DX Engineering DXE-MBVE-5, DXE-MBVE-5AE-RT, DXE-MBVE-5AERT8, DXE-MBVE-5A, DXE-MBVE-5UG-RT User Manual

Remote Tuner Option

for the

DXE-MBVE-5A

Vertical Antenna

DXE-MBVE-5UGRT8

for the
MFJ-998RT 1500 Watt Remote Tuner

DXE-MBVE-5UGRT8- INS-Revision 0b

© DX Engineering 2017

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Remote Tuner shown with additional optional parts

Introduction

DX Engineering

MBVE-5A

Model Numbers

MFJ-998RT

Brackets

MFJ-998RT

Tuner

1500 Watt

DXE-MBVE-5AE-RT

X

DXE-MBVE-5AERT8

X

X

DX Engineering

Upgrade Model

Numbers

DXE-MBVE-

TBHW

Hardware Kit

DXE-MBVE-5A-

UGHW

Hardware Kit

MFJ-998RT -

Brackets

MFJ-998RT -

Tuner

1500 Watt

DXE-MBVE-5UG-RT

X X X

DXE-MBVE-5UGRT8

X X X

X

This instruction manual describes the optional remote tuner upgrade package available for the
DXE-MBVE-5A multi-band vertical antenna system using the MFJ-998RT 1500 watt remote tuner.

There are two complete DXE-MBVE-5A systems for use with the MFJ-998RT Remote Tuner

X = Included

There are two upgrade retrofit kits for existing DXE-MBVE-5/5A systems for use with the MFJ­998RT remote tuner. One with the tuner, one for use if the customer already has the tuner.

Upgrade kits include new longer base tube, brackets, remote tuner as selected below.

X = Included

There are also options available for other MFJ remote tuners allowing operation at 200, 300, 600 or
1500 Watt power levels. See the DX Engineering web site for complete details.

A complete manual including the assembly of the DXE-MBVE-5A antenna system that also
includes the information in this manual is available from DX Engineering and can be downloaded
from the DX Engineering web site at www.DXEngineering.com

Additional Material Needed but not Supplied:

 JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize 12555 - To ensure good electrical

and RF connection for Aluminum Element Sections and also used on the threads of Stainless
Steel Hardware to prevent galling (seizing) and aid in proper tightening.

The assemblies or upgrades that use the extended base tube and new base tube insulator are
basically built the same as the standard DXE-MBVE-5A which is described in greater detail in the
DXE-MBVE-5A manual which is available on-line from the DX Engineering web site at

www.DXEngineering.com. The Saf-T-Tilt™ base and the aluminum vertical elements are all the

same for all of the DXE-MBVE-5A models. The only difference is the base tube length (Short Base
tube is 14”, Long Base Tube required for the remote tuners is 36”) new base tube insulator and
associated hardware.

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Upgrade Hardware for the

SAF-T-Tilt™ Base Assembly Upgrade Hardware Kit

DXE-MBVE-5A-UGHW for the extended base tube option

Qty

Drawing

Ref.

Number

1/4”-20 x 3/4” long Hex Head Bolt, Stainless Steel

1 18

1/4”-20 x 2-3/4” long Hex Head Cap Screw, Stainless Steel

1

23

1/4”-20 x 3-1/4” long Hex Head Cap Screw, Stainless Steel

2

17

1/4” Flat Washer, Stainless Steel

11

19

1/4” Split Lock Washer, Stainless Steel

6

20

1/4" External Tooth Washer, Stainless Steel

3

21

1/4”-20 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel

6

22

1/4”-20 x 3” long Hex Head Cap Screw, Stainless Steel

2

25

1/2”-13 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel

1

11

1/2”-13 x 4-1/2” long, Hex Head Bolt, Stainless Steel

2

12

1/2” Flat Washer, Stainless Steel, Thick

1

13

1/2” External Tooth Washer, Stainless Steel

2

14

1/2” Split Lock Washer, Stainless Steel

1

15

1/2”-13 Flanged Nut, Stainless Steel

1

16

7” Wire, 14 ga PVC insulated, two 1/4” Ring Terminals

1

24

Extended Base Tube Drawing

This drawing shows

the Upgrade

Hardware Kit that

includes the associated

hardware.

For existing systems,

the new hardware is

supplied with the

upgrade kits to make

installation easier.

NOTE: The Upgrade
Kits also include an
extended (36”) Base
Tube and a new
Drilled Insulator

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DXE-MBVE-TBHW

DXE-MBVE-TBHW Mounting Hardware Kit

For the MFJ-998RT Tuner mounting option

Qty

V-Block Saddle, Aluminum

2

U-Bolt, Stainless Steel, 3.75” x 5/16”-18

2

Tuner Shelf Bracket, Stainless Steel

1

5/16” Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel

4

5/16” Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel

4

5/16” Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel

4

5/16” Hex Nut, Stainless Steel,

4

2.25” Element Clamp with Threaded Stud, Stainless Steel

1

10-24 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel

1

1/4”-20 x 3/4” long Hex Bolt, Stainless Steel

4

1/4”-20 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel

4

1/4”-20 Acorn Hex Nut, Stainless Steel

4

1/4” Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel

8

#10 Washer, Split Lock, Stainless Steel, Thick

1

#10 Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel, Thick

2

#10 Washer, External Tooth, Stainless Steel

1

10” Wire Assembly, 12 ga, Black Insulated, two #10 ring terminals

1

Installing the MFJ-998RT option

The MFJ-998RT Tuner is mounted on a custom made stainless steel shelf that is attached to the
DXE-MBVE-5A antenna.

1. Install the four 1/4”-20 x 3/4” long Hex Head Cap Bolts, four 1/4” External Tooth Washers and
four 1/4”-20 Hex Nuts on the tuner shelf bracket as shown. The hex bolt heads will be on the
same side as the logo on the tuner shelf bracket.

2. Loosely install the two 4” long U-bolts, two V-saddle clamps with the 5/16”-20 Hex Nuts, 5/16”
Flat Washers, 5/16” Split Lock Washers and 5/16” External Tooth Washers as shown on the
tuner shelf bracket.

- 3 -

3. With the U-bolts loose, you can slip
the assembly onto the lower base
tube. <Hint: If you tilt the base, it

makes it easy to do this part of the
installation.>. Position the top U-

bolt 4-1/2” below the top of the
base tube as shown. (Refer to Page
40 for photos showing the
positioning of the clamps and
tuner). Once positioned correctly,
tighten all of the hardware holding
the tuner shelf assembly to the
lower base tube. Do not over tighten
the U-Bolt Hex Nuts which can
break or bend the aluminum saddle
clamp. Evenly tighten each side of the U-bolt until the split lock washer is seated properly.

4. Place one 5/16” External Star Washer on each of the four bolts that are installed in the tuner shelf
bracket and then place the MFJ-998RT Tuner on the bolts as shown. Position the tuner so it is
straight and the large hole on the tuner metal bracket is close to the antenna (this is where the
feedline wire will pass through). Use one 1/4”-20 Acorn Nut on each of the bolts to secure the
MFJ-998RT tuner in place.

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5. When the upper antenna parts are mounted to the base assembly (see previous installation
instructions), install the Studded Band Clamp on the first element just above the black insulator

with the stud facing the side nearest the tuner connections. Install the 10” long tuner wire from

the studded band clamp using the #10 hardware. The other end of the 10” wire is connected to
the tuner output wing nut connection as shown.

The feedline coaxial cable connects to the Antenna Tuner to the Bias-T in the radio room.

Two views showing the

MFJ-998RT installed on the

DXE-MBVE-5A antenna

- 5 -

Bias Tee Information

The MFJ-4117 Bias Tee is included with the MFJ Remote Tuner. Since the
coaxial cable is supplying the DC voltage to the remote tuner (injected in the
coaxial cable by the Bias Tee), the coaxial cable used must have a good DC
path. Lightning protectors that block DC cannot be used.

Follow the instructions provided by MFJ for both the Tuner and the Bias
Tee.

Make certain the coaxial cables are properly connected to the Bias "T" as shown. Ensure the
ON/OFF switch on the Bias "T" is turned ON when using the system.

NOTE: Review the MFJ Remote IntelliTuner™ manual for a detailed

explanation of the Remote IntelliTuner™ and the Bias Tee operation.

Installing the Bias Tee incorrectly may cause damage to your radio.

- 6 -

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:

[e-mail]

For best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call.

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.

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 2017

DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc.®, Hot Rodz®, Maxi-Core®, DX Engineering THUNDERBOLT®, DX
Engineering Yagi Mechanical®, EZ-BUILD®, TELREX®, Gorilla Grip® Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, Butternut®,
SkyHawk™, SkyLark™, SecureMount™, OMNI-TILT™, RF-PRO-1B®, AFHD-4® 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.

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