DX Engineering DXE-MBVE-3 User manual

Multi-band
Vertical Antenna
40 through 10 Meters
DXE-MBVE-3
DXE-MBVE-3-INS-Revision 0b
© 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-3 Parts List
3
Manual Updates
3
Suggested Parts Not Included
4
Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
5
Installation
5
Site Selection
5
Mounting Pipe
6
Optional Radial System
6
Assembly
7
Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe
7
Attaching Optional Ground Radial Wires to the Optional Radial Plate
8
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
9
Vertical Base Section
10
Base Section to Tilt Base
12
Assembling the Vertical Sections
13
Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
17
Raising The Vertical
17
Assembling the Optional UNUN Mounting Bracket
18
Optional UNUN Assembly to Antenna
19
Feedline Connections
21
Tuning the Vertical
25
Optional Guying for a Vertical Antenna System
26
Optional Accessory Items
27
Technical Support and Warranty
31

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Introduction
The DX Engineering MBVE-3 is a freestanding fast taper 24 feet high multi-band vertical antenna
system. The vertical antenna operates from 40 meters through 10 meters. Since this is a non-
resonant vertical antenna, a customer supplied wide-range tuner is required. 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. The heavy duty
insulating channel is custom made from Extren®, a proprietary combination of fiberglass
reinforcements and thermosetting polyester or vinyl ester resin systems and has a surface veil to
protect against glass fibers penetrating the resin surface in service and to increase corrosion and UV
resistance. The MBVE-3 is perfect for hams in HOA restricted areas. This vertical antenna blends
into the background and it can be painted to make it even more stealthy. Using the included tilt base
will allow the user to lower the antenna when not in use so nosey neighbors will not see anything.
Ground radials are not required but may be added to optimize performance. Guying is not required,
but may be added in situations where high winds are sustained.
Features
The DXE-MBVE-3 vertical antenna system includes the antenna elements, stainless steel element
clamps, mounting plate assembly, Tilt Base, and stainless steel hardware.
Full band coverage from 40 through 10 meters - Outboard customer supplied tuner required
24 ft overall height
Includes the DXE Tilt Base
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

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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 7/16 wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)
5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, and 1/2 inch wrenches or
5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, and 1/2 inch sockets and drive
Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 5/16 nut driver for the element clamps
Tape measure and Felt-tip marker
DXE-MBVE-3 Parts List
Item:
Qty
Item:
Qty
Tilt Base, 3/16" Laser Cut Stainless Steel
1
2.000" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. Drilled.
1
DXE-SSVC-2P V-Saddle Kit
2
1.875" x 0.058" x 18" Tube. Cut & drilled.
1
Tilt Base, Mast Mount Channel
1
1.875" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
DXE-TB-1 Tilt Base Plate
1
1.750" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4-20 x 2" HH Bolt, full thread
4
1.625" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4-20 x 1" HH Bolt, full thread
1
1.500" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4" Flat Washer
6
1.375" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4" Star Washer
2
1.250" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4" Split Washer
4
1.125" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4" Aluminum Spacer
4
1.000" x 0.058" x 36" Tube. (Slit one end)
1
1/4-20 Hex nut
6
Element Clamps
8
1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD
4
1/4-20 Flanged Nut
2
1/4-20 Nyloc nut
4
3/8 U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg
2
2" Saddle for 3/8" U-Bolt
2
3/8-16 Hex Nut
4
3/8" Split Washer
4
3/8" Flat Washer
4
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-43R - Complete Multi-Band UNUN kit for Vertical Antenna Systems
This is a complete 5 kW High Power UNUN kit which may be used in conjunction with your
wide range antenna tuner as an option for the DXE-MBVE and DXE-MBVA series of trapless
multiband antennas. It is also a perfect retrofit for existing DX Engineering and competitive 43
foot antennas to improve lower frequency performance.
The DXE-UN-43 DX Engineering Multi-Band Vertical UNUN built with proven Maxi-
CoreTM Technology is a matching device specifically designed for application with non-
resonant vertical multi-band antennas.
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 DX Engineering vertical antennas
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.
Included with the DXE-UN-43 is the DXE-UN-BRKT - Mounting Bracket Kit. A custom laser
cut and 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
The DXE-TCB-UNFK - Feed Point Connection Kit is also included with the DXE-UN-43R
Two 1" wide x 9" long pre-drilled tinned copper braids for feedpoint connection to the vertical
antenna system.

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DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate (US Patent Numbers 6927740, D533167):
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-1P 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.
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.
Quick-Set Concrete - Mounting pipe installation (type depends on your landscape)
DXE-P8A - Penetrox - To ensure good connection for aluminum element sections
DXE-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.
Installation
Site Selection
Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
34 feet ( 24 + 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. Determine the direction
you want the antenna to tilt down and make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 24 feet). There
should also be a clear diameter of about 25 feet from the antenna for the optional radial system and
guying that will extend away from the antenna.

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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 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.
Optional Radial System
Although this vertical antenna will operate without radials, 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 20 feet long, should be used with
this antenna. Using 32 radials at 20 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 a 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.

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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
The DXE-MBVE-3 shipping box contains the vertical tubing sections, an insulated U-channel, two
2" U-Bolts and Saddles, a backing plate, a Tilt Base with two stainless steel V-Clamps, 8 stainless
steel element 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 36" base section element (2" OD) and the 18" tube inside of it are both drilled to accept
the feedpoint hardware. The added 18" section inside the base element section provides added wall
strength for the base section. 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 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 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 on the 2" OD mounting pipe using an optional
DXE-SSVC-2P stainless steel V-Clamps 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

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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
Attaching 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 65Ft lengths.
Depending on the number of radial wires used, space them out evenly around the Radial Plate. The

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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
Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe
Install the patented Tilt Base to the 2"
OD mounting pipe using the included
DXE-SSVC-2P stainless steel V-
Clamps allowing approximately 4-1/2"
clearance between the bottom of the tilt
base plate, to the top of the DXE-
RADP-3 Radial Plate as shown in
Figure 3. 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 and optional
DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate are oriented
correctly for the direction you wish to
tilt the antenna. See Figure 8 which
shows the tilt action.
Figure 3
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.