DX Engineering Maxi-Core DXE-BAL050-Series User manual

Maxi-CoreBaluns
Formed Aluminum Case Cast Aluminum Case Formed Aluminum Case
DXE-BAL-INS Rev 6b
DXE-BAL-050-Series 1:1 Ratio
DXE-BAL-100-Series 2:1 Ratio
DXE-BAL-200-Series 4:1 Ratio
DXE-BAL-300-Series 6:1 Ratio
DXE-BAL-450-Series 9:1 Ratio
DXE-BAL-600-Series 12:1 Ratio
© 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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Introduction
The DX Engineering Baluns, using Maxi-Core™Technology, are 50 Ωcurrent (choke) baluns that operate
from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz. Maxi-Core™Technology contributes significantly higher common mode
impedance and a larger effective core area than similar designs, including conventional enameled wire or
bead baluns. This results in:
Higher power handling with lower loss –more power to the antenna
Improved antenna bandwidth –easier on the tuner and radio
Reduced RFI –less interference to and from your radio
These baluns allow your antenna to perform to its full potential and reduce the stress on your equipment.
Additional construction benefits include:
Internal DC shield ground and arc gaps improve lightning protection and reduce static
Teflon® silver coax connector, ceramic output posts, stainless steel terminals, and rugged
aluminum housing provide maintenance-free operation
DX Engineering baluns are available in formed or cast aluminum case styles, three power-handling levels
and come in standard or tuner versions.
Tuner baluns are for use with antenna tuners or systems with high SWR. These baluns use high-voltage wire
and have excellent performance at very high SWR. Tuner baluns (denoted by “T” at the end of the balun part
number) have slightly higher SWR when the load is perfectly matched, when no tuner is required. Because of
that, we do NOT recommend T-suffix tuner baluns for higher resonant frequency antennas (above 15 MHz)
unless they are used with tuners. The tuner-baluns can be used on the input or output of the tuner and can
handle the same power in either location.
Specifications
The label on the balun indicates the specific model number and power rating. Make sure you have the correct
balun for your application. Refer to Table 1. More information about selecting a balun can be found on our
website at www.DXEngineering.com in the Tech Info section.
General Information on Baluns
Balun is an acronym for BALanced to UNbalanced, which describes certain circuit behavior in a
transmission line, source or load. Most communications applications deal with two-terminal sources,
transmission lines, and loads. This includes coaxial cables, open wire lines and systems working against
earth or a ground plane as the "second conductor".
The balun has to do a good job and be reliable. DX Engineering has the expertise to design and build a better
balun that will deliver more power to the antenna, be more reliable, and in many cases cost less than products
made by others.
We also realized that advertising hype over the years had confused the issue of just what type of balun was
appropriate to each antenna. This article is an attempt to define in simple terms how to get the most
performance from your system, both on receiving and transmitting.
There are two types of baluns: Current Baluns and Voltage Baluns. The DX Engineering baluns are
current-type baluns

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Current Baluns
Current baluns (also known as choke baluns) allow the output voltage, with respect to "ground" or
outside world, to float to any value required to provide equal currents to each feedline conductor. In
essence, current baluns are a universal device which will be used to drive either balanced or unbalanced
lines or loads equally well. Current baluns isolate the device connected at one end from the device
connected at the other end. The balanced terminals on a current balun can be used to feed unbalanced or
balanced loads or lines equally well. They can also be used as broadband phase-invertors, baluns or
ununs.
Voltage Baluns
Voltage baluns always try to force the output terminals to equal voltages which means currents can be
far from even! A voltage balun almost certainly guarantees some feedline radiation (or reception),
because there are very few "perfectly balanced" loads.
We recommend current baluns, rather than voltage baluns, whenever possible. Current baluns provide
better balance, power handling, often have lower loss, and tolerate load impedance and balance
variations much better than voltage baluns.
Systems Requiring Antenna Tuners
Antenna systems requiring use of an antenna tuner for matching often have very high voltages or currents on
the transmission lines and baluns, even at modest power.
In some cases, coax is used to connect the tuner directly to the antenna. The feedline is connected to a
coaxial connector on the tuner, and the tuner "matches" the poor SWR of the antenna system to the station
equipment. The feedline beyond the tuner still has very high voltage, current and loss, even if the tuner input
is matched to 50 Ω.
In other cases, the antenna feedline is balanced, and the tuner has an internal or external balun.
Unfortunately, most of the internal tuner baluns are 4:1 voltage baluns, which we will see is a poor choice.
Less often, balanced tuners are used. Such tuners, while often better at power handling than the more
common but less robust "T" network tuners, may still not provide the best transmission-line balance. They
would have to be ground independent; otherwise, they are the resonant equivalent of a voltage balun.
There are four areas of concern in such systems:
1. In a multi-band system, the antenna almost never presents a uniform load to the balun. As the
operating frequency changes, the balun load impedance can change from several thousand ohms
to a few ohms.
2. Most antenna tuners work best into high impedances, rather than low impedances. Most baluns
inside antenna tuners step the antenna impedance down. The tuner would actually work better if
the balun simply passed the line impedance through without stepping it down.
3. 4:1 Baluns inside antenna tuners, which are usually voltage-type baluns, are very poor performers
when presented with mismatched loads. 1:1 baluns are generally much more efficient and have a
wider operating impedance range.
4. Voltage baluns have restricted frequency response. The "good performance" frequency range is
much narrower in voltage baluns than in equivalent current-type baluns.
Based on the above facts, a 4:1 balun or any voltage-type balun is the wrong choice for use with antenna
tuners in multi-band systems. Most tuners use them because they are cheap, easy to build, and because
almost everyone else uses them.

Special DX Engineering Tuner Baluns
For antenna tuners or systems with high SWR, we have a special balun. This balun uses high-voltage wire
and has excellent performance at very high SWR. Even standard DX Engineering baluns are better than
many competing baluns, because many competing baluns use enameled wire for insulation. Our standard
balun wire insulation doesn't fail until voltage significantly exceeds 7500 volts, while most competing baluns
that use enameled wire fail at less than 25% of that voltage! That means, for the same mismatched load
impedance, our standard balun can handle sixteen times the power of enameled wire baluns! Our tuner balun
has a breakdown voltage of over 15,000 Volts. Need we say more?
Tuner baluns (denoted by "T" at the end of the balun part number) have slightly higher SWR when the load
is perfectly matched on resonant antennas, when no tuner is required. Because of that, we do NOT
recommend T-suffix tuner baluns for higher frequencies (above 15 MHz) on resonant antennas unless they
are used with tuners. DX Engineering tuner-baluns work equally well and handle the same power on the
tuner input or output, so use them wherever most convenient for your system. For resonant antennas use a
standard DX Engineering balun, which are models that end without a "T" in the part number suffix.
DX Engineering Baluns
Table 1 shows a selection chart cover most types of antenna configurations. For further information, please
visit the DX Engineering website at: www.DXEngineering.com
Table 1
Antenna Type
Ratio
Recommended DX Engineering Balun
Dipole, coaxial cable feedline, resonant, including Inverted V
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Dipole, Folded, 300 Ω ladder line between balun and antenna
6:1
DXE-BAL300-H10-A
Dipole, Folded, operated off primary resonance
6:1
DXE-BAL300-H10-A
Dipole, Multi-wire folded
9:1
DXE-BAL450-H10-A
Dipole, Multi-wire folded, designed for 600 Ωfeed system
12:1
DXE-BAL600-H10-A
Dipole, Resonant on lowest band, used on other higher
frequencies
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Dipole, Resonant, including Inverted V
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Dipole, Trap
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Dipole, Two-wire folded, at resonance, with balun at the feedpoint
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Doublet, Multi-band with Ladder Line (see text)
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Log Periodic, 75 to 150 Ωfeed system
2:1
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
Log Periodic, 150 to 250 Ωfeed design
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Log Periodic, direct coax feed (See Tech Info)
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C DXE-FCC050-H05-A
Loop Antenna - large terminated (Rhombic type)
12:1
DXE-BAL600-H10-A
Loop Antenna at off-resonance - full size, full wave, all shapes
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Loop Antenna at resonance - full size, full wave, all shapes
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Loop Antenna, vertical, full size. Quad
2:1
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
Matched 450 Ωlines
9:1
DXE-BAL450-H10-A, DXE-BAL450-10-B-P
Monoband with small ground system
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Multi-band Antenna requiring antenna tuner, balun at antenna
tuner output
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H10-AT, DXE-BAL050-H11-CT
Quad, 100 Ωfeed system
2:1
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
Rhombic, at Resonance or terminated
12:1
DXE-BAL600-H10-A
Single Wire, Terminated, (end fed directional inverted V)
9:1
DXE-BAL450-H10-A

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Special Systems using matched 300 Ω twin lead
6:1
DXE-BAL300-H10-A
Unipole, Folded, at resonance
2:1
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
Unipole, Multi-wire and thin-wire
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
V-Beams, at Resonance or Terminated
12:1
DXE-BAL600-H10-A
Vertical, Multi-band, with small ground system, long feedline
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Vertical, Multi-band, with small ground system, short feedline
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Vertical, Trap
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Windom, Balanced Feed, Conventional - Single Wire Feed
9:1
DXE-BAL450-H10-A
Windom, Off-Center Fed, experimental
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Yagi - Most with dipole elements, Trap Tri-bander
1:1
DXE-BAL050-H05-A, DXE-BAL050-H10-A,
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
Yagi - Some models with high impedance feedpoint. e.g. KT-34
4:1
DXE-BAL200-H10-A, DXE-BAL200-H11C
Yagi - Special 100 Ω feed system
2:1
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
Table 1 (continued)
Connections
Both balanced terminals are effectively floating,or ground independent,over the operating frequency of
the balun. The balanced terminals do have a phase relationship with the unbalanced coax connector. The
RED D in DX Engineering on the balun label is adjacent to the positive phase terminal as shown in
Figure 1. In some applications, such as resonant or trapped dipoles and Yagis, the phase is not important.
Other applications, such as single-wire-fed antennas, require the antenna system ground to be attached to the
negative phase terminal.
Figure 1 - Balun Used With Single-Wire Feed
Note: The RED Din the DX Engineering logo is closest to
the Positive Phase Terminal. The other terminal is
the Negative Phase Terminal. Both terminals must
be used for balanced or unbalanced lines or loads.
Note: This ground terminal is on the shield side of the
unbalanced coax connection. Do not attach an
antenna ground system, counterpoise, or radial
array to this terminal.
The negative phase terminal on the balanced, two
terminal side of the balun must be used for antenna
radial systems, counterpoises or antenna grounds.
See Figure 1.

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When making connections to the balanced terminals, the antenna wire should be placed between the flat
washers. The supplied wing nuts should be hand tightened only. Do not use pliers or other tools to tighten
them as excessive force may damage the internal connections or the ceramic insulators.
When making connections to the balanced terminals, it is recommended that you install ring terminals on the
ladder line rather than just twisting the bare wire around the terminals. Using ring terminals will provide a
longer lasting reliable connection.
Additionally, the use of a 3/8" open end wrench is strongly suggested to hold the hex nut in place while you
hand tighten the wing nut. This will prevent the 2-1/2" long hex bolt that goes inside the balun from rotating
and possibly breaking an internal soldered connection.
The supplied wing nuts should be hand tightened only. Do not use pliers or other tools to tighten them as
excessive force may damage the internal connections or the ceramic insulators.
Figure 2
Connection of Ladder Line
and Hand Tightening the Wing Nuts
The ground terminal on the coaxial side of the balun is a convenient way to ground the shield of the coax
cable, if necessary. If the balun is mounted in close proximity to ground level on an insulated support or post,
a short wire to a ground system might be needed. This wire should be kept as short as possible to prevent any
resonance. If you are mounting a balun to a boom or mast and want to be sure of the ground connection, use
this terminal.

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If the balun is used near the operating position, a short connection to the station ground might be helpful.
If DX Engineering baluns are used in an array of two or more phased vertical antennas, it is essential that the
positive phase terminal be connected to the antennas and the negative phase terminal to ground. Reversing
these connections can put the antennas in the array out of phase with each other and ruin the phase
relationship you have established, and for the desired antenna pattern.
The same is true of any phased antenna array. The elements must be fed in the same phase from the balun.
For example, if the positive phase terminal is connected to the left side of a yagi driven element on one
antenna, the same connection must be made on subsequent antennas in the array.
Installation
While the installation of this balun is a simple process, there are a multitude of factors to consider when
designing and erecting antenna systems. The antenna mounting height, proximity to structures, the feedline
type, length and velocity factor are all factors that affect antenna performance.
Resonant Dipole Applications
A resonant dipole is cut for a particular band and its planned use is only within that band or on odd-
harmonics where the SWR is naturally low.
The well known formula for the length of the element is in feet is 468/F. The ultimate length may vary a few
percent either shorter or longer so better to make it a little longer to start.
The best balun for this application is the 1:1 ratio current balun.
This antenna can use a coax feed and the balun is usually located right at the dipole element to ensure that the
each side of the element receives equal currents and to keep currents off of the feedline.
The feedline should then be led away from the antenna at right angles which will keep the antenna field from
introducing current on the outside of the feedline after it leaves the balun and will keep the feedline from
introducing noise onto the antenna element.
The DXE-BAL050-H05-A 1:1 balun is shown installed with the optional DXE-UWA-KIT Universal Wire
Antenna Center-T (U.S. Patent N0. 7,764,244) insulator in Figure 3.
The optional DXE-CSR8X-1 cable strain relief kit shown in Figure 3 removes the load of the RG-8X cable
weight from the connector. When using RG-213 or RG-8 coaxial cable, the DXE-CSR213-1 Cable Strain
Relief Kit would be used.
The top hole (3/8" dia) in the Center-T (U.S. Patent No. 7,764,244) is used for rope support of the balun and
feedline in the event that:
The antenna will be used in the Inverted-V configuration.
The balun hangs lower than desired.
The stress on the wires is higher than usual due to wind or ice loading
The DXE-UWA-KIT Center-T is used for the attachment of a “messenger line” which can be strung above
the antenna wire. This line can be thin 3/32” Dacron rope such as DX Engineering SYN-DBR-94-100 which

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has a breaking strength of 260 pounds. The use of this line will keep the antenna element from stretching
over time and changing its resonant frequency.
The connection from the balun to shack would then be handled by coax. The best coax that you can afford is
always the right choice.
Figure 3
Multi-band Dipole Applications
A Multi-band Dipole antenna is cut for a specific frequency, but plans call for it to be used on any frequency
above that.
Feedline Length with Multi-band Dipoles
Feedline length is critical to antenna performance. Always choose a feedline (connects the antenna to the
balun in this instance) that is an electrical 1/8-wavelength or some odd-multiple of 1/8-wavelength long on
the lowest band. Table 2 shows the correct dimensions for the antenna and feedline for your Multi-band
Dipole antenna when using DX Engineering Ladder Line. Make the feedline any odd multiple of the lengths
shown. Be sure you use the correct column for 300 Ωor 450 Ωfeedline.

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Lowest
Frequency on
which the
Antenna will
be Used (MHz)
Half-Wave Dipole (ft)
located 1/2-wavlength or more above
ground*
Make the feedline an ODD multiple of this
electrical 1/8-wave length in Feet
(x 1, 3, 5, etc.)
Recommended length
if non-resonant dipole
and less than 1/2-
wavelength above
ground
Select Column Corresponding to Correct
Velocity Factor of Your Feedline. Velocity
Factors Shown Are For DX Engineering
Ladder Line
0.91 (450Ω ladder)
0.88 (300Ω ladder)
1.8
260
220
62.2
60.0
3.5
134
110
32.0
30.9
5.3
88
76
21.1
20.4
7
67
55
16.0
15.4
10.1
46
41
11.1
10.7
14
33
29
8.0
7.7
18
26
22
6.2
6.0
21
22
19
5.2
5.1
24
20
-
4.7
4.5
28
17
-
4.0
3.9
Table 2 - Feedline Length for Multi-band Dipoles
*Formula for Half-Wave Dipole:
123 = 1/8-Wavelength Factor, Freq = Frequency in MHz,
0.88 = Velocity Factor of DXE-LL300 300 ΩLadder Feedline
A feedline made in the appropriate electrical length closely duplicates the antenna
feedpoint impedance which, in these cases, makes it easier to match a 50 Ωimpedance.
Avoid using coax for antennas with an SWR of more than 5:1 due to the high loss of
coax under these circumstances as well as high current and voltage potential.
Often, a 4:1 balun is suggested for Multi-Band Dipoles. However, the best balun to use
for this application is a 1:1 ratio. The impedance at the end of the feedline will vary
considerably from very high to very low. Tuners have an easier time with high
impedance than a low one. A balun with a ratio of 4:1 or more will transform already
low impedance to an even lower one that will make the antenna hard to tune. The 1:1
ratio balun will just pass the low impedance through.
The parallel conductor feedline should be constructed according to the chart above, and
routed to the balun located at a convenient location. The balun should be located such
that the coax between it and the tuner is as short as possible. However, do not route
the parallel line so close to the tuner or the rest of the station equipment that RF
feedback occurs. This will manifest itself by making the antenna very difficult to tune
and the tuner controls will be very touchy. There may also be RF present on the
microphone, key, etc.
Although it may not seem logical, shortening a relatively low to the ground multi-band
dipole, intended for 160 through 10 meter operation, to less than 220 feet will actually
help your wide range antenna tuner cover the lower frequencies easier. That is because
you are using a non-resonant antenna system, when you use ladder line feed systems for multi-band

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operations also, changing the length of the ladder line will alter resulting impedances enough so that the
tuner may be able to reach a certain frequency that was giving it trouble. The coax from the DX Engineering
1:1 Balun to the tuner should be kept short; typically 5 to 15 feet is best. You can read more about this on
the DX Engineering web site (www.DXEngineering.com) look for the article "Choosing the Correct
Balun".
Even when properly done, this arrangement will subject the coaxial line between the tuner and balun to very
high standing waves and high voltage and/or current. You should use good low loss coaxial line and keep the
coaxial line length as short as possible. RG-8X and smaller may not do a proper job; DX Engineering RG-
213/U or equivalent is the minimum recommended coaxial cable.
Using a 1:1 balun with a Loop antenna is not recommended except when using the Loop antenna far from a
resonant or harmonic frequency. When operating the Loop antenna on random unplanned frequencies far
from resonance, use the balanced feedline with the lowest impedance and loss available. Using 300 ΩDXE-
LL300 transmitting ladder line is best. Place the balun as close to the tuner as possible. Use a 1:1 tuner
balun. Avoid using coax in any part of the system with high SWR (over 5:1).
Many amateur multi-band wire antennas such as the off-center fed, Windom and other unbalanced dipoles as
well as short 'no radial' verticals use voltage baluns to accomplish multiple resonances at the expense of
efficiency. DX Engineering current baluns will not function as a voltage balun, so they are not direct
replacements for voltage balun antenna systems.
For more information about antenna design and safety, consult a reliable text such as the ARRL Antenna
Handbook or visit the DX Engineering website at www.DXEngineering.com.
Mounting
All DX Engineering baluns are manufactured with sealed cast aluminum or formed aluminum enclosure,
depending on the model number. Both are pictured on the cover for comparison. Although mounting is
application specific, follow these general guidelines:
Cast Aluminum Enclosure
This enclosure employs a gasket and is sealed. When vertically mounted it is recommended that the coax
side be pointed down to reduce connector exposure. If desired, a small 1/8” diameter “weep hole” may be
carefully drilled at the lowest point in the vertically mounted cast aluminum enclosure.
Formed Aluminum Enclosure
DX Engineering baluns are not affected by moisture and may be left outside in all types of weather,
including heavy rain, as long as the balun is positioned so that water will drain from the case. However, they
may not be immersed in water and care should be taken to avoid blocking the drainage of any water that
could get inside.
For most installations, weather-sealing of the formed aluminum enclosure balun is not required. If you chose
to add weather-sealing to enhance weather resistance, it may be useful to put a bead of high quality, non
corrosive, marine grade silicone UMI-82180,along the top facing seam where the two halves of the case
meet. Depending on the mounting orientation, leave a small opening in the seam at the lowest point to allow
any condensation to drain. Silicone sealant which contains acetic acid, which has a vinegar-like smell, is
corrosive to aluminum and should be avoided.
A high quality DXE-PL259 Teflon® silver PL-259 connector is recommended. Be sure to weather-seal the
coax connection with proper tape layers. Use DXE-3M2155 rubber splicing tape and wrap the connector

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with one layer from end-to-end while stretching the tape by a factor of about 2:1. Follow with a wrap of
TRM-06133 vinyl tape. Unlike some waterproofing solutions promoted to the Amateur market, the DXE-
3M2155 splicing tape can be easily removed at any time and will not permanently adhere to the fitting.
DX Engineering baluns require no maintenance when properly installed.
Mounting Kits
DX Engineering offers several optional mounting kits. For boom or mast mounting, use the optional DXE-
BMB series Balun Mounting Kits which include an aluminum bracket and stainless steel circular clamps and
hardware. Kits are available to fit booms, masts or tower legs from 0.75" OD to 3" OD. Refer to Figure 4.
Figure 4 - Installation of a formed aluminum enclosure on a 2" boom using the optional
DXE-BMB-2P Balun Mounting Kit.
Mounting a Balun to the UWA-KIT Center-T (U.S. Patent No. 7,764,244)
For Dipoles, the DXE-UWA-KIT Universal Wire Antenna Kit which attaches
directly to the balun and has mounting holes (3/8" dia) for a center support rope
and the wire elements, making a compact, integrated solution.
Refer to Figure 5.
Figure 5 - DXE-UWA-KIT Universal Wire Antenna Kit mounted on a formed
aluminum enclosure balun with an optional DXE-CSR8X-1 coaxial cable strain
relief kit.

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There are three types cases used for DX Engineering Baluns. Two are formed aluminum and one is cast
aluminum. The following are typical examples of the three types of cases for the available baluns showing
the method for mounting them to the Center-T (U.S. Patent N0. 7,764,244) of a DXE-UWA-KIT.
1. DXE-BAL050-H05-A Uses a Formed Aluminum Case that is approximately 7" x 3" x 2-1/4" thick. Use
two sets of the #10 hardware as shown below.
2. DXE-BAL050-H10-A Uses a Formed Aluminum Case that is approximately 5-1/2" x 3-3/4" x 3-3/8"
thick. Use three sets of the #10 hardware as shown below.
3. DXE-BAL050-H11-C Uses a Cast Aluminum Case that is approximately 7-1/4" x 4-1/2" x 2-1/4" thick.
Use two sets of the # 8 hardware with the flat head screws for the outside, and one set of the # 8 hardware
with the Philips head screw for the center as shown below.

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Optional Items
High Power Transmission Line Transformers and Baluns with Patented Maxi-Core™ Technology
DX Engineering Baluns with Maxi-Core™ Technology let your antenna perform to its full potential and reduce the stresses on your
equipment. These current baluns force the RF current to be equal and balanced - assuring the best efficiency from your balanced
dipole, yagi, quad, loop or vertical/radial application. (Note that some wire antenna designs are not balanced, and require special care
in impedance matching to achieve some level of performance.)
DX Engineering Part #
Balun Description
DXE-BAL050-H05-A
1:1, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure (Wire Dipoles)
DXE-BAL050-H10-A
1:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure
DXE-BAL050-H10-AT
1:1, High Power, For Use With Antenna Tuner, (Special Applications)
DXE-BAL050-H11-C
1:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Cast Aluminum, Gasket Enclosure
DXE-BAL050-H11-CT
1:1, High Power, For Use With Antenna Tuner, (Special Applications)
DXE-BAL100-H11-C
2:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Cast Aluminum, Gasket Enclosure
DXE-BAL200-H10-A
4:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure
DXE-BAL200-H10-AT
4:1, High Power, For Use With Antenna Tuner, (Special Applications)
DXE-BAL200-H11-C
4:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Cast Aluminum, Gasket Enclosure
DXE-BAL200-H11-CT
4:1, High Power, For Use With Antenna Tuner
DXE-BAL300-H10-A
6:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure
DXE-BAL450-H10-A
9:1 High Power - 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure
DXE-BAL600-H10-A
12:1, High Power, 1.8 to 30 MHz, Formed Aluminum Enclosure
Balun, FCC & VFCC Mounting KitsUse one of these BMB kits to mount your DX Engineering Balun to the
bottom of a vertical, the boom of a Yagi, antenna mast or a tower leg. Three different kits fit tubing or pipes from 3/4
in. to 3 in. The Dipole Adapter Bracket kit can be used as the center insulator of a dipole and allow a balun to be
mounted right at the feedpoint. These kits will work with any DX Engineering balun.
DXE-BMB-1P
Balun Mounting Kit for a .750 in. thru 1.50 in. Boom
DXE-BMB-2P
Balun Mounting Kit for a 1.56 in. thru 2.25 in. Boom
DXE-BMB-3P
Balun Mounting Kit for a 2.31 in. thru 3.00 in. Boom
DXE-BDAB-1P - Formed Aluminum Enclosure Mounting Kit, Dipole Adaptor Bracket
This mounting kit allows you to mount a DX Engineering Balun, Feed Line Current Choke, or Vertical Feedline
Current Choke in a wire dipole situation. To suspend a formed aluminum DX Engineering Balun with the Dipole
Adaptor Bracket between two points, we recommend Synthetic Textiles Inc. Double-Braided Polyester rope.
Works with any DX Engineering Formed Aluminum Enclosure
Kit includes:
Polymer Dipole mounting bracket
Stainless steel mounting hardware
DXE-9551 - Replacement Ceramic Insulators
2 ceramic insulators for use with DX Engineering Baluns.
DX Engineering Baluns utilize 4 Ceramic Insulators per balun, however our replacement insulators are sold in pairs.
DXE-TCB-FPK - Feed Point Connection Kit, VFCC or Balun to Vertical Antenna
This kit consists of two tinned copper braid straps for connection between a Vertical Feedline Current Choke or Balun to the ground
radial system and feedpoint of a vertical antenna.
The straps are the correct length to allow a short, low inductance connection to the ground plate and a flexible
connection to allow use of a tilt base with the antenna. This is the replacement kit for the braid straps furnished
with the DX Engineering VFCC Vertical Feedline Current Chokes.

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DXE-UWA-KIT - Universal Wire Antenna Kit
This is the basic model of the versatile DX Engineering EZ-BUILD™ Universal Wire Antenna Kit. It allows
you to build a wire antenna of almost any design. The patented insulators feature a unique serpentine wire grip
for DX Engineering’s insulated Antenna Wire and for our high strength, high power 300 Ω Ladder Line. The
serpentine wire connection grip is strong enough to support the antenna wires without looping or wrapping the
wire ends. This allows fast and easy field adjustments of antenna length without soldering!
This kit includes light weight, high strength, UV protected Center-T (U.S. Patent N0. 7,764,244) and End
Insulators, as well as stainless steel hardware to build an antenna system using any combination of wire and
feedline without the need to solder. Using the DXE-UWA-KIT and wire or 300 Ω ladder line you can build virtually any antenna
including single band, multi-band, multi-frequency dipole, folded dipole, doublet, inverted-vee, off-center fed, Windom, Zepp, long
wires, rhombic, vee beam and loop antennas. Stainless steel hardware to mount your DX Engineering Balun to the Center-T for any
resonant wire antenna is also included. The Center-T has a centered top 3/8 inch hole for attachment of an antenna support rope, and
the End Insulators accept up to 5/16 inch antenna support rope.
The DXE-UWA-KIT includes:
One Center-T Insulator (U.S. Patent N0. 7,764,244) featuring the exclusive no-solder, serpentine grip for insulated wire and
300 Ω ladder line to speed construction and adjustment of wire lengths
Two End Insulators also featuring the no-solder wire grip design (U.S. Patent No. D534905)
Two stainless steel wire connection carriage bolts, nuts and washers
Six crimp ring terminals for antenna and ladder line wire connections
Additional hardware for mounting any DX Engineering Balun
DXE-CSR8X-1 and DXE-CSR213-1 are coaxial Cable Strain Relief kits especially designed to be used with DX
Engineering Baluns. The DXE-CSR8X-1 includes clamps for RG-8X coaxial cable and the DXE-CSR213-1 includes
clamps for RG-213 coaxial cable. Coaxial cable is heavy. If not properly restrained, the weight of cable can cause a
failure in your feed line connection and in some cases, the cable can pull completely out of the PL-259 connector. The
DXE-CSR Cable Strain Relief kits are designed with corrosion-resistant aluminum and use stainless steel hardware. These
kits are very durable and will ensure cable strain is relieved to keep you on the air.
DXE-CSR8X-1
Cable Strain Relief Kit, For RG-8X
DXE-CSR213-1
Cable Strain Relief Kit, For RG-213
DXE-VFCC-BRKT - Balun or Feedline Current Choke Mounting Kit for HF Verticals -
This mounting kit allows you to mount a DX Engineering Balun or Feed Line Current Choke at the base of any
vertical antenna. The polymer mounting plate is isolated from the rest of the vertical ground system for best
performance and decoupling. The mounting bracket was designed to utilize one DX Engineering V-bolt Saddle
Clamp DXE-CAVS-1P, to mount the bracket to a 1/2 - 1-3/4 in. ground pipe. Also available are the heavy duty DXE-
CAVS-11P for 1/2 to 1-3/4 in. pipe and DXE-SSVC-2P for 1 to 2 in. pipe. The V-Bolt Saddle Clamps are not
included and will need to be purchased separately if you choose to mount your bracket to a ground pipe. If, you are
mounting to a 4X4 or 6X6 wooden post then no clamps are necessary; simply use (2) wood screws.
Works with any DX Engineering Formed Aluminum Enclosure
Kit includes:
Polymer mounting plate and aluminum adaptor bracket
Stainless steel mounting hardware
V-Bolt Saddle Clamps
This V-Clamp is made in sizes that fit tubing from 1/2 to 3'' OD as used in antenna construction. The supplied V-bolt is long enough
to attach tubing to thick plates and is made with anti-corrosive properties.
The as-cast rippled surface of the saddle will clamp the tubing securely to a flat surface.
Used to clamp 1/2 to 3'' (OD) tubing
Designed for attachments that don't require resistance to torque
V-bolt made from high-strength 18-8* stainless steel
V-saddle cast from 535 aluminum with rippled surface (SSVC has Stainless Steel Saddle)
The use of an anti-seize compound is HIGHLY recommended to achieve proper torque and prevent galling.
DXE-CAVS-1P
V-Saddle Clamp, 1/2 in. to 1-3/4 in. OD Applications
DXE-CAVS-11P
V-Saddle Clamp, 1/2 to 1-3/4 in. OD Applications, 5/16-18 thread
DXE-CAVS-2P
V-Saddle Clamp, 1 to 2 in. OD Applications
DXE-SSVC-2P
V-Clamp -Stainless Steel, 1 to 2 in. OD Applications
DXE-CAVS-3P
V-Saddle Clamp, 2 in. to 3 in. OD Applications

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300 ΩLadder Line
DX Engineering offers high-quality, 300 Ωladder line rated for full legal transmit power. Each conductor is 18
gauge consisting of 19 strands of copper clad steel wire, resulting in a Velocity Factor of 0.88. This ladder line is
ideal for use with multi-band dipoles or other multi-band antennas and is recommended when using our tuner baluns.
We use the same line with the DX Engineering Multi-band Dipole antennas
DXE-LL300-1C
Ladder Line, 300 Ω, #18 19 strand, 100 ft.
DXE-LL300-2C
Ladder Line, 300 Ω, #18 19 strand, 200 ft.
DXE-LL300-3C
Ladder Line, 300 Ω, #18 19 strand, 300 ft.
DXE-LL300-4C
Ladder Line, 300 Ω, #18 19 strand, 400 ft.
DXE-LL300-5C
Ladder Line, 300 Ω, #18 19 strand, 500 ft.
Antenna Support Rope
SYN Double-braided Polyester ropes are not weakened by decay or mildew and provide excellent resistance to abrasion.
The color sealed black polyester yarn used in the braided jacket also protects the cord from damage due to ultra-violet
light.
SYN-DBR-94-100
3/32 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-94-1000
3/32 in. Diameter Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 1000' roll
SYN-DBR-125-100
1/8 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-187-100
3/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-187-350
3/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 350 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-187-500
3/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 500 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-312-100
5/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-312-500
5/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 500 ft. Roll
SYN-DBR-437-500
7/16 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 500 ft. Roll
DXE-3M2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape
Conformable self-fusing rubber electrical insulating tape. It is designed for low voltage electrical insulating and moisture
sealing applications. For outdoor use, it should be protected from UV deterioration with an overwrap of TRM-06133
TRM-06133 - Scotch® Super 33+.
Highly conformable super stretchy tape for all weather applications. This tape provides flexibility and easy handling for
all around performance. It also combines PVC backing with excellent electrical insulating properties to provide primary
electrical insulation for splices up to 600V and protective jacketing. Both tape products are available from DX
Engineering.
UMI-82180 - DX Engineering Approved RTV Sealant By Permatex
We have all used RTV to seal water out of things, right? Have you ever sealed a piece of electronic gear with it --
then opened it some time later to find that it had still managed to become corroded inside? Guess what? It's not the
rain that corroded it - It's the RTV! Normal RTV gives off acetic acid when it cures. That's the vinegar smell. The
acetic acid causes the corrosion. DX Engineering has located a Neutral Cure RTV made right here in Ohio that is
non-corrosive and is safe for sealing those baluns and other electronic gear that are going to be out in the weather.
Applies just like "normal" RTV, dries in one hour and cures in 24 hours at 70 degrees F.
And it doesn't smell like vinegar!
3.3 oz. Tube
Black *This part is classified hazardous and is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only
Never-Seez & Anti-Seize
An Anti-seize compound MUST be used on any Stainless Steel nuts, bolts, clamps or other hardware to prevent galling
and thread seizure. Any of these products can be used for this purpose. Protects metal parts against rust, corrosion, and
seizure. Particularly effective on stainless steel bolts and nuts which have a high likelihood of seizure.
* UMI-81343
Anti-Seize, 1 oz. Squeeze Tube
* UMI-81464
Anti-Seize, 8.5 oz. Aerosol Can
* DXE-NSBT8
Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top
* DXE-NMCBT8
Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top, Mariner's Choice
*These parts are classified hazardous and are limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only

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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.
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 2012
DX Engineering®, DXE®, Hot Rodz™, Maxi-Core™, THUNDERBOLT™, Antenna Designer™, Yagi Mechanical™,
and Gorilla Grip® Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, 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.