DX Engineering DXE-MBVE-1 User manual

Multi-Band
Vertical Antenna
160 through 10 Meters
DXE-MBVE-1
DXE-MBVE-1-INS-Revision 16f
© 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
2
Tools Required
3
DXE-MBVE-1 Parts List
3
Manual Updates
3
Suggested Parts Not Included
4
Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
5
Installation
6
Site Selection
6
Radial System
6
Mounting Pipe
6
Assembly
7
Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
8
Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate
9
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
10
Vertical Base Section
11
Base Section to Tilt Base
13
Assembling the Vertical Sections
14
Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
18
Raising The Vertical
18
Assembling the UNUN Mounting Bracket
19
Installation of UNUN Assembly to Antenna
20
Feedline Connections
22
Coaxial Cable and 160 Meter Notes
23
Tuning the Vertical
26
Guying a Vertical Antenna System
27
Optional Accessory Items
28
Technical Support and Warranty
31

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Introduction
The DX Engineering MBVE-1 is a fast taper 43 feet high multi-band vertical antenna system. The
vertical antenna operates from 160 meters through 10 meters using a good quality outboard
customer supplied tuner. There are no traps, coils or linear loading elements to rob power. Designed
with 6063 corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very
durable and attractive.
Features
The DXE-MBVE-1 vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel clamps,
mounting plate assembly, Tilt Base, and stainless steel hardware.
Full band coverage from 160 through 10 meters - Outboard customer supplied tuner required
45 feet overall height
Tilt Base included
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
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-MBVE-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 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
Tilt Base Plate
1
1.875" x 0.058" x 36" 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
0.875" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
3/8" U-Bolt Kits
2
0.750" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
0.625" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
Feedpoint Connection
0.500" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Split one end)
1
1/4-20 x 1" HH Bolt, full thread
1
0.375" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Plain)
1
1/4" External Tooth Washer
2
DXE-ECL-020 - Element Clamp
1
1/4" Flat Washer
2
DXE-ECL-040 - Element Clamp
1
1/4-20 Hex nut
2
DXE-ECL-060 - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-10SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-12SS - Element Clamp
1
DXE-ECL-16SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-20SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-24SS - Element Clamp
2
DXE-ECL-28SS - Element Clamp
2
Black Vinyl Cap, 0.343" ID
1
Manual Updates
Every effort is made to supply the latest manual revision with each product. Occasionally a manual
will be updated between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it.
Please check the DX Engineering web site (www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision manual.

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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 43
foot tall 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.
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 - optimized for 43 foot verticals
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 / Teflon® 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 laser cut patented Aluminum Mounting Plate 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.
Parts List for the DXE-UN-BRKT
Qty
Description
1
Laser Cut Aluminum Mounting Bracket for the DXE-UN-43
4
# 6 x 1/2" long Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolts
4
# 6 Flat Washer
4
# 6 Nyloc Nut
2
Custom Stainless Steel 90 degree studded Element Clamp
2
5/16" thick x 3/8" OD Aluminum Spacer for #10 Hardware
2
# 10 Nyloc Nut

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DXE-TCB-UNFK - Feed Point Connection Kit
Two 1" wide x 9" long pre-drilled tinned copper braids for feedpoint connection to the vertical
antenna system.
DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate (patented):
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 want 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 65Ft lengths.
DXE-GUY-200 Guying Kit for Vertical Antennas:
Some vertical manufacturers indicate their antennas do not need guying. During times
of high winds or ice loading, some of these verticals may sustain damage or fail
altogether. With the small amount of effort needed to install a four point guying system,
the risk hardly seems worth taking. A four-point guying scheme provides the best
mechanical advantage to reduce wind stress, regardless of direction. A four point
guying system is recommended for use with the DX Engineering Tilt Base, because just
one of the guy ropes has to be loosened when you tilt the vertical down. The remaining
guys help stabilize the vertical in three directions when being raised.
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.
Guy Rope and Anchors –DXE-GUY200-KIT contains 4 screw-in earth anchors and two
100 foot rolls of Dacron/polyester rope.

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Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
55 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 55 feet). There should also be a clear diameter of 70
feet from the antenna for the guying and radial systems that will extend away from the antenna.
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
Info 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

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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-MBVE-1 shipping box contains 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. All of the element sections are 36"
long. The 2" OD base element section is drilled for the feedpoint connection. 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: 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-RADP-3 Radial Plate, DXE-UN-43
UNUN, DXE-UN-BRKT Mounting bracket for the UNUN, and DXE-TCB-
UNFK Feedpoint kit for the UNUN.
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
and the optional DXE- UN-43 UNUN are mounted. (For reference, Figure 15 shows the completed
installation.)
Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3
Radial Plate Installation

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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) 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