DX Engineering DXE-RADP-3 Instructions manual

Radial Plate

DXE-RADP-3

Installation Guide

DXE-RADP-3-INS Rev 1d

U.S. Patent Nos. 6,927,740 and D533,167

© DX Engineering 2019

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

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

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

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Introduction

The patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate is made of 0.125 inch thick, laser cut 304 Stainless Steel. Outside
dimensions are 11-5/8" x 11-5/8"; with an inside open area of 6" x 6". The plate has 60 laser drilled holes for
attaching ground radial hardware, a built in bracket for attaching a V-Bolt Clamp for mounting, and laser cut
holes for mounting a bulkhead SO-239 type feed through connection.

The DX Engineering Radial Plate is meant for those of you that have or are building a quarter wave vertical
antenna and who want an easy, neat and effective way to connect those essential radial wires and the coax to
your vertical antenna for the lowest takeoff angle and strongest signals.

This plate will work perfectly with the commercially available vertical antennas such as the Hustler® BTV
series (4-BTV thru the 6-BTV), Butternut® series (HF2V, HF6V, HF9V), DX Engineering Vertical
Antennas, or your very own home brew variety.

Advantages over the other radial plates on the market

First, the DX Engineering Radial Plate will attach easily and rigidly to a 4" x 4" or 6" x 6" wooden post

using simple wood screws or a steel or aluminum pipe (up to 3" outside diameter) using a DX Engineering
clamp, a fence post or whatever you have supporting your vertical. DX Engineering V-Bolt Clamps make it
easy to attach the antenna and the Radial Plate to a vertical piece of 1-3/4" to 3" Outside Diameter (OD)
galvanized steel pipe, which you have driven or cemented into the ground. For attaching to a 1/2" to 1-3/4""
OD mounting pipe, the DXE-CAVS-11P Stainless Steel V-Bolt Clamp. For attaching to a 1" to 2" OD
mounting pipe, the DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Clamp, or the DXE-CAVS-2P Stainless Steel V-Bolt
Clamp. 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 mounting pipes between 2" and
3" OD, use the DXE-SSVC-3P Stainless Steel V-Clamp.

Second, this Radial Plate actually has a place where you can attach your coax.
The Radial Plate assembly has been laser drilled for the optional DXE-UHF-

FDFB-KIT SecureMount™ SO-239 bulkhead
fitting. This is a MUST item for proper handling
of RF ground current! If you are
going to be using a Hustler BTV or another brand
of similar commercially available verticals, using
this laser cut bulkhead connection hole is how to

use a bulkhead fitting as a pass thru for your coax
connection on the way to the antenna from the
Radial Plate. This will ground your coax to the Radial Plate before it goes to the
antenna. It is imperative that your coax be grounded to the radials to complete the
circuit for your radial current return for maximum performance.

Third, the DX Engineering RADP-3 Radial Plate is laser cut from tough stainless steel so that it has

smooth edges, won’t corrode and will always look good. You will be proud of how good your installation

looks.

Fourth, it is square. Why? Because a square has more lineal distance around it than the round plates you
usually see. This allowed adequate spacing to put 60 holes in it; use larger bolts for more clamping power
and still not crowd them together. If you want to go all-out with 60 to 120 radials you will able to put them
on easily. You can put two radial wire terminals on each bolt set. Remember: The more current that flows in

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through your radials and then through this Radial Plate, the stronger your signal is going to be and the more

1

Laser Cut Stainless Steel Radial Plate

20

1/4”-20 Stainless Steel Hex Nuts

20

1/4 -20 x 1” Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolts

20

1/4” Stainless Steel Split Lock Washers

20

1/4” Stainless Steel Flat Washers

20

1/4” Stainless Steel Star Washers

DX stations that you are going to hear. So, put on as many radials as you can.

Fifth, DX Engineering supplies the correct Stainless Steel bolts, nuts, star washers, flat washers and lock
washers to attach the radials. Since its unknown how many radials that you want to attach (some experts
suggest at least 32 radials) the first 20 sets of hardware are included with the plate. This means that with the
supplied hardware that you can attach 20 radials or double them up and attach 40. If you want to attach more,
order DXE-RADP-1HWK radial plate hardware kits.

Why a 1/4" bolts and not the cheaper #10 that others use? Because the 1/4" bolt has a lot more clamping
force for the best connection possible. The Stainless Steel external star washers that are supplied have about
twice the area of even the best star washers for the smaller bolts. You want the best connection that you can
get here.

There are optional DX Engineering Radial Wire Kits available. The DXE-RADW-500K/BD contains a 500
foot spool of 14 gauge copper stranded wire with relaxed 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 relaxed black PVC insulation, 40 Terminal Lugs and 200 Steel
or Biodegradable Lawn Staples. The RADW-20RT, -32RT or -65RT contain sets of 20 radial wires with
1/4" terminals attached. These kits come in 20 Ft, 32 Ft, or 65Ft lengths.

Installation

The DXE-RADP-3 kit includes:

Figure 1: Completed assembly for Hustler

®

BTV (shown with optional BTV, DXE Clamps and DXE Tilt Plate)

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Radial Plate Assembly to Pipe or Mast

Use a 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.
Depending on the antenna you are installing, this height above ground may vary,
check your antenna installation guide for details. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4"
OD to 3" OD maximum with a minimum thickness of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should
be used. 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. For permanent mounting, use a post-hole

digger to make the 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 (depending on the type of concrete obtained). 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 or longer depending on the type of concrete used. Your location, landscape and ground
conditions may require different mounting solutions in order to have the 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.

Attach the Radial Plate to a metal mounting pipe or wooden post at the location you intend to use
the antenna, making sure the unit is securely mounted. You need approximately 1" to 2" of
clearance between the bottom of the Radial Plate and the ground to allow installation of the radial
wire hardware. If you are using an optional DXE-TB-3P or 4P Tilt Base, allow approximately a 7"
clearance from the Radial Plate surface to the bottom edge of the Tilt Base. Reference Figure 1.

Note: The mounting hardware is not supplied. For best results, use one DXE-SSVC-2P V-Saddle
Clamp for metal pipes from 1” to 2” OD or DXE-CAVS-11P for a metal pipe that is 1/2" to 1-3/4"
OD or one DXE-SSVC-3P V-Saddle Clamp for metal pipes from 2" to 3" OD.

Note: You must use an anti-seize lubricant such as JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 on all stainless

hardware to prevent galling of the stainless steel threads.

Here’s an example of the Radial Plate mounted to a 4” x 4”
wooden post using lag bolts. The Radial Plate can accommodate
up to a 6” x 6” finished wooden post. This picture also shows
the Tilt Base and other optional items mounted to the post as well.

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Ground Radials

The following procedure describes installation of radials onto the surface of the ground over an existing
lawn. You may encounter installation in undeveloped ground, weeds, woods, and even sand. You will have
to adapt your particular installation to your surroundings. Radial wires may also be buried up to 6"
depending on local ground type and landscaping requirements.

Installing Ground Radials on Existing Lawn

The best time to do this is early spring but it can be done other
times, as well. The idea behind this is to get the grass on your

lawn to grow over the
radials and protect them
from the mower.

First, mow the grass
pretty short in the areas

where you will be laying
the radials down. Notice we didn't say "scalp" it. Just lower the
mower until the grass is about 1 inch long after cutting. Readjust
the height of the mower back to normal and put it away.
Next, connect the radials to the Radial Plate with wire terminal ends and stretch them out evenly around the
antenna. Some AM broadcast engineers tell us that the radials should be as long as you can make them up to
about 1/2-wavelength. If you can only do 1/4 or 1/8-wavelength in certain directions then do that and don’t
worry about it. You will be surprised how much better your vertical will work. After you install a few radials
and see how much better you antenna performs you will have an urge to put in more of them. Don’t resist,
more really is better. (Note: the photos shown have red wire for picture clarity. The DX Engineering Bulk
Radial Wire is black).

Starting from the antenna end of the radials, and about every
3 to 4 feet, hold the wire down with a radial wire anchor pin
while pulling the radial out from the antenna to keep it taut.
Push it in as far as possible to get the wire as close to the
grass roots as possible. You can use a rubber mallet to drive
it home. If the radial wire is sticking up any place due to
uneven ground or the wire is loose just put another staple
there. The idea is to get all parts of the wire down as close as
possible to the ground so that the grass will grow over it.

When you finish the last radial, your job is done and Mother
Nature will do the rest. If you have done this in most parts

of the country in early spring, the grass will grow up,
surround the wire and pull it down firmly along its full length. If you do it in the fall after the grass has
stopped growing, it will happen the next spring. This will be done so completely that in a few weeks you
will have to actively look for the radials to see them. Your mower will miss them completely, too; but you
and your contacts will hear them right away!

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Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate

DXE-CAVS-11P

V-Bolt Saddle Clamp, 1/2 in. to 1-3/4 in. OD Applications

DXE-CAVS-2P

V-Bolt Saddle Clamp, 1 to 2 in. OD Applications

Using the 20 sets of supplied stainless steel hardware; connect the ground radial wires to the Radial Plate as
shown. Note the Star Washer goes between the Radial Plate and the Radial Wire Terminal - This helps to
ensure a positive electrical connection for long lasting performance.

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.

Optional Items

JTL-12555 Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize 12555

Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize is the top choice of engineers and technicians in government, industry and leading Amateur
Radio contest stations, for protecting mechanical assemblies of aluminum tubing, general hardware and copper grounding
systems. On bonded metal surfaces Jet-Lube™ SS-30 assures electrical and RF conductivity while preventing oxidation
and corrosion. Surpassing the capabilities of other aluminum anti-oxidants, the wide temperature range of Jet-Lube™ SS­30 prevents long-term drying and caking, and allows easy disassembly and effortless cleaning of parts. An
environmentally preferred thread lubricant and conductive termination compound, Jet-Lube™ SS-30 helps keep your
equipment in serviceable condition. It contains a high concentration of copper flakes, a requirement for heavy loads or
compression; controlled frictional characteristics allow the surfaces of nuts and bolts to be tightened to their design torque
specifications. This anti-seize product assures full hydraulic efficiency by allowing the metal surfaces to slide over each
other without damaging metal-to-metal contact. Jet-Lube™ SS-30 is also designed to work as a similar and dissimilar
component between two metal surfaces to prevent seizing and galvanic action. The SS-30 compound formula improves
conductivity and ground continuity - and will not melt in high temperatures.
Jet-Lube™ SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize Features include:
* Meets MIL-PRF-907E spec
* K-factor: 0.13
* Service rating: -65 degrees F (-54 degrees C) to 1800 degrees F (820 degrees C)
* SS-30 Resistivity (ohm-CM x 108) 5

DXE-CAVS V-Bolt Saddle Clamps

These V-Bolt Clamps are made to fit tubing from 1/2" to 2'' OD as used in antenna construction. The supplied V-bolt is
long enough to attach tubing to thick plates and is made with anti-corrosive properties. Designed for attachments that don't
require resistance to torque. V-bolt made from high-strength 18-8 stainless steel. The V-saddle is cast from 535 aluminum
with a rippled surface.

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only

DXE-SSVC-2P - Stainless Steel V-Clamp for steel pipe, 2 inch V-bolt

This V-Clamp is made in one size that fits Steel tubing or pipe from 1 to 2'' OD as used in antenna construction. The
supplied V-bolt is long enough to attach tubing to thick plates and is made with anti-corrosive properties. The special
Stainless Steel saddle has serrated teeth will clamp to the pipe securely by biting into the surface. For this reason, it is
not recommended for softer aluminum tubing or pipe. Ideal for fastening a radial plate and antenna mounting to a
steel pipe. Used to clamp 1 to 2'' (OD) steel tubing or pipe. Designed for attachments that don't require resistance to
torque. V-bolt and saddle made from high-strength 18-8 stainless steel

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DXE-SSVC-3P - Stainless Steel V-Clamp for steel pipe, 3 inch V-bolt

DXE-RADW-500K

Bulk Radial Wire Kit, 500 ft Spool of Wire, 20 Lugs, 100 Staples

DXE-RADW-1000K

Bulk Radial Wire Kit, 1000 ft Spool of Wire, 40 Lugs, 200 Staples

DXE-RADW-500KBD

Bulk Radial Wire Kit, 500 ft Spool of Wire, 20 Lugs, 100 Biodegradable Staples

DXE-RADW-1000KBD

Bulk Radial Wire Kit, 1000 ft Spool of Wire, 40 Lugs, 200 Biodegradable Staples

DXE-STPL-100P

Radial Wire Anchor Pins, 100/pack

DXE-STPL-300P

Radial Wire Anchor Pins, 300/pack

This V-Clamp is made in one size that fits Steel tubing or pipe from 2 to 3'' OD as used in antenna construction.
The supplied V-bolt is long enough to attach tubing to thick plates and is made with anti-corrosive properties. The
special Stainless Steel saddle has serrated teeth will clamp to the pipe securely by biting into the surface. For this
reason, it is not recommended for softer aluminum tubing or pipe. Ideal for fastening a radial plate and antenna
mounting to a steel pipe. Used to clamp 2 to 3'' (OD) steel tubing or pipe. Designed for attachments that don't
require resistance to torque. V-bolt and saddle made from high-strength 18-8 stainless steel

DXE-UHF-FDFB-KIT - Silver Plated Female SecureMount™ Bulkhead Connector - Dual SO-239

The DX Engineering Silver Plated Female SecureMount™ Bulkhead Connector is a high-quality silver-plated connector that provides
a positive, permanently secure connection for your coaxial cable. The two-sided SO-239 female connector has a superior silver­plated body with silver contacts to ensure the best performance for any application. The SecureMount™ flange uses four mounting
screws. Once mounted to any panel or bulkhead, the flanged bulkhead connector will provide the best possible connection and stay
that way. Unlike many common nickel-plated bulkhead connectors, our silver-plated SecureMount bulkhead connectors have no air
space within their midpoint. This area of solid and superior PTFE dielectric between the center conductor and body maintains
constant impedance and ultimate performance.

 Description: Bulkhead mount, UHF jack to UHF jack (SO-239)
 Body Material: Brass
 Body Plating: Silver
 Body Style: Flanged Dual Female SO-239
 Contact Plating: Silver
 Frequency Range: DC - 500 MHz
 Dielectric: PTFE
 Impedance: 50 ohms

 Includes Stainless Steel Hardware Kit for mounting

DXE-RADP-1HWK - Radial Plate Wire Attachment Hardware Kit - Stainless Steel

20 Sets of ALL Stainless Steel Radial Hardware for use with the DX Engineering Stainless Steel Radial Plate.

(20) 1/4'' Bolts (20) 1/4'' Nuts (20) 1/4'' Flat Washers (20) 1/4'' Split Washers (20) 1/4'' Star Washers

SUM-900031 - Automatic Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 24-10 Ga.

The wire stripper uses a spring-loaded design to make quick work of wires ranging from 24 to 10 gauge. Just insert the

wire, squeeze the handle, and listen for the click. That’s the sound of another perfect wire stripping job performed in

about 2 seconds- a fraction of the time it takes your pocket knife to do the same job. An adjustable wire length guide
helps you make uniform strips, and a built-in wire cutter and crimper helps you complete your wiring job. Spring­loaded design. Strips wires ranging from 24 to 10 gauge, built-in wire cutter and crimper .

DXE-RADW - 500K or 1000K Radial Wire Kits and Components
DXE-RADW - 500KBD or 1000KBD - Bulk 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 stranded copper wire with black 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.
The kits provide everything you will need to build the perfect radial system!

 500/1000 ft. spool of 14 AWG, stranded copper wire with vinyl insulation
 20/40 lugs
 100/200 radial wire or biodegradable anchor pins - Eliminating the need to bury your radials!
 Build up to 20/40 radials, 25 feet long

DXE-STPL - Radial Wire Anchor Pins, 100/pack - No need to bury your radials!

DX Engineering Radial Wire Anchor Pins are perfect for fastening radials below the grass line to eliminate the risk of
damaging your radials during lawn maintenance. 100 count - 6'' Pins 11-Gauge

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DXE-RADW - Radial Wire Kits

DXE-RADW-1K

Resonant Radial Wire Set for 10, 15, and 20m. Includes 1/4 in. Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-40MK

Resonant Radial Wire Set for 40m. Includes 1/4 in. Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-80MK

Resonant Radial Wire Set for 80m. Includes 1/4 in. Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-20RT

Package of 20 each 20 Ft Radials with 1/4" Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-32RT

Package of 20 each 32 Ft Radials with 1/4" Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-65RT

Package of 20 each 65 Ft Radials with 1/4" Ring Terminals

DXE-RADW-20RT/-32RT/-65RT Pre-Assembled, Radial Wire, w/ 1/4" ring Terminals, 20 Pack

The DXE-RADW Radial Wire Kits include the highest quality 14 gauge stranded copper wire with a relaxed black PVC insulation
for easy installation of your radial system. They allow fast and easy installation of your radial ground system,
and permit you to mix and match different length to fit the available space. The stranded wire and relaxed
insulation mean that the wire will lay flat as you place it on the ground - easy to install! The twenty pre-cut
radial wires include 1/4" ring terminals professionally crimped on one end for quick and easy attachment to the
radial plate. These Radial Wire Kits are designed for users of vertical antenna systems which have the need for
a high quality radial system for optimum antenna performance. The 1/4" ring terminals are machine crimped for
maximum grip. Soldering is not required for strength, but is recommended if installed in corrosive
environments such as salt spray.

 Packed 20 Radial Wires per package
 14 gage, stranded copper wire
 Black relaxed PVC insulation
 1/4" Ring Terminal professionally crimped on each Radial Wire
 3 lengths to choose from: 20 Ft (-20RT), 32 Ft (-32RT), 65 Ft (-65RT)

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.

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 (transportation­charges 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 2019

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™, RF­PRO-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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