DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA User manual

75/80 Meter
Full Size
Quarter-Wave
Vertical Antenna
DXE-7580FS-VA-3
US Patent No. 8,130,168
DXE-7580FS-VA -3-INS Revision 1
© 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
2
Features
2
Warning
3
Overhead Power Line Safety
3
Tools Required
3
Manual Updates and Information
4
Installation Sequence
4
Site Selection
4
Mounting Pipe
4
Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe
5
Radial System
5
Assembly Notes
6
Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
7
Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate
8
Overall Pivot and Antenna Base Assembly Reference Drawing
9
Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly
10
Mounting and using the Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch
18
General Information about Aluminum Tubing
21
Assembling the Vertical Sections
22
Lowering or Raising the Vertical Element Assembly
29
Feedline Connection
30
Optional DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network
30
Tuning the Vertical
31
Locking the Pivot Base
32
DXE-7580FS-VA-3 Part Lists
33
Pivot Base Assembly
33
Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch Assembly
33
Feedpoint Hardware
33
Vertical Elements Assembly
34
Exploded View of Pivot Base Assembly for Reference
35
Additional Material Required but not Supplied
36
Suggested Parts Not Included
36
Optional Accessory Items
37
Technical Support
39
Warranty
39

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Introduction
Congratulations on obtaining your DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-3 Full size 75/80 Meter
Quarter-Wave Vertical Antenna! Now you can have a high-performance vertical antenna
specifically for the 75/80 meter bands! The DX Engineering 68 foot vertical antenna supplies the
highest possible performance. Achieve the strongest possible presence at your power level and be
competitive!
The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA3 is a FULL SIZE quarter-wave high-performance antenna
that provides all the important design details for a high performance vertical antenna. The thick-wall
6061 sections provide you with a very stout antenna that can stay up with no guying necessary and
no worry on your part. When expecting a big storm or high winds, the antenna can easily be
lowered with the supplied Heavy Duty+ Stainless Tilt Base with the optional hand winch.
The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA3 provides a 2:1 SWR Bandwidth of 466 to 557 kHz
depending on your radial field. Your internal tuner can get SWR down to 1:1 on any DXing
Frequency for maximum power transfer.
The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-3 is specifically designed to operate on 75/80 meters.
Included with this antenna system is a rugged heavy duty stainless steel pivot fixture for ease of
assembly and adjustments. Engineered with 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing, thick
stainless steel mounting brackets and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very durable and
attractive.
Features
Ultra-WIDE SWR Bandwidth and Unbeaten Gain
Highest Wind Ratings - High Strength 6063/6061 Tubing Manufactured to DX Engineering
Specifications
Easy Tilt Up and Down - Specially Manufactured Heavy Duty+ Stainless Steel Tilt Base
High Power Handling Capacity - BIG High Strength, UV Protected Extren®Insulator
No Rust - 100% Stainless Steel Tubing Clamps and Hardware
Reliability Second to None - Specially Manufactured Stainless and Aluminum Saddle
Clamps, Stainless Bolts and Precision Machining on each antenna
5 kW SSB and CW rated - unparalleled reliability
High Strength Heavy Duty Plus Pivoting Fixture - US Patent No. 8,130,168
Ultra-rugged construction starts with 4 inch OD Aircraft Grade heavy wall tubing
Self supporting - will withstand steady-state winds in excess of 92 mph without guying
(guying required under extreme wind speed conditions)
Extremely high strength heavy wall tubing made to DX Engineering specifications
Massive Extren® channel insulator
Laser-cut high strength Stainless Steel brackets

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The optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch for easy one-person raising and lowering of the antenna
is available from DX Engineering. You can move the DXE-VRW-1 winch between similar
antennas in a multi-antenna installation.
This antenna system requires a heavy duty mounting pipe. Recommended installation should
provide for a 3" OD heavy wall galvanized steel pipe set in concrete. Schedule 80 pipe that is called
2-1/2" has an outside diameter of 2.875" is recommended. The mounting pipe should extend above
ground level by 37inches. Depth of the mounting hole and amount of concrete is dependent on local
soil type, condition and antenna guying.
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 9/16" wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)
One 7/16" open end wrench
One 1/2” wrench
Two 3/4" wrenches
Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 5/16" nut driver for the element clamps
Tape measure
Felt-tip marker

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Manual Updates and Information
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.
Please - Take the time to read the entire manual before you start assembly. There are plenty of
pictures and drawings to see, and if you read the entire manual first, you'll get a better feel for the
overall construction methods described. Assembly is not difficult, but there are a number of parts
that must go together in a certain sequence to make assembly easier.
Installation Sequence
1. Site Selection
2. Mounting Pipe
3. Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe
4. Radial System
5. Pivot Base Assembly (US Patent No. 8,130,168)
6. Mounting Pivot Base to Mounting Pipe
7. Antenna Assembly
8. Mating Antenna Elements to Pivot Base Assembly
9. Tuning
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
78 feet (68 + 10 ft 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. Determine the direction
you want the antenna to pivot and make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 80 feet).
Mounting Pipe
Use a customer supplied 2-1/2" schedule 80, which has an outside diameter (OD) of 2.895",
galvanized steel thick-walled mounting pipe at least 7-1/2 feet long. This will allow approximately
4-1/2 feet below ground and 37 inches above ground.
Some manufacturers use the term DOM (drawn over mandrel) which will give you a true OD
dimension. Other types of mounting pipe may be used but due to lateral strength needed ensure the
mounting pipe is strong enough. The material most available is ASTM A513 Type 5 which is a
1020 material. Some pipe suppliers list the material as either 1020 or 1026. Type 1020 has the
following properties:
ASTM A513 (1020): Up to 2-3/4" OD with maximum wall thickness of 0.25"
Tensile: 80,000 PSI. Yield: 70,000 PSI. Elongation in 2": 15%. Rockwell Hardness: B80

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ASTM A513 (1020): Over 2-3/4" OD with wall thickness heavier than 0.25"
Tensile: 70,000 PSI. Yield: 60,000 PSI. Elongation in 2": 20%. Rockwell Hardness: B80
3.00" OD x 0.25" wall thickness (or more) of 65,000 PSI yield tubing may also be used.
Depending on your geographic location, various dealers should be able to supply the mounting post
you specify. The following dealers can supply DOM tubing: (Other dealers in your area may be a
better choice.)
Industrial Tube & Steel, Corp.: www.industrialtube.com
On Line Metal Store: www.onlinemetals.com
Speedy Metals: www.speedymetals.com
Metals Depot: www.metalsdepot.com
Note: DX Engineering does not recommend or endorse any specific
vendor.
This mounting pipe must be permanently mounted in the
ground, preferably in a concrete base 2 feet by 2 feet by 4
feet deep (with gravel below for drainage). The antenna
system requires this type of mounting to help withstand
the lateral forces present on the antenna during wind
conditions and when operating the pivot function. Make
the hole deep enough to accommodate at least 4 feet of
pipe and 4 to 6 inches of gravel at the bottom for
drainage. Set the mounting pipe on the gravel, use the
concrete to fill around the pipe per the concrete
instructions. 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 the mounting pipe is vertically
straight.
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.
Coaxial Cable to Mounting Pipe
The coaxial cable should be routed to the base of the antenna system and be buried below the radial
system. PVC Conduit pipe may be used to house the coaxial cable. Bury the cable 6" to 12" below
ground level.
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.

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At a minimum, 32 radials, each 65 feet long, should be used with this 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.
Assembly Notes
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.
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 customer supplied
2.895" OD Mounting Pipe (referred to as 3” OD), with the optional DXE-
VR-1 Manual Winch, optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate with one optional
DXE-SSVC-3P V Clamp and one optional DXE-112-KIT - Chassis Mount
SO-239 Connector.

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Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
Place the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate over the 3" OD (maximum) mounting pipe. Attach
the Radial Plate to the mounting pipe using one DXE-SSVC-3P stainless steel V-Clamp. Allow
approximately one inch clearance between the bottom of the Radial Plate and the ground to allow
access to the radial wire mounting hardware (see Figure 1). Connections to the antenna will be
made via the optional DXE-112-KIT chassis mount SO-239 connector. The DXE-RADP-3 Radial
Plate comes with 20 sets of stainless steel hardware for mounting the radial wires. It is suggested
that 32 radial each 65 feet long be used, therefore additional DXE-RADP-1HWK Radial Plate
Wire Attachment Hardware Kits will be required.
Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Mounted to a 3" OD Mounting Pipe

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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, 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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Figure 3
Overall Super Duty+
Pivot Base
(US Patent No. 8,130,168)
Assembly
Reference
Drawing

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Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly
1. Locate the heavy duty Extren®insulated channel.
There are 14 holes drilled in the insulated channel.
The top of the insulated channel is identified by the two
wide spaced holes located very near the top end.
2. Locate the stainless steel bottom hinge plate, backing plate, four carriage bolts, four 3/8" flat
washers, four 3/8" split lock washers and four 3/8" hex nuts. Assemble the bottom hinge to the
bottom of the heavy duty Extren®insulated channel as shown below. Tighten the hardware.
3. Locate the three 4” Cast Saddle Clamps, three 4” x 3/8” x 6.813” long stainless steel U-Bolts,
six Saddle Backing Plates, six 3/8” washers, six 3/8” split lock washers and six 3/8”-16 stainless
steel hex nuts. (Note: The U-Bolts and their hardware may be packaged separately). Loosely
assemble the U-Bolts to the heavy duty Extren®insulated channel as shown below. These will
be tightened after the base is mounted and you are ready to insert the 4” OD base element.

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4. Locate the stainless steel pivot base locking plate, backing plate, four carriage bolts, four 3/8"
flat washers, four 3/8" split lock washers and four 3/8" hex nuts. Assemble the pivot base
locking plate to the top of the heavy duty Extren® insulated channel as shown below. Tighten
the hardware.
5. Locate the stainless steel base side bottom hinge, two 1/2"-13 x 1-3/4" long stainless steel hex
head bolts, two pivot bushings, four 1/2"x1/4" stainless steel flat washers, two 1/2" stainless
steel split lock washers, and two 1/2"-13 stainless steel hex nuts. Assemble the base side hinge
plate to the bottom hinge plate as shown below. Tighten the hardware.

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6. Locate two 3” cast saddle blocks, two stainless steel 3”x3/8”x5.25” U-Bolts, four stainless steel
3/8" flat washers, four stainless steel 3/8" split lock washers and four stainless steel 3/8"-16 hex
head nuts. (Note: The U-Bolts and their hardware may be packaged separately). Loosely
assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two U-Bolts to the stainless
steel base side bottom hinge as shown below. The U-Bolts will be tightened in a later assembly
step.
7. Locate the stainless steel Pivot Base Winch Mount, two stainless steel Pivot Base Plate
Brackets, four 3/8"-16 x 1-3/8" long stainless steel hex bolts, eight stainless steel 3/8" flat
washers, four stainless steel 3/8" split lock washers and four stainless steel 3/8"-16 hex nuts.
Assemble the Pivot Base Plate Brackets to the Pivot Base Winch Mount as shown below.

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8. Locate two 3” cast saddle blocks, two stainless steel 3”x3/8”x5.25” U-Bolts, four stainless steel
3/8" flat washers, four stainless steel 3/8" split lock washers and four stainless steel 3/8"-16 hex
head nuts. (Note: The U-Bolts and their hardware may be packaged separately). Loosely
assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two U-Bolts to the Pivot Base
Winch Mount as shown below. The U-Bolts will be tightened in a later assembly step.
9. Locate four 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" long stainless steel hex bolts, eight stainless steel 3/8" flat washers,
four stainless steel 3/8" split lock washers and four stainless steel 3/8"-16 hex nuts. Mount the
Pivot Base Winch Mount assembly to the stainless steel Pivot Base Locking Plate. Snug the
bolts, they don’t have to be real tight at this time. Note: These four bolts are removed when
using the pivoting function as described later in this manual.

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10. Move the four U-Bolts out as far as they will go (these were put on loosely in steps 2 and 8).
Slide the entire assembly onto your mounting pipe. You want approximately 1 inch clearance
from the top of your mounting pipe to the bottom side of the winch mounting plate.
Position the base fixture in the position you pre-selected for the pivoting direction.
Straighten out the U-Bolts (perpendicular to the mounting pipe) and tighten the U-Bolt clamp
hardware 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.

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11. Locate the 4" OD x 72", .120 wall thickness antenna bottom element section. There are 5 holes
drilled in this element section. Four drilled holes at the top are used for mating to the next
antenna element section. One hole is drilled near the bottom for the feed point connection.
Loosen the previously installed U-Bolts (Step 9). Insert the 4” OD x 72" bottom element section
into the antenna base section through the three U-Bolts with the feed point at the bottom facing
front as shown below.
The bottom of the 4" OD element tube should be even with the bottom of the insulated channel
as shown below.
Tighten the U-Bolt hardware 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.

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12. Locate the stainless steel Antenna Hook Mounting Plate, two 4” U-Bolt Saddle blocks, two 4” x
3/8” x 5.563” stainless steel U-Bolts, four stainless steel 3/8" flat washers, four stainless steel
3/8" split lock washers and four stainless steel 3/8"-16 hex head nuts. (Note: The U-Bolts and
their hardware may be packaged separately).
Loosely assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two U-Bolts and
associated hardware to the antenna hook mounting plate as shown below. The U-Bolts will be
tightened in the next assembly step.
13. Loosen the U-Bolts enough to slide the Antenna Hook Mount assembly over the 4" OD antenna
lower element on the base assembly. Position the antenna hook mount approximately 1/2" above
the insulated channel as shown below.
14. Tighten the two U-Bolt clamps hardware 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.

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15. Locate the 1/4"-20 x 1" long stainless steel hex bolt, three 1/4" stainless steel external tooth lock
washers, two 1/4" stainless steel flat washers and two stainless steel 1/4"-20 hex nuts. Install the
feedpoint hardware at the bottom of the 4" OD bottom element in the pre-drilled hole as shown
below.
Views showing the Feedpoint hardware installed

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Mounting and using the Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch
1. Follow the instructions included with the optional DXE-VRW-1 - Manual Winch Add-On Kit
to prepare the Manual Winch for installation on the antenna base assembly.
2. Included with optional DXE-VRW-1 - Manual Winch Add-On Kit is the stainless steel
hardware for mounting the winch on the pivot base assembly. The hardware includes three 3/8"-
16 x 1-3/8" long stainless steel hex bolts, six stainless steel 3/8"-16 flat washers and three 3/8"-
16 Stainless Steel Nyloc Nuts.
Loosely install the three sets of stainless steel hardware on the manual winch as shown below.
The hardware does not have to be removed from the manual winch to either install or remove
the manual winch from the winch mounting plate.

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There are three holes with slots in the mounting bracket. The flat washers will fit through the
large holes. Once in place, push the winch inward (toward the antenna elements) allowing the
three bolts to go into the three slots. Tighten the hardware to hold the winch in place.
Connect the Hook from the manual winch strap to the Antenna Hook Mount as shown below.
To remove the winch, simply reverse this sequence.
The winch should be removed and stored when not in use. Do not leave the winch outdoors
since extended weathering and sunlight may damage or weaken the strap. Refer to the manual
that is included with the DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch for details.