DX Engineering DXE-VA-BASE Instructions manual

Vertical Antenna Tilt Base Assembly

DXE-VA-BASE

DXE-VA-BASE-INS Rev. 6

(DXE-VA-BASE shown with customer supplied; mounting pipe with mounting pipe U-Bolts and antenna section)

© DX Engineering 2019

1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278

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

Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [e-mail]

Introduction

Description

Quantity Description

Quantity

Stainless Steel Tilt Base

1

1/4-20 Nyloc Nut

4

Mast Mount Insulated Channel

1

1/4-20 Hex Nut

4

Aluminum Spacer

4

1/4" Split Washer

4

Aluminum Mounting Plate

1

1/4" Flat Washer

4

3/8" U-Bolt x 2" ID x 3.25" leg, Saddle & Hardware

2

1/4" Flange Nut

2

1/4-20 x 2" Hex Head Bolt

4

1/4" Fender Washer, 1" OD

4

For heavy duty applications, the DXE-VA-BASE Insulated Vertical Antenna Base with its supplied
laser cut stainless steel Tilt Base, and complete stainless steel hardware package is intended to
support a 2 inch OD antenna base section in a vertical position and to allow tilting for easy
maintenance or tuning. The DXE-VA-BASE is designed for vertical antennas that exceed 30-35
feet.

The DXE-VA-BASE consists of a unique reinforced fiberglass insulating channel which has twice
the strength of commonly used nylon and other insulating materials. It is fastened with stainless
steel hardware to a rugged 3/16 inch thick stainless steel laser cut Tilt Base.

With a DX Engineering Tilt Base, operators can raise or lower their vertical antenna in seconds
while leaving the base plate securely attached to the mounting pipe or post. One person can
service the antenna. No more climbing ladders or removing brackets. Easily make repairs, tune your
vertical or lay your antenna down before bad weather hits. The Tilt Base may be bolted to a secure
flat mounting surface, or to the recommended galvanized steel mounting pipe described in the
installation instructions using two optional DXE-SSVC-2P Stainless Steel V-Clamps.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.

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.

Tools and Supplies Required

3/8", and two 1/4" nut drivers or wrenches (SAE)
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.

Parts Included

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Installation

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 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 should also be used on all element
clamps and stainless steel threaded hardware to provide good electrical contact,
prevent galling, allow easier disassembly and to ensure proper tightening.

Site Selection

Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas by a minimum of
your antenna height. 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.

Mounting Pipe

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. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4" OD to 2" OD maximum is
recommended 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. 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. 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.

Base Assembly

The DXE-VA-BASE shipping box contains the stainless steel tilt base, an aluminum plate with four
holes, an insulated channel, two U-Bolt Saddle Clamp assemblies and stainless steel hardware.

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