
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.
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
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 JTL-12555 Jet-Lube SS-30 is highly recommended. Jet-Lube is an electrical joint
compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts such as
telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Jet-Lube assures high conductivity
at all voltage levels by displacing moisture and preventing corrosion or oxidation.

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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.
Using a felt tip pen, measure and mark the antenna element sections as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9
Locate the 15 Element Clamps.
Refer to Figure 11for clamp locations. Slide the clamps over the element sections before putting
them together. Align the clamps on each element section facing the same direction. For final
assembly, all the clamps should be positioned approximately 1/8" from the top of each element
section and the body of the clamp should be positioned between the slits as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10
Using Figure 11 on the next page, start the assembly with the bottom 2-1/8" element section. Insert
the marked end of the 2" section into the 2-1/8" element section until the mark is even with the top
of the 2" element section.
Position one of the DXE-ECL-2250 clamps 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 element sections using the Element Clamps as shown in Figure 11.

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Figure 11 - 60VE-1P
Vertical Antenna Assembly

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Mating the Vertical Element Sections to the Tilt Base
Note: A pair of sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during
assembly with the Tilt Base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. Do not allow
the tilt-base to support the entire weight of the vertical when horizontal.
With the base section in the tilted position, mate the vertical element sections to the base element
section by sliding the lower element section of the vertical antenna over the previously assembled
base section element. Slide it until the bottom section (mounted in the Tilt Base) has 32” exposed
(4 inch overlap). See Figure 11.
When the upper element sections are assembled together install the black vinyl cap in place at the
top of the smallest element section.
Raising the Vertical
DANGER: Make sure you have not inadvertently located the
antenna underneath power lines.
Residential power lines are often less than 40' high.
Contact With Any Power or Utility Lines Can Be Lethal !
The tilt-base certainly makes it easier however, this antenna can be challenging to put up the first
time or with gusty winds. If you have properly laid out your
optional guy system in advance, it will help keep the vertical
stable as you raise it – and stop you from going beyond vertical
at the apex of the lift.
Make sure the optional guy ropes are in the clear before you
begin. While raising the antenna, keep a gentle pulling pressure
away from the Tilt Base. This will ensure that the pivot point
bolt will not jump out of the pivot slot and cause the tilt
mechanism to bind up and bend the bolts.
Starting from the top of the antenna, walk it up slowly using an overhead hand-over-hand motion,
maintaining a slow and steady pace.
The antenna mounting channel must be kept in parallel
alignment with the tilt-base plate to prevent binding
until it is positioned in the Tilt Base. Once the antenna
is vertical, lift and slide the antenna toward the Tilt
Base mounting pipe to allow the two parts of the Tilt
Base to line up and drop down into the slots. Lightly
tighten the top flange nuts on the Tilt Base to hold the
antenna.

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Note: As you raise the antenna to the vertical position, it’s important to
maintain the parallel alignment between the antenna mounting channel
and the Tilt Base backing plate to minimize binding. Make sure the lower
tilt-base bolts are never excessively loose before raising. They should be
first tightened securely and then backed off no more than 1/2 turn
Once the antenna is fully raised, tighten the tilt base hardware (top two Nyloc nuts and two flange
nuts, bottom two Nyloc nuts).
Feedline Connections
The most efficient way to make a reliable feedline connection using customer supplied coaxial
cable is using the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate with the optional DXE-112-KIT SO-239
Chassis Mount Connector as shown in Figure 12.
Use a customer supplied insulated wire soldered on the center pin of the chassis mounted SO-239
(14 gage insulated wire is adequate - same wire used for DX Engineering Radial Wires) to a ring
terminal which is connected to the antenna feedpoint hardware. Make the wire long enough so it
will not bind when raising or lowering the antenna.
When connected in this manner, the customer supplied coaxial cable will feed the antenna and the
shield will have a positive and reliable connection to the radial field.
Figure 12 - Feedline connection using the optional DXE-112-KIT SO-239 Chassis Mount
with the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate
To minimize stress on the feedline connection, make sure the feed point connection has sufficient
slack when raising and lowering the vertical. Make sure all connections are tight.

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Installing the DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network
The DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network is custom designed for use with base-fed
quarter wave resonant vertical antenna systems. In some vertical antenna installations with excellent
radial systems, achieving the best SWR on a resonant vertical for 60 meters may be difficult without
some means of adjusting feedpoint impedance. The DXE-VMN-1 allows easy adjustment for
lowest SWR.
As an added benefit the DXE-VMN-1 will also act as a static bleed for your vertical antenna in
areas where precipitation static or snow static is present.
1. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the tap clip screw and position the tap clip on
the 6th or 7th turn on the coil as shown (this will be re-adjusted during tuning). Attach the Base
Matching Network Assembly to the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate using the 1/4" flat
washer, 1/4" split lock washer and 1/4-16 hex nut as shown in Figure 13. Verify the wires and
coax will not be in the way when tilting the antenna.
Mounting the DXE-VMN-1 to the optional DEX-RADP-3 Radial Plate
Figure 13

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Tuning the Vertical
It’s best to use an antenna analyzer for determining
antenna resonance. Use the X=0 or +/- j0 readings to
determine the resonant frequency. Later, the SWR will
be adjusted by the impedance matching assembly
mounted at the feed point once the vertical is resonant at
the desired frequency. Do not use the DXE-VMN-1 for
changing the resonant frequency, initially tune the
antenna without the DXE-VMN-1 (remove the
connection at the radial plate and isolate it. Do not let
the “L” bracket touch the radial plate).
The 60VE-1P should resonate at approximately 5.368 MHz with the DXE-VMN-1 at the feed
point, the recommended ground radial system installed and the vertical dimensions as shown in
Figure 11. Resonance is adjusted by the length of the vertical sections.
If you are having trouble achieving resonance, make sure the tube section lengths are correct. Make
sure you have at least 16 radials (32 are better), 30 feet long, symmetrically placed around the
vertical. A very low SWR might indicate a poor ground radial system.
Connect the Tap Clip in the Base Matching Network at the 6th or 7th turn from the top as shown
and proceed as follows:
Adjust the tap clip by moving the tap clip to a different coil turn on the
DXE-VMN-1 Coil for minimum SWR on 60 meters. Disregard any
frequency shift of the points of lowest SWR on this band at this time.
Recheck the lowest SWR. If the SWR is higher move the tap clip on
the Base Matching Network Coil to a position that gives the lowest
SWR on 60 meters. Securely tighten the tap clip when done.
At full length, the 60 meter vertical antenna should resonate at
approximately 5.368 MHz with the VMN-1 impedance matching
assembly at the feed point and the recommended ground radial system. Resonance is adjusted by
the length of the vertical element sections.
The antenna resonant frequency may be centered at any point between these frequencies by merely
adjusting the overall length. To raise the base resonant frequency, shorten the element tubing stack.
Adjusting the vertical base measurement will move the resonant frequency 20 to 30 kHz.
Measurements are taken from the bottom of the base element tube to the first vertical element
section. To ensure sufficient nesting of the base tube, do not go beyond 29" of separation. The more
of the base element tube that is nested, the stronger the bottom section will be. For maximum
strength, the base section can be nested until it is slightly above the top clamp on the tilt-base. If a
larger excursion is desired, the antenna should be lowered and the length adjustment made to the
highest element section. As a rule of thumb, one foot of length should be approximately 50 kHz in
frequency. A shorter antenna length = higher frequency and a longer antenna length = lower

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frequency. Connect the Base Matching Network Assembly and adjust the inductance by changing
the tap connection and watch for a change in SWR to obtain the best impedance match.
Once final tuning is complete and you have verified correct operation on-the-air, the DXE-VMN-1
coil tap should be soldered in place to eliminate any future intermittent connection due to
environmental corrosion to the coil taps.
Guying a Vertical Antenna System
Guying of vertical antennas is always recommended for stability. However, if your area encounters
severe wind velocities or icing conditions, simple guying will reduce the possibility of failure.
Using the DXE-GUY kits, you can install four guy ropes starting approximately 1/2 the way up the
vertical antenna system to ground level. Guying should be tightened just enough to permit the
antenna to swing a few inches. The ends of the ropes are tied to the earth anchors that are screwed
into the ground at about the same angle as the ropes will be. When using the Tilt Base, position the
guy wires as shown below. This will make it easy to raise or lower the antenna and only one guy
line needs to be loosened. The other guy lines will help guide the antenna on the way up. Depending
on your antenna system, additional guys at higher points on the antenna may be required.
DXE-GUY-200
Typical No Slip
Knot for SYN-DBR
Double-Braided Dacron
Polyester Rope Side View
Earth Anchors
are approximately
25 feet from the
antenna
Note: Depending on wind and
ice conditions, additional
guying may be necessary.
Top View