DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-2 Instructions 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 6e

© DX Engineering 2022
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

- 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 DXE­VGMT-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 DXE­VR-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-WIRE­P 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.