DX Engineering DXE-VGMT-3CG User manual

75/80 Meter
Full Size
Quarter-Wave
Vertical Antenna
DXE-7580FS-VA-2
US Patent No. 8,130,168
DXE-7580FS-VA-2-INS Revision 6d
© DX Engineering 2021
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

- 1 -
Table of Contents
Introduction
2
Features
2
Warning
3
Overhead Power Line Safety
3
Tools Required
3
Manual Updates and Information
3
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
6
Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate
7
Overall Pivot and Antenna Base Assembly Reference Drawing
8
Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly
9
Mounting and using the Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch
16
General Information about Aluminum Tubing
19
Assembling the Vertical Sections
20
Mating the Vertical Elements to the Pivot Base Assembly
26
Feedline Connection
27
Optional Guy Rope and Anchor Installation
28
Tuning the Vertical
29
Optional DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network
29
Locking the Pivot Base
30
DXE-7580FS-VA-2 Part Lists
30
Pivot Base Assembly
30
Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch Assembly
31
Feedpoint Hardware
31
Vertical Elements Assembly
31
Additional Material Required but not Supplied
32
Suggested Parts Not Included
32
Optional Accessory Items
33
Technical Support
35
Warranty
35

- 2 -
Introduction
Congratulations on obtaining your DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-2 Full size 75/80 Meter
Quarter-Wave Vertical Antenna. With this antenna you will 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 to achieve the strongest possible presence at your power
level and be competitive.
A FULL SIZE quarter-wave high-performance antenna that provides all the important design
details. 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 the antenna can easily be
lowered with the supplied Heavy Duty Plus Stainless Steel Pivot Base (US Patent 8, 130,168) with
the optional hand winch.
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-2 is a slow taper 68 foot high vertical antenna system. The
vertical antenna 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, 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 Pivot Base
High Power Handling Capacity
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 Pivoting Base - US Patent No. 8,130,168
Ultra-rugged construction starts with 3 inch OD Aircraft Grade heavy wall tubing
Self supporting - will withstand steady-state winds in excess of 90 mph without guying
(guying required under extreme wind speed or ice conditions)
Massive Extren® channel insulator
Laser-cut high strength Stainless Steel brackets
The optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch for easy one-person raising and lowering of the antenna
is available from DX Engineering. The DXE-VRW-1 winch can be moved between similar
antennas in a multi-antenna installation.

- 3 -
This antenna system requires the installation of a heavy duty mounting pipe set in concrete.
Specifically, 3" OD (max) high strength galvanized steel tubing with 0.250” minimum wall
thickness and 7’ minimum length, which is available from DX Engineering; part number DXE-
VGMT-3CG. A customer supplied 2-1/2" Schedule 80 pipe that has an outside diameter of 2.875"
is also suitable. Thirty seven inches of the mounting pipe should extend above ground level. 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
Two 3/4" wrenches
Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 5/16" & 1/4” nut drivers for the element clamps
Tape measure
Black Felt Tip marker
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.

- 4 -
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. 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
DX Engineering has a galvanized Chromoly Steel mounting mast available - Part Number DXE-
VGMT-3CG is 3 inches OD, Chrome-Moly 4130 Steel Tubing, 100K PSI Min. Yield, 3 in. OD,
0.250 in. Wall, 7 ft. Length,

- 5 -
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.
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.
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.
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 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.

- 6 -
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: JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Anti-Oxidant must be used between all antenna
element sections. Jet-Lube™ SS-30 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.
Jet-Lube™ SS-30 must be used on all element clamps and stainless steel threaded hardware
to provide good electrical contact, prevent galling, allowing easier disassembly and to ensure
proper tightening.
Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using an optional DXE-
VGMT-3GC 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, one optional DXE-UHF-FDFB-KIT -
SecureMount™dual SO-239 Bulkhead Connector and one DXE-FP-WIRE-
P Feedpoint Wire and Connector Assembly.
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-UHF-FDFB-KIT SecureMount™dual SO-239 bulkhead 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.

- 7 -
Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Mounted to a 3" OD Mounting Pipe
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
below. 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
Radial Wire Hardware Installation

- 8 -
Overall Heavy Duty
Pivot Base (US Patent No. 8,130,168)
Assembly Reference Drawing
The exploded view drawing
is for reference and shows
the overall Pivot Base
Assembly.

- 9 -
Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly
1. Locate the heavy duty Extren®insulated channel.
There are 12 holes drilled in the insulated channel.
The top of the insulated channel is identified by two
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.
3. 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.

- 10 -
4. Locate the stainless steel base side bottom hinge, two 1/2-13 x 1-1/4" long stainless steel hex
head bolts, two pivot bushings, four 1/2" x 1/4" 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.
5. Locate two V-Saddle blocks, two stainless steel V-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. Loosely
assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two V-Bolts to the stainless
steel base side bottom hinge as shown below. The V-Bolts will be tightened in a later assembly
step.

- 11 -
6. Locate the stainless steel Pivot Base Winch Mount, two stainless steel Pivot Base Plate
Brackets, 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.
Assemble the Pivot Base Plate Brackets to the Pivot Base Winch Mount as shown below.
7. 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.
Note: These four bolts are removed when using the pivoting function as described later in this
manual.

- 12 -
8. Locate two V-Saddle blocks, two stainless steel V-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. Loosely
assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two V-Bolts to the stainless
steel Pivot Base Winch Mount as shown below. The V-Bolts will be tightened in a later
assembly step.
9. Locate two thick stainless steel Backing Plates, two thin stainless steel Backing Plates, two
U-Bolt Saddle blocks, two 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.
The two Thick Backing Plates (3/8”) are located next to the U-Bolt Saddles on the inside of the
insulated channel. The two Thin Backing Plates (1/4”) are used on the rear side of the insulated
channel.
Top of Insulated Channel Rear and Front views showing the U-Bolt located
Showing U-Bolt installed at the Bottom of the Insulated Channel
The Thick Spacer is on the front side The Thick Spacer is on the front side, the
The Thin Spacer is on the rear side Thin Spacer is on the rear side
Loosely assemble (one or two threads beyond the end of the hex nuts) the two U-Bolts and
associated hardware to the insulated mounting channel as shown above. The U-Bolts will be
tightened in a later assembly step.

- 13 -
10. Move the four V-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.
Tighten the V-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.

- 14 -
11. Locate the 3" OD x 72", 0.120”wall thickness antenna bottom element
section. There are 4 holes drilled in this element section.
Four drilled holes at the top are used for mating to the next antenna
element section.
Loosen the previously installed U-Bolts (Step 9). Insert the 72"
Antenna Bottom Element Section into the antenna base section
through the upper and lower U-Bolts.
Position the single feedpoint hole at the bottom facing outward
as shown in the picture to the right.
The bottom of the 3" OD element tube should be even with the
bottom of the insulated channel as shown below.
Side View Front View
Tighten the lower and upper 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.

- 15 -
12. Locate the stainless steel Antenna Hook Mounting Plate, two U-Bolt Saddle blocks, two
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.
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 3" OD antenna
lower element on the base assembly. Position the antenna hook mount approximately 1/2" above
the insulated channel as shown below.

- 16 -
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.
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 3" OD bottom element in the pre-drilled hole as shown
below.
Views showing the Feedpoint hardware installed
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" 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.

- 17 -
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.

- 18 -
3. To lower the antenna, ensure the winch hook is in the Antenna Hook Mount. Remove the four
bolts and hardware that hold the Pivot Lock Plate to the Pivot Base Winch Mount Plate. You
can now use the winch to pivot the antenna downward.
Four Bolts to be removed to allow for pivoting
4. Turn the crank on the manual winch to lower, or raise the antenna. After raising the antenna
completely, make sure you replace the four bolts that were removed in step 3. The manual
winch should be removed and stored when not in use to protect the gears and web strap from
weather and environmental effects.
Note: Sawhorses, chairs, or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during
assembly with the pivot base and whenever the vertical is tilted down to allow easy
maintenance, or when making adjustments.

- 19 -
General Information about Aluminum Tubing
Note: JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™SS-30 Anti-Oxidant must be used between all antenna element
sections. Jet-Lube™SS-30 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. Jet-Lube™ SS-30 must be used on all
element clamps and stainless steel threaded hardware to provide good electrical
contact, prevent galling, allowing easier disassembly and to ensure proper tightening.
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.
Caution
Aluminum tubing edges can be very sharp.
Take precautions to ensure you do not get accidentally cut.
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. DX Engineering aluminum tubing is
machine cut on both ends and machine slit on one end and you should further assure that there
are no ragged edges or protrusions.
Use the DXE-22166 Slim Grip Deburring Tool, or the DXE-22600 Deburring Tool with
Extending Handle and Extra Blades 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 JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 is highly recommended. Jet-Lube™ SS-30 is an
electrical joint compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts
such as telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Jet-Lube™ SS-30 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.