DX Engineering DXE-MBVE-1UGBRT3 User manual

Remote Tuner Options
for the
DXE-MBVE-1
Vertical Antenna
DXE-MBVE-1UGBRT3
for the MFJ-993BRT
300 Watt Remote Tuner
DXE-MBVE-1UGBRT4
for the MFJ-994BRT
600 Watt Remote Tuner
DXE-MBVE-1UGRT8
for the MFJ-998RT
1500 Watt Remote Tuner
DXE-MBVE-1-RT-INS Revision 1
MFJ-993/994BRT Shown MFJ-998RT Shown
© DX Engineering 2019
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] - Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [email protected]

- 1 -
Introduction
This instruction manual describes the optional remote tuner upgrade packages that use the MFJ
remote tuners available for the DXE-MBVE-1 multi-band vertical antenna system.
There are 5 complete DXE-MBVE-1 antenna systems for use with MFJ the Remote Tuners. These
packages include the DXE-MBVE-1 antenna with mounting hardware and remote tuner options:
DX Engineering
Antenna Model
Numbers
DXE-MBVE-
TBHW
Hardware Kit
DXE-MBVE-1-
UGHW
Hardware Kit
DXE-MBVE-
THW
Hardware Kit
MFJ-993BRT
Tuner
300 Watt
MFJ-994BRT
Tuner
600 Watt
MFJ-998RT
Tuner
1500 Watt
DXE-MBVE-1-BRT
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1-BRT3
X
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1-BRT4
X
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1-RT
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1-RT8
X
X
X
X = Included
There are 5 upgrade retrofit kits for existing DXE-MBVE-1 systems for use with the MFJ remote
tuners. Two of the upgrade kits have only the mounting hardware needed for use with a customer
owned MFJ remote tuner, the other kits include the mounting hardware and an MFJ remote tuner.
DX Engineering
Upgrade Model
Numbers
DXE-MBVE-
TBHW
Hardware Kit
DXE-MBVE-1-
UGHW
Hardware Kit
DXE-MBVE-
THW
Hardware Kit
MFJ-993BRT
Tuner
300 Watt
MFJ-994BRT
Tuner
600 Watt
MFJ-998RT
Tuner
1500 Watt
DXE-MBVE-1-UGBRT
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1UGBRT3
X
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1UGBRT4
X
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1UG-RT
X
X
DXE-MBVE-1UGRT8
X
X
X
X = Included
A complete manual including the assembly of the DXE-MBVE-1 antenna system shows detailed
information on the antenna and is a good reference when performing this upgrade. If you have
misplaced your original DXE-MBVE-1 manual, you can view or download a copy from the DX
Engineering web site at www.DXEngineering.com.
Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:
JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize 12555 - To ensure good electrical
and RF connection for Aluminum Element Sections and also used on the threads of Stainless
Steel Hardware to prevent galling (seizing) and aid in proper tightening.
11/64” drill bit and drill
Pencil
Tape measure
Screwdriver
Standard tools including wrenches, nut drivers, etc.

- 2 -
DXE-MBVE-1-UGHW Parts Listing
DXE-MBVE-1UGHW Upgrade Insulator Hardware Kit
For the MFJ-993BRT/MFJ-994BRT/MFJ-998RT Tuner mounting option
Qty
Insulator, Black, Delrin, MBVE-1 Conversion
1
#10 Self Tapping Screw (requires customer supplied 11/16” drill bit)
1
10” Wire Assembly, 12 ga, Black Insulated, two `1/4” ring terminals
1
DXE-MBVE-THW Parts Listing
DXE-MBVE-THW Mounting Hardware Kit
For the MFJ-993BRT/MFJ-994BRT Tuner mounting option
Qty
U-Bolt, Stainless Steel, 2.5”, 4” long, 5/16”-18 threads
2
Aluminum Saddle, V-Block
4
5/16”-18 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel
9
5/16”-18 x 5/8” long, Hex Head Cap Bolt, Stainless Steel
1
5/16” Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel
9
5/16” Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel
5
5/16” Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel
9
2-/4” Element Clamp with Threaded Stud, Stainless Steel
1
10-24, Hex Nut, Stainless Steel
1
#10 Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel
1
#10 Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel, Thick
2
#10 Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel
1
3” Wire Assembly, 12 ga, Black Insulated, two ring terminals
1
10” Wire Assembly, 12 ga, Black Insulated, two #10 ring terminals
1
DXE-MBVE-TBHW Parts Listing
DXE-MBVE-TBHW Mounting Hardware Kit
For the MFJ-998RT Tuner mounting option
Qty
V-Block Saddle, Aluminum
2
U-Bolt, Stainless Steel, 3.75” x 5/16”-18
2
Tuner Shelf Bracket, Stainless Steel
1
5/16” Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel
4
5/16” Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel
4
5/16” Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel
4
5/16” Hex Nut, Stainless Steel,
4
2.25” Element Clamp with Threaded Stud, Stainless Steel
1
10-24 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel
1
1/4”-20 x 3/4” long Hex Bolt, Stainless Steel
4
1/4”-20 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel
4
1/4”-20 Acorn Hex Nut, Stainless Steel
4
1/4” Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel
8
#10 Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel, Thick
1
#10 Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel, Thick
2
#10 Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel
1
10” Wire Assembly, 12 ga, Black Insulated, two #10 ring terminals
1

- 3 -
Basic Installation for all remote tuner models
1. Disconnect your coaxial cable that is connected to the UNUN.
Remove the UNUN, UNUN mounting bracket and the braided
feedline connections from the DXE-MBVE-1 antenna. The
UNUN will not be used when the remote tuner is installed.
2. Tilt the DXE-MBVE-1 antenna down so you can separate the base
section from the antenna easily to work on installation of the new
parts on the base section. Ensure the antenna is supported.
3. Separate the antenna from the base tube (which is installed in the tilt base insulated
channel) by loosening the element clamp as shown. Raise the base section back to
the vertical position.
4. Install the black Delrin insulator in the base section tube as
shown.
Approximately 1-1/2” below the joint between the black
insulator using a customer supplied 11/64” drill bit, drill a
hole through the base tube into the black insulator. The hole
only needs to be drilled into the insulator approximately 1/8”.
Install the #10 Slotted hex head self tapping screw through
the aluminum base section into the black insulator. Tighten
the screw so it is even with the surface of the base tube. The
screw holds the insulator in place and does not allow it to
rotate.
(Step 5 is shown after steps A & B)

- 4 -
Steps A1 through A7 are specific to the MFJ-993BRT or
MFJ-994BRT remote tuner options.
(See step B1 for the MFJ-998RT remote tuner option)
A1. Tilt the base section and re-install the antenna upper sections onto the black insulator. Using
the new Studded band clamp, lightly tighten the clamp in place as shown.
Once this is done, raise the antenna back up to easily work on the rest of the installation. The
new studded band clamp will be re-positioned and
tightened in a later step.
A2. Install the short ground wire in the corner hole on
the tuner mounting flange using the 5/16”-18 Hex
Nut, 5/16”-18 x 5/8” long Hex Head Cap Bolt,
5/16” Flat Washer, 5/16” External Tooth Washer,
5/16” Split Lock Washer and 3” Wire Assembly.
The other end of the short 3” tuner wire goes to the
tuner ground wing nut connection on the tuner as
shown.
A3. Position two of the tuner mounting aluminum V-saddle clamps 3/4” below the top of the thick
wall tube as shown. The second saddle clamp is used as a spacer.
Use two 5/16”-18 Hex Nuts, two 5/16” Flat Washers, two 5/16” Split
Lock Washers and one 5/16”-18 x 4” long U-Bolt. Do not over tighten
the U-Bolt Hex Nuts which can break or bend the aluminum V-saddle
clamps. Evenly tighten each side of the U-bolt until the split lock washer
is seated properly.
A4. Loosely mount the bottom aluminum saddle clamps assembly
approximately 13-1/4” below the previously (upper) mounted saddle
clamps using the same hardware described for the upper clamps.
Ensure all clamps are facing the same direction.
(This installation method works well since the MFJ tuner mounting
flanges can be in slightly different positions on the tuners.)

- 5 -
A5. Place on 5/16” External Tooth Washer on each leg of the upper saddle clamp U-bolt and then
position the MFJ-993BRT or MFJ-994BRT tuner in place on the upper U-bolt that protrudes
from the saddle clamp. Once in place, loosely install the two 5/16” Flat Washers, two 5/16”
Split Lock Washers and two 5/16”-18 Hex Nuts to hold the tuner in place on the upper clamp
as shown. You want the tuner to be able to move a bit for final positioning.
A6. Position the lower saddle clamp (with the external tooth washers
on each leg) so the U-bolt will pass through the bottom mounting
flange on the tuner as
shown. Once the tuner is
positioned in place and
straight - use the two
5/16” Flat Washers, two
5/16” Split Lock Washers
and two 5/16”-18 Hex
Nuts to hold the bottom of
the tuner in place. Tighten
all of the tuner mounting
hardware (top and
bottom).

- 6 -
A7. When the upper antenna parts are mounted to the base assembly (see previous installation
instructions), install the Studded Band Clamp on the first element just above the black insulator
with the stud facing the side nearest the tuner connections. Install the 10” long tuner wire on
the studded band clamp using the #10 hardware as shown. The other end of the 10” wire is
connected to the tuner output wing nut connection on the tuner as shown.
Steps B1 through B6 are specific to the MFJ-998RT
remote tuner option.
(See step A1 for the MFJ-993/994B8RT remote tuner options)
B1.Install the four 1/4”-20 x 3/4” long
Hex Head Cap Bolts, four 1/4”
External Tooth Washers and four
1/4”-20 Hex Nuts on the tuner shelf
bracket as shown. The hex bolt heads
will be on the same side as the logo
on the tuner shelf bracket.
B2.Loosely install the two 4” long U-bolts, two V-saddle clamps with the 5/16”-20 Hex Nuts, 5/16”
Flat Washers, 5/16” Split Lock Washers and 5/16” External Tooth Washers as shown on the
tuner shelf bracket. NOTE: A second saddle clamp may be required to act as a spacer, similar to
Step A3 in the pervious section.

- 7 -
B3. With the U-bolts loose, you can slip the assembly onto the
lower base tube. Position the top U-bolt 4-1/2” below the top of
the base tube as shown. (Refer to Page 40 for photos showing
the positioning of the clamps and tuner). Once positioned
correctly, tighten all of the hardware holding the tuner shelf
assembly to the lower base tube. Do not over tighten the U-Bolt
Hex Nuts which can break or bend the aluminum saddle clamp.
Evenly tighten each side of the U-bolt until the split lock
washer is seated properly.
B4. Tilt the base section down and re-
install the antenna upper sections onto
the black insulator. Using the new
Studded band clamp, lightly tighten
the clamp in place as shown.
Once this is done, raise the antenna
back up to easily work on the rest of
the installation. The new studded band
clamp will be re-positioned and
tightened in a later step.
B5. Place one 5/16” External Star Washer on each of the four bolts that are installed in the tuner
shelf bracket and then place the MFJ-998RT Tuner on the bolts as shown. Position the tuner so
it is straight and the large hole on the tuner metal bracket is close to the antenna (this is where
the feedline wire will pass through). Use one 1/4”-20 Acorn Nut on each of the bolts to secure
the MFJ-998RT tuner in place.

- 8 -
B6. When the upper antenna parts are mounted to the base assembly (see previous installation
instructions), install the Studded Band Clamp on the first element just above the black insulator
with the stud facing the side nearest the tuner connections. Install the 10” long tuner wire from
the studded band clamp using the #10 hardware. The other end of the 10” wire is connected to
the tuner output wing nut connection as shown.
A coaxial cable jumper between the Tuner input and the Radial Plate ensures proper connection
of the radial field to the antenna system. The feedline coaxial cable going from the radial plate
to the Bias-T in the radio room connects to the other side of the connector on the Radial Plate.
Step 5 is common to all remote tuner installations.
5. At the bottom of the base section tube there is a drilled hole that had previously been used as
the feedpoint (the wire was removed in an earlier step). Connect one end of the second 10”
wire with 1/4” round terminal rings to the existing hardware. The other end of the wire is
connected to the Radial Plate. Position the wire so it will not interfere when tilting the antenna.
This wire supplies a ground connection to the radial system.
The feedline coaxial cable goes from the remote tuner connector to the Bias Tee in the radio room.

- 9 -

- 10 -
Bias Tee Information
The MFJ-4117 Bias Tee is included with the MFJ Remote Tuner.
Since the coaxial cable is supplying the DC voltage to the remote
tuner (injected in the coaxial cable by the Bias Tee), the coaxial cable
used must have a good DC path.
Lightning protectors that block DC cannot be used.
Follow the instructions provided by MFJ for both the Remote
Tuner and the Bias Tee.
Make certain the coaxial cables are properly connected to the Bias Tee as shown. Ensure the
ON/OFF switch on the Bias Tee is turned ON when using the system.
NOTE: Review the MFJ Remote IntelliTuner™ manual for a detailed
explanation of the Remote IntelliTuner™ and the Bias Tee operation.
Installing the Bias Tee incorrectly may cause damage to your radio.

- 11 -
Technical Support
If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation,
contact DX Engineering at [phone]. You can also e-mail us at:
[email protected]
For best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call.
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.
Warranty
All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from date of shipment. DX Engineering’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue
credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be
made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or any other work, unless such
charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering. If DX Engineering’s products are claimed to be defective in
material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to
DX Engineering (transportation-charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be
deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above warranties shall not extend to any products or parts
thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered defective by reason of
improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as
prolonged exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant,
and shall not apply to any goods or parts thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyer’s specifications.
In addition, DX Engineering’s warranties do not extend to other equipment and parts manufactured by others except to
the extent of the original manufacturer’s warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under the foregoing warranties
are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other
remedies including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY
OTHER WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME
FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
FOREGOING.
©DX Engineering 2019
DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc.®, Hot Rodz®, Maxi-Core®, DX Engineering THUNDERBOLT®, DX
Engineering Yagi Mechanical®, EZ-BUILD®, TELREX®, Gorilla Grip®Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, Butternut®,
SkyHawk™, SkyLark™, SecureMount™, OMNI-TILT™, RF-PRO-1B®, AFHD-4®are trademarks of PDS Electronics,
Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or other trademarks is given or implied. All other brands
and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change without notice.