DX-Engineering DXE-4030VA-1 User guide

40-30 Meter
Vertical
Antenna

DXE-4030VA-1

DXE-4030VA-1-INS-Revision 3g

© DX Engineering 2013
P.O. Box 1491 ∙ Akron, OH 44309-1491 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Introduction

2

Features

2

Supplied Installation Items

2

Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied

2

Parts List

3

Suggested Parts Not Included

4

Tools Required

4

Manual Updates

4

Warning

5

Installation

5

Site Selection

5

Radial System

5

Mounting Pipe

6

Assembly

6

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

7

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

8

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

9

Vertical Base Section

10

Base Section to Tilt Base

12

Assembling the Vertical Sections

14

Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base

18

Raising The Vertical

18

Assembling the Balun Shelf and VFCC

19

Installation of VFCC to Antenna Mount

20

Feedline Connections

21

Tuning the Vertical

23

Guying a Vertical Antenna System

23

Optional Accessory Items

24

Technical Support and Warranty

27

- 1 -

Introduction

The DX Engineering 40-30 Meter Vertical Antenna is a high performance 40-30 meter vertical
dual-band antenna that is tunable to operate with an SWR of 1.5:1 or less. Designed with 6063
corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and stainless steel hardware, this antenna is very durable, free
standing, attractive, and is an optimized height of less than 30 feet!

Of course, another key to performance is a good ground radial system. 32 radials, 32 feet long are
recommended. Fewer radials will work, but with diminished results.

The 40-30 Meter Vertical Antenna includes the antenna element, insulated mounting channel,
mounting plate, patented Tilt Base, stainless steel hardware, and stainless steel element clamps.

Features

 Full band coverage on 40 and 30 meters with SWR under 1.5:1 No Tuner needed
 Bandwidth greater than 750 kHz with SWR under 2:1
 Tunable above and below 7 MHz range for MARS and CAP frequencies
 Power Handling up to 5 kW
 Less than 30 ft overall height
 Self Supporting Vertical Antenna
 Heavy Duty design to withstand 60 MPH wind without guying

Supplied Installation Items:

DXE patented Tilt Base - Precision laser cut from 3/16 in. 304 Stainless Steel, this mounting plate

is virtually indestructible. Using the included two DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamps, the Tilt Base is
mounted to the same mast that you use for the radial plate. The Tilt Base Allows for easy
installation, tuning or severe weather lay-down.

Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

 Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, up to 2.0″ OD, 0.25″ wall thickness. The

standard 1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) is just fine for this application and
can usually be found at your local home building supply store.

 Quik-Set Concrete - Mounting pipe installation (depending on your landscape material)
 DXE-P8A - Penetrox™ A - To ensure good connection for aluminum element sections
 UMI-81343 - Anti-Seize compound - used on the threads of Stainless Steel Hardware to

prevent galling and aid in proper tightening torque

- 2 -

Parts List for the DXE-4030VA-1 40 - 30 Meter Vertical Antenna

Lower Tilt Base Assembly

Quantity

Tilt Base, patented Stainless Steel, Laser Cut, 3/16"

1

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp Kit

2

Insulated Tilt Base, Extren® Mast Mount Channel

1

Tilt Base Aluminum Mounting Plate

1

1/4-20 x 2" Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolt, full thread

4

1/4" Flat Washer

4

1/4" Stainless Steel Split Washer

4

1/4" Dia. X 1/4" x 1/2" OD Aluminum Spacer

4

1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex nut

4

1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD

4

1/4-20 Stainless Steel Flanged Nut

2

1/4-20 Nyloc nut

4

3/8" U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg, Saddle & Hardware Kit

2

Feedline Connection

Quantity

1/4-20 x 1" Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolt, full thread

1

1/4" Stainless Steel External Tooth Washer

2

1/4" Flat Washer

2

1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex nut

2

Antenna Assembly

Quantity

2.00" x 0.058" x 36" Element (Slit 1 end & drilled)

1

1.875" & 1.750" x 72" Element Riveted. (Slit one end & drilled)

1

1.750" & 1.625" x 72" Element Riveted. (Slit one end)

1

1.625" x 0.058" x 36" Element (Slit one end)

1

1.500" x 0.058" x 36" Element (Slit one end)

1

1.375" x 0.058" x 72" Element (Slit one end)

1

1.250" x 0.058" x 36" Element (Slit one end)

1

30 Meter Trap

1

1.250" x 0.058" x 36" Element (Slit both ends)

1

1.125" x 0.058" x 12" Element

1

Element Clamp, 1.875" - 2.00"

2

Element Clamp, 1.625" - 1.75"

2

Element Clamp, 1.375" - 1.50"

2

Element Clamp, 1.25"

3

Black Vinyl Cap.

1

- 3 -

Suggested Parts Not Included

DXE-RADP-3 (patented) Radial Plate: 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 patented DXE­RADP-3 Radial Plate to the antenna mounting pipe of 1" to 2" outside diameter. One required for
mounting the optional DXE-VFCC-H05A Vertical Feedline Current Choke.

DXE-VFCC-H05-A - 2/5 kW Vertical Feedline Current Choke for Coaxially Fed 50 Ω HF
Vertical Antennas - Prevents unwanted RFI by eliminating feedline current and radiation allowing

all power to go to the antenna improving efficiency. Reduces noise or unwanted signals picked-up
by the feedline and overcome a less than optimal ground system The V-Clamp, used to mount the
VFCC, part number DXE-SSVC-2P, is not included and must be purchased separately.

RADIAL WIRE KITS: There are optional DX Engineering Radial Wire Kits available. DXE­RADW-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-RADW­1000K/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. RADW­20RT, -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.

Tools Required

Two 7/16” wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)
1/2” and 7/16” socket and drive
3/16” and 7/64” Allen wrenches
Medium size screwdriver or 5/16” nut driver for the element clamps
Tape measure
Felt-tip marker

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.

- 4 -

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.

Installation

Site Selection

Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
35 feet. Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The vertical antenna should be
mounted away from local noise sources or other metallic objects which can re-radiate noise and
affect the tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. Determine the direction you want the antenna to tilt
down and make sure there is adequate clearance (at least 35 feet). There should also be a clear
diameter of at least 33 feet from the antenna for the guying and radial systems that will extend away
from the antenna.

Radial System

The use of a radial system is a key requirement for a high performance quarter wave vertical
antenna system. With a vertical antenna system, the radials are the second half of the antenna. The
radials contribute to the radiation efficiency of the entire vertical antenna system.

At a minimum, 20 radials, each 32 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 (or more)
radials at 32 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.

- 5 -

The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible straight from the feedpoint around the

Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using a 2" OD Mounting

Pipe, with the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate and DXE-VFCC-H05-A
Vertical Feedline Current Choke. If you are not using these options, connection
of the radial system can be done in a number of ways but is not described here.
If not using the VFCC, connect the feedline to the antenna and the radial
system.

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 patented DXE-RADP-3 Stainless Steel Radial Plate is
an ideal optional item which provides an excellent system for attaching radial wires to
your vertical antenna system feedpoint.

Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using DXE-STPL Radial Wire Anchor Pins to
hold them down. Using enough staples will ensure the wires will not be snagged by mowers,
people, or animals. Grass will quickly overgrow the radials and it will be virtually impossible to see
them. An article describing this process is available the DX Engineering website
www.dxengineering.com in the Tech Info section. Radials can also be buried just under the surface
by using a power edger to make a slit in the soil.

Mounting Pipe

Use a customer supplied thick-walled galvanized steel mounting pipe at least 4
feet long. This will allow approximately 2 feet or more to be below ground and
2 feet above ground. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4" to 2" OD 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 a hole deep enough to
accommodate 2 feet of pipe and a couple inches of gravel at the bottom for
drainage. Set the 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. Fill the hole until the concrete is level with the ground around it. Use a
level as you fill the hole to be sure the pipe is 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: 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.

- 6 -

Assembly

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.

The DXE-30/40 Meter Vertical Antenna shipping box contains the vertical tubing sections, an
insulated U-channel, two 3/8" U-Bolts, saddles with hardware, a backing plate, a Tilt Base, stainless
steel element clamps, a black vinyl cap, and stainless steel hardware.

Carefully un-pack the antenna and separate the various parts. Check the parts against the parts list.

Note: DXE-P8A Penetrox™ A Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element

sections. Penetrox™ A is an electrical joint compound to affect a substantial electrical
connection between metal parts such as telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna
pieces. It ensures high conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing moisture and
preventing corrosion or oxidation.

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

Install the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate on the 2" mounting pipe using an optional DXE­SSVC-2P V-Clamp as shown in Figure 1. The standard 1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9"

OD) is just fine for this application and can usually be found at your local home building supply
store. Mount the Radial Plate so you have approximately 1" of space between the bottom of the
plate and the ground level. This will allow easy access to install the radial wire hardware. The
DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate comes with 20 sets of stainless steel hardware for mounting the radial
wires. Mount the plate as shown in relation to how the Tilt Base is mounted. (For reference,

Figure 7 shows the completed installation.)

Figure - 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Installation

- 7 -

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

Using the 20 sets of supplied 1/4" stainless steel hardware (Bolt, Flat Washer, Star 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 their attachment evenly around the Radial
Plate. The Radial Plate will accommodate up to 60 radial wires (60 laser drilled holes), or up to 120
radials if doubled up.

Radial Wire Pattern

Figure - 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation

- 8 -