DX Engineering DXE-MBV-1 User manual

Vertical
Multi-Band
Antenna
DXE-MBV-1
DXE-MBV-1-INS-Revision 0
© DX Engineering 2014
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 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
2
Tools Required
3
DXE-MBV-1 Parts List
3
Suggested Parts Not Included
3
Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
4
Manual Updates
4
Installation
4
Site Selection
4
Mounting Pipe
5
Assembly
5
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
6
Vertical Base Section
6
Base Section to Tilt Base
8
Assembling the Vertical Sections
9
Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
13
Raising The Vertical
13
Assembling the UNUN Mounting Bracket
14
Installation of UNUN Assembly to Antenna
15
Feedline Connections
17
Tuning the Vertical
19
Guying a Vertical Antenna System
20
Optional Accessory Items
21
Technical Support and Warranty
23

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Introduction
The DX Engineering MBV-1 is a 35 foot 8 inch high vertical antenna system. The vertical antenna
operates using a customer supplied radial system and good quality outboard tuner. 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 and attractive.
Features
The DXE-MBV-1 vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel clamps,
mounting plate assembly, Tilt Base, and stainless steel hardware.
35 feet 8 inch overall height
Patented Tilt Base included
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
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)
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
Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 1/4”nut driver for the smaller element clamps
Tape measure
Felt-tip marker
DXE-MBV-1 Parts List
Description
Quantity
Description
Quantity
Tilt Base Assembly (patented)
Antenna Assembly
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 Channel
1
2.000" x 0.058" x 72" Tube. (Split one end)
1
Tilt Base Plate
1
1.875" x 0.058" x 72" Tube. (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 x 2" HH 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 Alum. 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
1.000" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 Nyloc nut
4
DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp
1
3/8" U-Bolt Kits
2
DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp
2
Feedpoint Connection
DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp
2
1/4-20 x 1" HH Bolt, full thread
1
DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp
2
1/4" External Tooth Washer
2
DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp
2
1/4" Flat Washer
2
Black Vinyl Cap, 0.9375" ID
1
1/4-20 Hex nut
2
Suggested Parts Not Included
DXE-UN-43 - Multi-Band UNUN for Vertical Antenna Systems
The DXE-UN-43 DX Engineering Multi-Band Vertical UNUN built with proven Maxi-Core®
Technology is a matching device specifically designed for application with non-resonant
vertical multi-band antennas.
The DXE-UN-43 assures the best efficiency from your vertical multi-band antenna and
transmission line/tuner installation. Using the DXE-UN-43 results in minimizing the additional
transmission lines losses caused by SWR and allows your antenna to perform to its full
potential. The DXE-UN-43 reduces the stresses on your equipment more efficiently than similar
competitive products.
By allowing your wide-range tuner to more easily match the antenna’s complex impedance, low
frequency performance is improved over other devices currently available.

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DXE-UN-43 Features
Full band coverage on 160-10 meters with an SWR under 1.5:1*
*Customer supplied wide band tuner required.
Impedance: 200 ohms to 50 ohms
Ratio: 4:1
Power Handling: 2 KW/5 KW Peak - Handles rated power with minimal energy loss so
there is no thermal related failure.
Silver/PTFE SO-239 input connector
Two 1/4-20 feedpoint connection studs with Stainless Steel Flat Washers, Split Washers,
Fender Washers & Wing Nuts
High impact plastic, weather sealed NEMA spec case: 2-1/2" x 4" x 4" inches (HxWxL)
Shares the same mounting footprint as other similar competitive products, so it may be
easily substituted in existing installations for superior performance.
DXE-UN-BRKT - Mounting Bracket Kit for the DXE-UN-43 UNUN
Custom patented (US Patent No. D597,086) Mounting Bracket including Custom Stainless Steel 90
degree Studded Element Clamps, Aluminum Spacers and Stainless Steel Hardware for mounting the
DXE-UN-43 to the DXE Multi-Band Vertical Antenna series.
DXE-TCB-UNFK-WR - Feed Point Connection Kit
One 1" wide x 9" long pre-drilled tinned copper braid for feedpoint connection to the vertical
antenna system.
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.
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 contact DX Engineering ([email protected]) for the latest revision
manual.
Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
46 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

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tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. Determine the direction you want the antenna to tilt down and
make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 46 feet).
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 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-MBV-1 shipping boxes contain the vertical tubing sections, an insulated U-channel, two
DXE-SAD-200A 2" U-Bolt assemblies, a backing plate, a Tilt Base with two stainless steel V-
Clamps, 15 stainless steel clamps, a black vinyl cap, and stainless steel hardware. Carefully un-box
the antenna and separate the various parts. Nine of the element sections are 36" long, two are 72”
long. The 2" OD base element section is drilled for the feedpoint connection. The base section does
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: 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.

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Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using a 2" OD Mounting Pipe, with the
following options: DXE-UN-43 UNUN, DXE-UN-BRKT Mounting bracket for the
UNUN, and DXE-TCB-UNFK-WR Feedpoint kit for the UNUN.
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
Install the Tilt Base to the 2" OD mounting pipe
using the two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Bolt Saddle
Clamps allowing approximately 5-1/2"
clearance between the bottom of the tilt base
plate to the ground level 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.
Make sure the Tilt Base is oriented correctly for
the direction you wish to tilt the antenna. See
Figure 6 which shows the tilt action.
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 1
Vertical Base Section
The base section is made up of an EXTREN®insulated mounting channel, a 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.
Using Figure 2, 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.

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Figure - 2
Using the 36" base section tube, install the feedline 1/4-20 x 1" long bolt through the hole in the
tube from the inside, so the threads stick out.
Put on a 1/4" star washer, 1/4" flat washer, then a 1/4-20 nut. Tighten securely.
Add another 1/4" star washer, 1/4" flat washer and 1/4-20 nut, but do not tighten. The feedline from
the UNUN attaches to this hardware. Figure 3 shows the completed feedpoint assembly.
Figure 3
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 4. The base
section tube should extend 1-3/4" beyond the bottom
of the U-bolt clamp.
The feedpoint hardware should be coming out on the
left side as you look at the lower section as shown in
Figure 4.
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 4

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Base Section to Tilt Base
Place the Lower Base Section into the holes of the mounted Tilt Base and loosely install the Tilt
Base mounting hardware shown in Figure 5. Leave the flange nuts and Nyloc nuts slightly loose.
Figure - 5
Using a wrench or nut driver, securely tighten the two Nyloc nuts at the bottom of the patented 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.

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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 6. 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. Push up while raising, but not 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 5) is tightened.
Figure - 6 - 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.
Assembling the Vertical Sections
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

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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.
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-UT-KIT-DBR 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 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.
Assemble the vertical sections in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length of the
antenna during assembly. Lay the tubing out in descending OD sizes. Orient the slits in the tubes
toward the top of the antenna. The bottom 2" OD base section has no slits and the feedpoint
connection hole at the bottom end. Nine of the sections are 36" long, two are 72” long.
Caution
Aluminum tubing edges can be very sharp.
Take precautions to ensure you do not get accidentally cut.

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Each tubing section is inserted 4" into the next larger tube. Assembly is easier if the overlaps in the
tubing sections are pre-marked. A dark color felt-tip marker works well. Measure and mark 4" from
the end of each tube without the slit using a marker so it will be clearly visible.
Locate the 10 Element Clamps.
Refer to Figure 9 for element clamp sizes and locations. Slide the clamps over each section before
putting them together. Align the clamps on each section facing the same direction. For final
assembly, all the clamps should be positioned very close to the top of each section and the body of
the clamp should be positioned between the slits as shown in Figure 7.
Making sure dirt or grass does not adhere to the sections to be joined, insert the marked end of an
element tube into the next sized element tube until the 4 inch mark on the element tube is even with
the top of the larger element tube section. Position one of the element clamps at the very end, but
not hanging over the edge. Make sure the body of the element clamp is positioned between the slits
and tighten securely. Repeat the procedure with the marked end of the elements and the other
element tubes using one of the element clamps as you work your way up the antenna length.
Continue mating the smaller tubes inside the larger ones. Double-check the vertical sections you
have just assembled.
Using a felt tip pen, measure
and mark the antenna
sections as shown in Figure
8. Position one of the DXE-
ECL-28SS 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 sections
using the Element Clamps
as shown in Figure 7.
Reference Figure 9 for the
completed antenna assembly.
Figure 8
Element Clamp
Quantity
DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp
2
Figure 7
DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp
2

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The top section may
be adjusted to vary
the length for fine
adjustment if
necessary.
Overall height is
35 feet 8 inches
Figure 9 - Finished
Antenna Assembly
(Drawing not scale)

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Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
CAUTION: Attempting final assembly without proper precaution can be dangerous.
You should have someone help you steady the vertical antenna sections during
mating with the base section.
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.
When the upper element sections are assembled together install the black vinyl cap in place at the
top of the smallest element section.
Mate the vertical sections to the base tube section by sliding the bottom 2-1/8" OD element of the
vertical over the 2" OD base section element (which was previously mounted to the insulated
channel). See Figure 9. The two sections will have a snug fit, so use a small amount of Penetrox A
on the bottom section to make the fit easier. Slide the band clamp down to the edge of the bottom
section, between the slits, and tighten.
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 constant 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

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to the left 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.
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.)
Assembling the UNUN Mounting Bracket
Using the #6 hex head bolts, #6 flat washers, and #6 Nyloc nuts, attach the UNUN to the patented
UNUN Bracket with the SO-239 connector facing down. Tighten the Nyloc nuts so they are snug.
Do not over tighten since the mounting tabs on the UNUN are plastic.
Attach the custom stainless steel 90 degree studded element clamps to the UNUN Bracket using the
aluminum spacers and #10 Nyloc nuts as shown in Figure 10. Snug the #10 Nyloc nuts just to the
point that you can still rotate the custom studded element clamps. These Nyloc nuts will be
tightened later.
Figure 10

- 15 -
Installation of UNUN Assembly to Antenna Lower Section
The completed UNUN and UNUN Mounting Bracket assembly are mounted to the antenna lower
section. To allow easy installation of the UNUN Bracket to the lower base section, open the upper
and lower custom studded element clamps as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11
Position the UNUN Mounting Bracket so the bottom element clamp is located between the
feedpoint hardware and the U-Bolt as shown in Figure 12. Tighten the element clamps to hold the
assembly in place.
Figure 12
A: Clamps open, Clamp Ends inserted to go around Base Section Element
B & C: Clamp Ends go behind Base Section Element

- 16 -
Once in position, re-insert the clamp ends into the worm drive of the clamps and using a flat blade
screwdriver or nut driver, snug them up as shown in Figure 13. Note position of lower clamp is
between the feedpoint hardware and the U-Bolt.
Figure 13
Position the UNUN so it faces forward. Tighten the Upper and Lower Studded Clamps and Tighten
the Nyloc Nuts on the Upper and Lower Clamps.

- 17 -
Feedline Connections
The DXE-UN-43 UNUN is attached to the feedline antenna connection using the DXE-TCB-
UNFK-WR - UNUN Feed Point Connection Kit which contains one pre-drilled copper tinned braid
for connection to the vertical antenna system. The braid is 1" wide by 9" in length. Connect the
braid from the antenna feedpoint located on the base section of the antenna to the terminal on the
DXE-UN-43 UNUN closest to the Red "+" on the label as shown in Figure 14. Do not over
tighten the wing nuts. Hand tighten them only, do not use pliers or other tools to over tighten the
wing nuts.
Connect the other terminal on the DXE-UN-43 UNUN closest to the Black "▬"on the label to
the customer supplied radial system connection point.
Note: Ensure the braid connection to the customer supplied radial connection does not interfere
with the tilting process.
Figure 14

- 18 -
Your coaxial cable feedline connects direct to the SO-239 connector on the DXE-UN-43 UNUN.
Weatherproof this coaxial connection using TRM-06132 - Scotch®Super 33+ and DXE-3M2155 -
3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape.
Figure 15
Completed Base Assembly
for Reference

- 19 -
Tuning the Vertical Antenna System
The use of a customer supplied, high quality, outboard tuner is required for any multi-band trapless
vertical antenna system. The tuner should be capable of tuning the wide range of impedances
presented by the antenna and coaxial cable at all the operating frequencies. Tuners of this type
generally have a good quality variable roller inductor and at least one large variable capacitor for
fine tuning.
There are a number of outboard automatic antenna tuners available that are capable of tuning this
type of high performance vertical antenna system.
Tuners which are built into transceivers lack sufficient impedance tuning range for this type of high
performance vertical antenna system.
The actual impedance of the multi-band antenna is affected by local conditions, including proximity
to structures, other antennas, number of radials, or personal preference for the mounting location. It
may be necessary to adjust the top element section slightly longer or shorter, or to vary the length of
the coaxial cable, if tuning to best SWR is not achieved with your tuner on all bands.
The performance of this versatile, rugged antenna is highly dependent on the ability of your tuner to
deliver a low SWR when tuned. Refer to your tuner user's manual for correct tuner operation.