DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-1 Instructions manual

75/80 Meter
Full Size
Quarter-Wave
Vertical
Antenna

DXE-7580FS-VA-1

DXE-7580FS-VA-1-INS Revision 3b

© DX Engineering 2019
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Introduction

2

Features

2

Supplied Items for Complete Installation

2

Manual Updates

2

Additional Material Needed, not Supplied

3

Parts List for the DXE-7580FS-VA-1

4

Tools Required

4

Warning

5

Overhead Power Line Safety

5

Installation

5

Site Selection

5

Radial System

5

Mounting Pipe

7

Assembly

8

Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe

8

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

9

Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe

9

Vertical Base Section

10

Base Section to Tilt Base

11

Assembling the Vertical Element Sections

13

Mating the Vertical Elements to the Tilt Base

16

Guy Rope and Anchor Installation

16

Raising The Vertical

16

Feedline Connection

18

Tuning the Vertical

18

Technical Support and Warranty

19

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Introduction

The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-1 is a high performance 68 foot full size quarter-wave
75/80 meter vertical antenna that is tunable to operate over segments of the entire band 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 and attractive.

A breakthrough in a FULL SIZE quarter-wave high-performance antenna. The slim lines of this
antenna can hide in even a small stand of tall trees. Some have painted the antenna a color to match
the bark of the surrounding trees.

Guying is usually at 2 or 3 levels. With an outstanding 456 to 528 kHz 2:1 bandwidth, depending on
your radial field, your internal tuner can get SWR down to 1:1 on any DXing frequency for
maximum power transfer.

The key to performance is a good ground radial system. 32 radials, 65 feet long are recommended.
Fewer radials will work, but with diminished results.

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 Patented Stainless Steel Tilt Base

 High Power Handling Capacity - High Strength, UV Protected Extren® Insulator
 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

 Full 1,500 watt legal limit power rating

Supplied Installation Item:

 Tilt Base - (US patent 7,432,875), Precision cut from 3/16 inch thick 304 Stainless Steel,

this mounting plate is virtually indestructible. Mounts to the same mast that you use for the
radial plate. Allows for easy installation, tuning or severe weather lay-down.

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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Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

 Antenna Mounting - Steel mounting pipe, up to 2.0” OD, 0.25” wall thickness. A standard

1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) will work for this application and can
usually be found at your local home building supply store. DX Engineering also has the
DXE-VGMT-2CG Steel tubing for ground mount antennas made from high strength
Chromoly: 2 inch OD x .25 wall thickness x 5 foot 4 inch length.

 Quik-Set Concrete - Mounting pipe installation
 JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Anti-Seize - To ensure good connection on aluminum and on

the threads of the Stainless Steel Hardware to prevent galling and aid in proper tightening
torque.

 DXE-RADP-3 - Radial Plate (US Patents 6,927,740 & D533,167): The most effective way

to connect those essential radial wires and the feedline coax to your vertical antenna for the
maximum efficiency and strongest signals. All stainless construction and includes 20 sets of
radial connection hardware. Additional radial components available.

 DXE-RADW - Radial Wire Kits and Components. To achieve optimal performance with a

ground-mounted vertical, install as many radials as possible. These bulk radial wire kits
use 14 gage stranded copper wire with a relaxed black PVC insulation that is UV resistant,
hard to see and lays down easily, unlike the wire that is commonly available at the big box
stores. It will last much longer in contact with soil than bare wire.

 DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp. One is required for the optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate.
 DXE-UHF-FDFB-KIT - The DX Engineering Silver Plated Female SecureMount™

Bulkhead Connector for a clean and quality feedline connection.

 Guy Rope and Anchors – DXE-GUY400-KIT contains 4 screw-in earth anchors and four

100 foot rolls of Dacron/polyester rope to guy the DXE-7580FS-VA-1 at two or three levels
in four directions. Additional guy rope is available from DX Engineering in several
diameters and lengths.

The use of an antenna analyzer such as the Rig Expert (REU-AA-35ZOOM, 55ZOOM or
230ZOOM) will facilitate the fine tuning of the vertical.

Ground conductivity as well as the number of radials and their length can affect tuning parameters.
The radial system used in the DX Engineering test vertical contained 32 radials, 65 ft long,
symmetrically placed around the vertical using a DX engineering Radial Plate. A minimum of 16
radials 65 ft long should be used for reasonable performance.

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Parts List for the DXE-7580FS-VA-1

Description

Qty

Description

Qty

Tilt Base, 3/16" Laser Cut Stainless Steel

1 DXE-ECL-0500 Element Clamp

1

DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp

2 DXE-ECL-0625 Element Clamp

1

Tilt Base, Mast Mount Extren® Channel

1 DXE-ECL-0875 Element Clamp

2

Tilt Base Mount Plate

1 DXE-ECL-1000 Element Clamp

1

1/4-20 x 2" HH Bolt, full thread

4 DXE-ECL-1250 Element Clamp

2

1/4" Flat Washer

4 DXE-ECL-1500 Element Clamp

2

1/4" Split Washer

4 DXE-ECL-1750 Element Clamp

2

1/4" Aluminum Spacer

4 DXE-ECL-2000 Element Clamp

2

1/4-20 Hex nut

4 DXE-ECL-2250 Element Clamp

2

1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD

4 Black Vinyl Cap

1

1/4-20 Flanged Nut

2

1/4-20 Nyloc nut

4 Feedpoint Connection Hardware

3/8" U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg

2 Studded Band Clamp

1

2" Saddle for 3/8" U-Bolt

2 #10 Star Washer

2

3/8-16 Hex Nut

4 #10 Flat Washer

2

3/8" Split Washer

4 #10 Hex nut

2

3/8" Flat Washer

4 #10 Split Lock Washer

2

Antenna Elements

OD

(OD)

Wall Thickness

Length

Qty.

2"

(2.000")

0.120"

72"

Base Section

1

2-1/8"

(2.125")

0.058"

36"

Slit both ends

1

2"

(2.000")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1

1-7/8"

(1.875")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1

1-3/4"

(1.750")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1

1-5/8"

(1.625")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

1-1/2"

(1.500")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1

1-3/8"

(1.375")

0.058"

36"

Slit one end

1

1-1/4"

(1.250")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

1-1/8"

(1.125")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

1"

(1.000")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

7/8"

(0.875")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

3/4"

(0.750")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

5/8"

(0.625")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

1/2"

(0.500")

0.058"

72"

Slit one end

1

3/8"

(0.375")

0.058"

36"

No slits

1

Tools Required

Two 7/16” wrenches, (one of them should be open-end)
1/2” and 7/16” socket and drive
Medium size screwdriver or 5/16” & 1/4” nut drivers for the element clamps
Tape measure
Black Felt Tip Marker.

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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 and structures by a minimum of 78 feet (68 plus
10 for the 10 foot safety rule). Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The
vertical should be mounted away from local noise sources or other metallic objects which can re­radiate 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. There should also be a clear
diameter of at least 70 feet from the antenna for the guying and radial systems that will extend away
from the antenna.

Radial System

Using an optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate greatly simplifies mounting radial wires in a
vertical installation. The DXE-RADP-3 stainless steel Radial Plate contains enough stainless
hardware sets to attach 20 radials. Additional 20 set radial connection hardware kits DXE-RADP-
HW1K are available from DX Engineering.

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