DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-3 Instructions manual

75/80 Meter
Full Size
Quarter-Wave
Vertical Antenna

DXE-7580FS-VA-3

US Patent No. 8,130,168

DXE-7580FS-VA-3-INS Revision 5d

© DX Engineering 2021
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

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Table of Contents

Introduction

2

Features

2

Warning

3

Overhead Power Line Safety

3

Tools Required

3

Manual Updates and Information

4

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

7

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

8

Overall Pivot and Antenna Base Assembly Reference Drawing

9

Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly

10

Mounting and using the Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch

18

General Information about Aluminum Tubing

21

Assembling the Vertical Sections

22

Lowering or Raising the Vertical Element Assembly

30

Feedline Connection

31

Optional DXE-VMN-1 Vertical Antenna Matching Network

31

Tuning the Vertical

32

Locking the Pivot Base

33

DXE-7580FS-VA-3 Part Lists

34

Pivot Base Assembly

34

Optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch Assembly

34

Feedpoint Hardware

34

Vertical Elements Assembly

35

Exploded View of Pivot Base Assembly for Reference

36

Additional Material Required but not Supplied

37

Suggested Parts Not Included

37

Technical Support

39

Warranty

39

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Introduction

Congratulations on obtaining your DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA-3 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. Achieve the strongest possible presence at your power
level and be competitive.

The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA3 is a FULL SIZE quarter-wave high-performance antenna
that provides all the important design details for a high performance vertical antenna. 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 or high winds, the antenna can easily be
lowered with the supplied Super Duty+ Stainless Pivot Base (US Patent 8, 130,168) using the
optional hand winch.

The DX Engineering DXE-7580FS-VA3 provides 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-3 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, thick
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 Super 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 Plus Pivoting Fixture - US Patent No. 8,130,168

 Ultra-rugged construction starts with 4 inch OD Aircraft Grade heavy wall tubing
 Self supporting - will withstand steady-state winds in excess of 92 mph without guying

(guying required under extreme wind speed or ice conditions)

 Massive Extren® channel insulator
 Laser-cut high strength Stainless Steel brackets

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The optional DXE-VRW-1 Manual Winch for easy one-person raising and lowering of the antenna
is available from DX Engineering. You can move the DXE-VRW-1 winch between similar
antennas in a multi-antenna installation.

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 DXE­VGMT-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
One 1/2” wrench
Two 3/4" wrenches
Medium size flat blade screwdriver or 5/16" nut driver for the element clamps
Tape measure
Black Felt Tip marker

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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.

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. Mating Antenna Elements to Pivot Base Assembly

9. 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).

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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,

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.

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.

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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 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.
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 should 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-3CG Mounting Pipe, with the optional DXE-VR-1 Manual Winch,
optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate with one optional DXE-SSVC-3P V
Clamp and one optional DXE-UHF-FDFB-KIT - SecureMount™ dual SO­239 Bulkhead Connector.

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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-112-KIT chassis mount SO-239 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.

Figure 1 - Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate Mounted to a 3" OD Mounting Pipe

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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
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 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

Figure 2 - Radial Wire Hardware Installation

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Figure 3

Overall Super Duty+
Pivot Base

(US Patent No. 8,130,168)

Assembly
Reference
Drawing

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Pivot Base and Lower Antenna Assembly

1. Locate the heavy duty Extren® insulated channel.

There are 14 holes drilled in the insulated channel.

The top of the insulated channel is identified by the two

wide spaced 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. Tighten the hardware.

3. Locate the three 4” Cast Saddle Clamps, three 4” x 3/8” x 6.813” long stainless steel U-Bolts,
six Saddle Backing Plates, six 3/8” washers, six 3/8” split lock washers and six 3/8-16 stainless
steel hex nuts. (Note: The U-Bolts and their hardware may be packaged separately). Loosely
assemble the U-Bolts to the heavy duty Extren® insulated channel as shown below. These will
be tightened after the base is mounted and you are ready to insert the 4” OD base element.

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4. 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. Tighten
the hardware.

5. Locate the stainless steel base side bottom hinge, two 1/2-13 x 1-3/4" 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. Tighten the hardware.