DX Engineering DXE-TFK15 Instructions manual

Telescoping Fiberglass Tubing

and Cam Lock Clamp Kits

Combination Kits: DXE-TFK15, DXE-TFK25, DXE-TFK46, DXE-TFK46-HD

Fiberglass Tube Kits: DXE-TF15, DXE-TF25, DXE-TF46, DXE-TF46-HD

Cam Lock Clamp Kits: DXE-CLC15, DXE-CLC25, DXE-CLC46, DXE-CLC46-HD

DXE-TF-CLC-INS-Rev 0c

 DX Engineering 2020

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA

Phone: [phone]  Technical Support and International: [phone]

Fax: [phone]  E-mail: [e-mail]

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Introduction

The DX Engineering Fiberglass Tubing Kits are constructed of high quality pultruded fiberglass tubing. The
combination kits come with custom designed UV resistant cam lock compression clamps, a 3 mm Allen
wrench and vinyl end cap. The fiberglass kits come in 3 sizes: 15, 25 or 46 feet in length when assembled.
Depending on your application, the length can easily be made shorter by telescoping the fiberglass tubing
sections inward, or removing fiberglass tubing sections.

The kits are available in various combinations: Four full combination kits include fiberglass tubes, cam lock
clamps, Allen wrench and vinyl end cap. Four fiberglass tube kits include the fiberglass tubes (two have 4 foot
length tubes, the other three have 7.5 length tubes). Four cam lock clamp kits include a 3 mm Allen wrench
and vinyl end cap.

The Fiberglass Tubing Kits are used to make various vertical antennas, or may be used to support simple,
light-duty wire antennas. Amateur Radio Operators love to experiment and this fiberglass stack is an ideal
starting point. The telescoping fiberglass tubing sizes allow adjustment by the addition or removal of tubing
sections as length requirements dictate. The fiberglass tubing kit is not designed to support other antennas, nor
should it be treated as if it were a tower support and when installed the fiberglass kit should always be
properly guyed.

There are parts made from fiberglass in this kit. Take normal precautions when handling any fiberglass
material. There may be fiberglass dust, slivers or particles present when the fiberglass parts were
manufactured. The use of typical fiberglass handling safety gear (gloves, dust mask, eye shield, clothing,
etc.) when handling and working with fiberglass is recommended. Use a damp rag to wipe the parts. Do
not use compressed air to clean fiberglass parts. Measures can be taken to reduce exposure after a person
has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with water and any area of exposed skin should
be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers. Clothing worn while working with fiberglass
should be removed and washed separately from other clothing. The washing machine should be rinsed
thoroughly after the exposed clothing has been washed. Check with your local or state safety and/or
environmental agencies for more detailed precautions.

WARNING!

INSTALLATION OF ANY MAST NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS

Warning: Do not locate the mast near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or

where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the mast, 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.

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Kits Available

Part Number

Complete Fiberglass Tube and Cam Lock Clamp Kits - Description

DXE-TFK15

Fiberglass Tube and Cam Lock Clamp Kit - 15 feet assembled (includes: DXE-TF15 and DXE-CLC15)

DXE-TFK25

Fiberglass Tube and Cam Lock Clamp Kit - 25 feet assembled (includes: DXE-TF25 and DXE-CLC25)

DXE-TFK46

Fiberglass Tube and Cam Lock Clamp Kit - 46 feet assembled (includes: DXE-TF46 and DXE-CLC46)

DXE-TFK46-HD

Fiberglass Tube and Cam Lock Clamp Kit - 46 feet assembled (includes: DXE-TF46-HD and DXE-CLC46-HD)

Part Number

Fiberglass Tube Kits - Description

DXE-TF15

Fiberglass Tube Kit - 15 feet - Set of 4 - 4 foot lengths - 1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75” 2”

DXE-TF25

Fiberglass Tube Kit - 25 feet - Set of 7 - 4 foot lengths - 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75”, 2”, 2.25”, 2.5”

DXE-TF46

Fiberglass Tube Kit - 46 feet - Set of 7 - 7.5 foot lengths - 0.5”, 0.75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5” 1.75”, 2”

DXE-TF46-HD

Fiberglass Tube Kit - 46 feet - Set of 7 - 7.5 foot lengths - 1.5”, 1.75” 2”, 2.25”,2.5”, 2,75”, 3”

Part Number

Cam Lock Clamp Kits - Description

DXE-CLC15

Cam Lock Clamp Kit, 3 Cam Lock Clamps (#3, #4, #5) - 3 mm Allen Wrench - 1.25” Vinyl Cap

DXE-CLC25

Cam Lock Clamp Kit, 6 Cam Lock Clamps (#2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7) - 3 mm Allen Wrench - 1” Vinyl Cap

DXE-CLC46

Cam Lock Clamp Kit, 6 Cam Lock Clamps (#0, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) - 3 mm Allen Wrench - 0.5” Vinyl Cap

DXE-CLC46-HD

Cam Lock Clamp Kit, 6 Cam Lock Clamps (#4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9) - 3 mm Allen Wrench - 1.5” Vinyl Cap

Cam Lock Clamp Sizes

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

0

3” to

2.75”

2.75” to

2.5”

2.5” to

2.25”

2.25” to
2”

2” to

1.75”

1.75” to

1.5”

1.5” to

1.25”

1.25” to
1”

1” to

.75”

.75” to

.5”

There are four Fiberglass Tubing Combination Kits, Four Fiberglass Tube Kits and Four Cam Lock
Clamp Kits available from DX Engineering.

The following chart shows the various kit part numbers available:

Cam Lock Clamp Information and Adjustment

There are 10 different sized cam lock clamps. The cam lock clamps are included with the complete kits
and can be ordered in 4 different set sizes as described in the chart above.

Each clamp has a number stamped on it. The number is
sometimes hard to see, but it is there. This will help in cam
lock clamp size identification.

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djusting the cam lock clamps is accomplished using the appropriate size fiber glass tubes and the
included 3 mm Allen wrench. Once adjusted, they should work as expected and not need adjusting
every time they are used.

Use the included 3 mm Allen wrench to adjust the cam lock clamps. Insert the tubing in both sides of
the cam lock clamp with the cam lock clamp open.
Use the Allen wrench to tighten the lower tube socket
head cap screws so the clamp is tight to the bottom
tube. Open the cam lock lever and adjust the upper
socket head cap screw until the clamp is snug to the
tube, then loosen the upper socket head cap screw (on
the cam lock clamp lever) one turn. Close the cam
lock clamp lever. The cam lock clamp should be set,
if not, re-adjust as needed. Once this is set, you
should not have to re-adjust for future use.

Repeat the procedure above for the other tubes and
cam lock clamps as needed. In the next section, you
will remove the upper fiberglass tube from the clamp
to mark the overlap.

Fiberglass Tube Kit Assemblies

For the 15 foot tube kit, the overlap of the tubes should be 3 inches, so the mark will be at 4” to allow
for the clamp size.. For the 25 foot tube kit, the overlap of the tubes should be 6 inches, so the mark
will be at 7” to allow for the clamp size. For the 46 foot and 46 foot heavy duty fiberglass kit, the over
lap should be 12 inches, so the mark will be at 13” to allow for the clamp size. You can overlap more if
needed or if you want to reduce the height of the tube kit you are working with. When overlapping, all
overlaps should be approximately the same to ensure equal strength between the sections of tubing.
Mark the overlap lines on your fiberglass tubes using a permanent marker on each of the fiberglass
tubes as shown below. All of the tubing is 1/8” nominal, wall thickness.

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Marked Tubes and Cam Lock Clamps

Install the cam lock clamps on the element tubes with the overlap as shown. Install the vinyl cap on the top
tube.

When ready to use, loosen each cam lock clamp and slide the fiberglass tube outward until you see the
permanent mark you made, press the lever to close the clamp.

Note: When shipped, the fiberglass tubes are nested together and a large vinyl cap is on each end to keep
the tubes together.

You can use one of those shipping caps on the bottom of your tube kit to keep dirt, etc. out of the bottom of
the assembly. If you do use it, poke a hole in the center of the cap to act as a weep hole to allow any

moisture build up to drain out.

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Guying

Guying of vertical tubing is strongly recommended for stability. A four level, four point guying scheme
provides the best mechanical advantage to prevent wind stress, regardless of direction. The guy lines
should also be used during raising or lowering to minimize stress on the lower tube sections.

Guy Ring kits are
available from DX
Engineering, you can
choose the kit that best
fits your needs:

DXE-GR-4P
DXE-GR-5P
DXE-GR-2P

As an example, the
suggested guying
scheme for a 46 foot
assembly is shown.

Your results may vary
since it depends on the
length (height) of your
particular installation.
Guying of vertical
tubing is strongly
recommended for
stability.

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Optional Item

DXE-GUY1000-KIT Four Point, Multiple Level Guy Kit

Some vertical antenna manufactures indicate their antennas do not need guying. During times of high
winds or ice loading however, some of these verticals may sustain damage or fail altogether. With the
small amount of effort needed to install a four point guying system, the risk hardly seems worth taking. A
four-point guying scheme provides the best mechanical advantage to prevent wind stress, regardless of
direction. The guying is intended for stability, and should never be depended on for primary support. The
guying kit can also be used for other ground mounted tubing kits, masts or antennas. The guying kits are
ideal for fixed or portable installations. Synthetic Textile Industries Double-braided Dacron/Polyester ropes
are not weakened by decay or mildew and provide excellent resistance to abrasion. The color sealed black
polyester yarn used in the braided jacket also protects the cord from damage due to ultra-violet light.

 1000' spool
 3/32'' diameter rope
 Double-braided Dacron/Polyester rope
 Excellent resistance to abrasion
 NOT weakened by decay or mildew
 UV-Resistant
 Rated for a load of 260 lbs
 4 Earth Anchors - 15" long with 3" Diameter Earth Screws

STI Double-braided Polyester ropes are not intended and should not be used to guy towers.

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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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 (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 2020

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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